Things to see · Castles and fortresses
Sichinulfo Castle, Grottole
Grottole (Matera)
Sichinulfo Castle, Grottole is in Grottole, province of Matera. Opening hours: Visible from outside; open during events: ask the Town Hall. Admission: To be checked when visiting.
- To be checked when visiting.
- Visible from outside; open during events: ask the Town Hall.
About this place
The Sichinulfo Castle overlooks Grottole from the top of the Motta hill, at about 540 metres, with views over the Basento and Bradano valleys.
History
According to tradition, it was built in 851 by the Lombard prince Sichinulfo of Salerno, after whom it is named; other sources date it to an even earlier period. The Arab geographer al-Idrisi already mentions it in the 12th century. It later passed to many noble families of the Kingdom of Naples, including the Sanchez de Luna, Caracciolo, Spinelli and Sanseverino families: in the 18th century Pietrantonio Sanseverino is said to have turned a large first-floor hall into a theatre.
What to see
• The square tower, about 21 metres high.
• The courtyards, one with a barrel vault and one open to the sky.
• The great fireplace with stucco decorations.
• The panorama over the Basento and Bradano valleys.
Festivals and legends
The castle is linked to the legend of Abufina and Selepino, which is re-enacted with costumed festivities during the celebrations for San Rocco, in mid-August.
Useful information
• The interiors are only open to visitors during special openings and events, so it is best to check in advance.
• Walking down into the village, you reach the Chiesa Diruta.
