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: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.