Gioia Sannitica Castle

Gioia Sannitica, Italy

The Castle of Gioia Sannitica is a Norman-era structure in the province of Caserta. Today, significant ruins remain on an isolated hill in the Caselle district.

The Catalogus Baronum, written during Norman rule, mentions a feudal lord in Gioia who likely built the castle. It was later renovated under the Hohenstaufens and Angevins, with reinforced outer walls, a new entrance with Gothic arches, and a masonry embankment.

The 1394 earthquake caused severe damage, particularly to the main tower. By the late 14th or early 15th century, the castle and its small village were abandoned due to the earthquake's destruction and recurring plague outbreaks that depopulated several settlements along the Volturno River.

In the following centuries, the site remained uninhabited, as evidenced by the absence of later architectural additions and ceramic fragments dating only to the 14th century.

Architecture

The archaeological site, accessed through an ancient gateway, is divided into the castle on the left, dominated by a cylindrical main tower, and the village on the right, which developed at the base of the fortress.

A narrow path leads to the castle ruins, flanked by the fortress walls on one side and a steep ravine on the other. The different masonry layers reveal various construction phases. Near the tower, a large space with a fireplace likely served as the castle’s great hall.

The site is open to visitors every weekend.

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Gioia Sannitica, Italy
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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Desi Vetrone (2 years ago)
Great for family walk. We love the view on top.
Ramona Peta (2 years ago)
Its a shame that people cant update the opening hours on google. Don't even know if they still open it... so sad...
Carol Barnes (6 years ago)
Wonderful atmosphere and festivities tonight
Ewen Leslie (6 years ago)
Medieval Ruins giving a fantastic panoramic view of the valley below
Stephen Prust (7 years ago)
Hidden away ruined castle that is free to walk around, amazing views down into the valley, and a network of ruins to explore. Driving up to the village is ok, but roads get narrow in the village, best park the car in the little square by the underground spring. Then walk up, it only takes a few minutes.
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