The Monforte castle is a national monument and symbol of the city of Campobasso. It takes its name from Count Nicola II Monforte, of Monforte-Gambatesa, who restored it in 1458 following the earthquake of 1456. An ancient parchment dating back to 1375 confirms the existence of a castle in the city already on that date, and is the oldest testimony in this regard. It dominates the city at about 790 m a.s.l., almost one hundred more than the average height of the municipality. A pre-existing fortification on the said mountain can be attributed to the Samnite period (IV-II century BC), as traces of cyclopean walls have been found.
In the Lombard period, the residence of the baron who commanded the citadel of Campobasso from above was erected.After the disastrous earthquake of Sannio in 1456, the citadel of Campobasso was reduced to rubble, including the ancient watchtower above the hill, so that the feudal lord Nicola II Monforte (or Cola) personally took care of the complete reconstruction of the castle and the citadel. It is thought that he left standing the ancient churches of San Giorgio and San Bartolomeo, moving the citadel further downstream, encircling it in a new defensive wall, interspersed with towers and access doors, still visible today.
Monforte Castle
Address: Viale delle Rimembranze, 86100
Phone: +393274992312
Site:
http://www5.incima.eu/Location inserted by
Alberto