Things to see · Castles and fortresses
Malconsiglio Castle, Miglionico
Miglionico (Matera)
Malconsiglio Castle, Miglionico is in Miglionico, province of Matera. Opening hours: Daily 9:00–20:00. Check before visiting. Admission: Free entry.
- Free entry.
- Daily 9:00–20:00. Check before visiting.
About this place
The Malconsiglio Castle towers over the old town of Miglionico. It owes its name, «castle of bad counsel», to the Conspiracy of the Barons: here, in 1485, the great feudal lords of the Kingdom of Naples met to plot against King Ferdinand I of Aragon.
History
The castle was founded between the 8th and 9th centuries and enlarged in 1110 and again in the 15th century; most of the main structure we see today dates from the early decades of the 14th century. The 1485 conspiracy failed: the king had many of the barons arrested and executed, and since then the castle has been called «del Malconsiglio».
What to see
• The square plan with seven towers: the square ones, which are the oldest, and the round ones at the corners.
• The halls with cross and barrel vaults, the late Gothic windows and the two pointed portals.
• The 17th-century loggia.
• The view over the Bradano and Basento valleys.
Events
In summer the town stages a historical re-enactment of the Conspiracy of the Barons, with people in period costume. The castle also hosts exhibitions and weddings.
Useful information
• Opening times may change, especially during events: it’s best to call ahead.
• A few steps away is the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with the polyptych by Cima da Conegliano.
