Castles of Campania

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Campania カンパニア州の城　日本語PDFダウンロードはこちらから

Campania is world-famous for its cities of art, its islands in the Gulf of Naples, its crystal-clear sea and the hospitality of its people. But did you know that it also has a huge number of castles, towers and fortifications?

A meeting point of different peoples, Campania is a region touched by millennia of history, and has been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Spanish and French. Time has left its mark on the land in the form of fortresses, watchtowers and castles.

Naples is a great regional capital where you can soak up a history spanning thousands of years. Its royal palaces and castles, testimonies to a past steeped in cultural, architectural and scenic splendour, remain a heritage that is integral to the urban fabric: Castel dell'Ovo, dominating the isthmus of the ancient seaside village where, according to ancient Greek legend, the siren Parthenope came ashore, Castel Sant'Elmo, overlooking the entire city from the Vomero hill, and Castel Nuovo, also known as Maschio Angioino, the youngest of them all.

The islands in the Gulf of Naples also have their fortresses: the Aragonese Castle, with its imposing silhouette, is the historical symbol of Ischia, rising high above the fishing village of Ischia Ponte. Its origins, layered through the centuries, are ancient Greek, later enriched with Roman and Aragonese architectural styles. It has been privately owned since the early 20th century and is always open and hosts cultural events. On the island of Procida, a prologue to the spectacular Terra Murata, the ancient fortified town home to the (castle) Palazzo d'Avalos, which later became a prison, can now be visited, and a redevelopment project funded by the Campania Region is underway.

In the province of Naples, one of the most beautiful castles is that of Lettere, facing Vesuvius in a scenic position overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento.

The Norman city of Salerno is home to the impregnable Arechi Castle, on the highest point, 300 metres above sea level, on the Bonadies (sun-kissed) hill. A medieval fortification housing the Archaeological Museum, it offers a splendid view of the city and the entire Gulf of Salerno and is surrounded by a park with nature trails immersed in the Mediterranean maquis.

Between Salerno and Irpinia, in the Ufita Valley, the village of Gesualdo is notable for its historic centre perched around the castle and bearing witness to the life of the nobleman Carlo Gesualdo, composer of madrigals and sacred music. In the Lauro Valley, also in the province of Avellino, Lancellotti Castle was built in the 11th century on a rock, called primo sasso (first stone) because a building from Roman times once stood on there.

In the Sannio region stands Montesarchio Castle, a historic building constructed in the Norman era and dominating the Caudina Valley. In the province of Caserta, the Castle of Alvignano consists of four mighty round towers. Dating back to the 12th century, it has undergone various alterations over the years. Kitchens, storerooms and residential rooms are well preserved inside its two courtyards.

Visitors wishing to enjoy exciting experiences and touch the wonders that ancient history has bestowed upon these lands can combine a visit to a castle with the added bonus of a food and wine and/or nature tour of the city and the inland areas.

- The Conspiracy of the Barons in Teggiano

Every year, in mid-August, the medieval centre is the scene of a wonderful historical re-enactment, one of the richest and most detailed in Italy: ‘Alla tavola della Principessa Costanza’ (at Princess Constance's table). This three-day medieval festival recreates a genuine journey through time.

- Christmas markets at Limatola Castle

‘Cadeaux a Castello’, one of Europe's most famous and popular markets, returns every year from November until Christmas.

- Summer in Naples at Maschio Angioino

Music, shows, plays and more at the castle every year from July to September. The audience of visitors and locals is welcomed into the atmospheric courtyard of one of the city's most emblematic monumental sites for enjoyable evenings.

- The Vase of Assteas at Montesarchio Castle

The Vase of Assteas has been described as the most beautiful in the world. This treasure of inestimable historical and artistic value returned home to the province of Benevento, in 2015, and has since been on display in the tower of Montesarchio Castle, home of the Sannio Caudino National Archaeological Museum.

- Fairytale weddings

There are many fortresses and castles offering a special wedding service for brides and grooms wishing to celebrate their big day in Campania.

1. incampania.com