Things to see · Castles and fortresses
Tramontano Castle
Matera (Matera)
Tramontano Castle is in Matera, province of Matera. Opening hours: Exterior and park freely visible. The interiors have been closed for restoration for years and open only on special occasions, such as FAI Days. Admission: Exterior free.
- Exterior free.
- Exterior and park freely visible. The interiors have been closed for restoration for years and open only on special occasions, such as FAI Days.
About this place
Castello Tramontano dominates Matera from the top of the Lapillo hill, just above the historic centre. With its large round keep and two side towers, it is one of the city’s symbols, but it was never completed: its history is tied to one of the most dramatic episodes in Matera’s past.
History
In 1496 Count Giovan Carlo Tramontano obtained the county of Matera from the King of Naples, in exchange for the debts the crown owed him. In 1501 he began building the castle, in Aragonese style, outside the city walls: rather than defending the city, it was meant to keep control of the fief. To build it he spent 25,000 ducats, which weighed on the population along with ever-heavier taxes.
Tired of the abuses, some citizens met in secret and planned his killing. On 29 December 1514 the count was assassinated in a side street of the Cathedral, which has since been called via del Riscatto (Redemption Street). The castle was never finished: the plan included other towers, one of which was rediscovered under piazza Vittorio Veneto, together with other underground rooms.
Since 2008 the castle and the park surrounding it have been undergoing restoration work, including the recovery of the moat carved into the tufa.
What to see
• The central keep and the two round side towers, with battlements and arrow slits.
• The moat carved into the rock around the castle.
• The park on the Lapillo hill, with views over the city.
• During special openings, the castle’s interior rooms.
How to get there
• On foot: from piazza Vittorio Veneto, climb towards the Lapillo hill in about 10 minutes, following the signs for the castle.
• By car: there is parking space near the castle, making it a good place to leave the car before walking down into the Sassi.
Useful information
• The interiors have been closed for years and open only on special occasions, such as the FAI Autumn Days (Giornate FAI d’autunno) 2026: it is worth checking announcements before your visit.
• The castle can also be seen well from piazza Vittorio Veneto and from the Palombaro lungo (Long Palombaro), which lies right under the square.
