Norman Castle

Perched above the historic centre of Altomonte, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, stands a Norman Castle that has retained its charm intact over the centuries. Within its mighty stone walls, past and present interact, and traces of history are overlaid with signs of modernity, making this place incredibly lively and vibrant.

The construction of the fortress dates back to the 12th century. It has been remodelled several times and gradually lost its original function to become the residence of the many feudal lords who succeeded one another in Altomonte and belonged to the noble families of Guasto, Pallotta, Sangineto, Ruffo and Sanseverino. It is an irregularly shaped building, built around a central courtyard, and was given the title of castrum in 1342 by Clement VI.

The renovation of the castle's interior respected the identity and nature of the place and did not alter its distinctive sophisticated elegance. This elegance is evident in the surviving parts of the exposed trusses, frescoed with mythological scenes, as well as in the splendid tapestries depicting the “Rape of Europa” by Paolo Veronesi. The façade of the castle features a panoramic loggia facing the Pollino mountains. The terrace offers a spectacular view, embracing the valley below and allowing the gaze to reach as far as the sea.

A walk through the village, among churches, stately buildings, squares and alleys that smell of the renowned Altomonte bread, ends on a high note with a visit to the Castle, which has been converted into a hotel. Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience: eating and sleeping in the halls and rooms of the ancient fortress, admiring its authentic magnificence up close. Most of the interior furnishings are period pieces, finely restored, and the frescoes in the Servants' Hall, dating back to the end of the 16th century, are also original. The bedrooms? Naturally princely, with wrought-iron four-poster beds and damask curtains.