The Castello della Leonessa is a place of historical interest located in Montemiletto, in the historic center of the Irpinia town.
Located on a mountainous relief, in a dominant position over the surrounding landscape and over the valley crossed by the rivers Calore and Sabato, the fort probably has Longobard origins: its construction, in fact, should date back to the period between the eighth and ninth centuries, on the remains of a pre-existing Roman construction, of which the remains of a read more
The Castello della Leonessa is a place of historical interest located in Montemiletto, in the historic center of the Irpinia town.
Located on a mountainous relief, in a dominant position over the surrounding landscape and over the valley crossed by the rivers Calore and Sabato, the fort probably has Longobard origins: its construction, in fact, should date back to the period between the eighth and ninth centuries, on the remains of a pre-existing Roman construction, of which the remains of a brick wall can be glimpsed.
Renovated in the Norman era in the 12th century, the fort was owned by various families, including the Della Leonessas, from which the name of the manor derives. Seriously damaged in 1419 by the siege placed there by Algiasio De Tocco, it became a possession of this family until 1806 and was transformed into a noble residence in the 16th century, in the late Renaissance period.
While changing its function over the years, the structure has maintained some ancient defensive elements, including the corner towers, which were still equipped with battlements until the nineteenth century.
The Castle of the Lioness can be accessed through the Porta della Terra, a majestic entrance located in the rear part of the building. On the entrance arch to the Castle, in the internal part towards the courtyard, the coat of arms of the Tocco family is evident, depicting a shield surmounted by a nine-pointed crown. Inside, there are numerous residential rooms and utility rooms which contribute to making the unmistakable scenario of a fortress and its village even more magical and intriguing.
Symbol of the local community, the Castello della Leonessa is also known for having hosted, on two occasions, Charles III of Bourbon, king of Naples and Sicily until 1759, the year in which he was crowned sovereign of Spain, a title he assumed until his death on 14 December 1788. Today it is thus a place of great historical interest but it is also one of the best preserved castles in the province of Avellino. read less
