Limatola Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans on the remains of an ancient Lombard tower. It stands on a hill, in a strategic position: ruler of the ancient medieval town of Benevento and guardian of the valley furrowed by the Volturno River, between the Taburno massif, Mount Maggiore and the Tifatini Mountains.
The interventions promoted by Charles I of Anjou date back to 1277, to be recognized in the ogival vaulted rooms adjoining the oldest part of the structure corresponding to the rectangular-shaped keep. To the Counts Della Ratta, feudal lords of Limatola from 1420, are ascribable the interventions on the outermost walls and restructuring and extensions implemented in some rooms on the stairs and loggias, in Renaissance taste.
In the second decade of the 16th century, Francesco Gambacorta and Caterina Della Ratta carried out interventions on the defensive structures and on the Palatine Church of St. Nicholas, which, however, retains its original Romanesque portal. During the Renaissance, major renovations transformed it from a military dwelling, of which it still retains some features such as the City Wall interspersed with towers and the Scarpata up to the height of the cornice, to a stately home.
Limatola Castle, now represents a prestigious point of historical, artistic and cultural interest. The Sgueglia family, current owners, implemented a redevelopment project completed in 2010 that restored the prestigious manor to its former glory. Once a defensive dwelling, it is now an enchanting location to experience your special moments: a place where the present and the past live in perfect harmony, in a magical and evocative combination.
References: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.