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. InĀ 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.
House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.