Norman Castle of Montescaglioso

History

Building began at the end of the 11th century, to defend the Porta Maggiore. In the early 17th century the Grillo family bought the castle together with the fief and turned the fortress into a stately residence. In 1857 the passage linking it to the gate was pulled down and the façade on the main street was rebuilt in neo-medieval style, with battlements and turrets; between 1960 and 1964 the south wing and one of the two entrance towers were demolished.

What to see

• The tower with a square base on the east wing, the tallest one still standing.
• The inner courtyard, once reached through a gateway between two towers.
• The church of Santa Caterina, built against the castle.

Useful information

• The ground floor once held cisterns, storerooms, stables and a hanging garden.
• From here it is a few minutes’ walk up to the abbey of San Michele Arcangelo.