Ducal Castle

A castle worthy of the most beautiful fairy tales. With its tower, frescoed ceilings, rooms decorated with gold and drapes, four-poster beds and a large terrace. The elegant and imposing silhouette of the Ducal Castle of Corigliano Calabro can be seen from afar and is certainly one of the symbols of this area.

Dating back to the 11th century, its characteristics make it one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in southern Italy. It has been a National Monument since 1927 and is also a Historical, Artistic and Cultural Museum. Majestic and full of charm, the ancient manor is a witness to a history in which power, art and aristocratic life intertwined. It is still an incredibly vibrant place, hosting exhibitions of painting and photography, conferences and other events.

The castle's origins are linked to Robert Guiscard, the great Norman leader. It was he who, in 1073, ordered the construction of the fortress. Over the centuries, the castle has been remodelled several times, undergoing structural changes and transformations, especially during the Angevin and Aragonese periods, becoming a sumptuous noble residence from a defensive fortress. The interior of the Ducal Castle is perfectly preserved and has retained its charm and decorative richness intact. Just look at the 18th-century frescoes, the elegance of the halls and the panoramic terrace, the gilded stuccoes of the private chapel, and the sumptuous beauty of the Hall of Mirrors, where you can still hear the echoes of a refined court life.

On the first floor of the castle are the ancient prisons, while the second floor is known as the “mezzanine”. There is a large 19th-century cast-iron kitchen, where it is easy to imagine the servants busy preparing banquets. Curiously, there are two large ovens, which were used to bring in hot air in winter and cool air in summer. The third floor is the “noble” floor, with the Throne Room. The dining room is richly decorated and furnished and lined along the entire perimeter with a series of lunette vaults. The famous Hall of Mirrors is characterised by large mirrors on the walls, enclosed in a gilded stucco frame and partly covered by sumptuous gold-woven brocades. The Bohemian crystal chandelier and decorated ceiling are truly stunning. The fourth floor is where the servants lived and has a characteristic marble fireplace in the centre. Finally, there is the Mastio Tower, consisting of five levels connected by a cast iron staircase built by Neapolitan masters.

The Ducal Castle of Corigliano Calabro can be visited with the help of guides who illustrate its history and characteristics. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.