The Faicchio Castle, also known as the Ducal Castle, is a Norman-era fortress in the historic center of Faicchio, Benevento. Built in the 12th century by the Sanframondo counts, it occupies a strategic position between the Acero and Gioia mountains, overlooking the Titerno River.
The castle changed hands multiple times. In 1479-1520 it was owned by the Monsorio family, who remodeled it based on Naples' Castel Nuovo. In 1612 it was acquired by Gabriele De Martino, Duke of Faicchio, who transformed it into a noble residence while maintaining defensive elements.
During the 18th century renovations included restoring the palatine chapel and adding a bell tower. It was again restored in the 1960s by the Fragola family and later converted into a hotel-restaurant by local entrepreneurs.
The castle features a trapezoidal layout with three remaining cylindrical towers. A grand 17th-century entrance bears the De Martino coat of arms, once protected by a drawbridge. The interior courtyard, with its gray tuff portico and an external staircase leading to the noble floor, mirrors Castel Nuovo.
Today, Faicchio Castle stands as a restored landmark, preserving its medieval charm while serving as a luxury hospitality venue.
The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.
The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.
The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.
The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.