The first historical evidence of the Caracciolo Castle existence dates back to 1237. However, the origin of the stronghold is undoubtedly older, and historical research suggests that an initial form of fortification may have existed when the Lombard populations founded the first settlement on the hill in the 7th century.
Subsequently, ownership of the castle passed from the Angevins to the De Porcellis family, who administered it for a brief period before transferring it to a branch of the noble Caracciolo family, originally from Naples. In 1561, at the behest of Marcantonio Caracciolo, the main tower)was transformed into a prison, while the rest of the castle continued to serve as a residence. The Caracciolo family gradually expanded the castle and made it their permanent settlement. In 1783, Litterio Caracciolo enlarged and enriched the fortress with numerous works of art.
Following the earthquake of 1857, the fortress was in a state of abandonment, and Baron Barracco and his heirs lacked the financial means to initiate restoration work.
Caracciolo castle stands to the north on the steep hill of the town and is surrounded by two rivers, the Torrente Pergola and the Fiumicello. The castle, of medieval origin, has been modified and expanded several times throughout history.
Its current appearance is the result of a restoration following the earthquake of 1980. Currently, it is owned by the Municipality of Brienza, which is carrying out restoration work and an urban regeneration process that encompasses the entire medieval village below the fortress. Historically, both the village and the castle were part of the Principality of Citra until 1811 when they became part of the territory of the current Basilicata Region.
Celje Castle was once the largest fortification on Slovenian territory. The first fortified building on the site (a Romanesque palace) was built in the first half of the 13th century by the Counts of Heunburg from Carinthia on the stony outcrop on the western side of the ridge where the castle stands. It had five sides, or four plus the southern side, which was a natural defence. The first written records of the castle date back to between 1125 and 1137; it was probably built by Count Gunter. In the western section of the castle, there was a building with several floors. Remains of the walls of this palatium have survived. In the eastern section, there was an enclosed courtyard with large water reservoirs. The eastern wall, which protects the castle from its most exposed side, was around three metres thicker than the rest of the curtain wall. The wall was topped with a parapet and protected walkway.