Castle of Melfi
Encyclopedia
The castle of Melfi in Basilicata
is a monument owned by the Italian State
and one of the most important medieval castles in Southern Italy. Its construction, at least the components still visible, dates back to Norman
times and has undergone significant changes over time, especially in Angevin
and Aragon
time.
and Apulia
. Its placement was essential to defend itself from external attacks and as a refuge for the Allies. The structure was a place of "historic" events during the Norman period.
In Melfi, seat of the County of Apulia
, there were five ecumenical councils, organized by five different Popes between 1059 and 1137. In the summer of 1059, Pope Nicholas II
lived in the fortress and was the center of important events: in June was concluded there the Treaty of Melfi
, then, from August 3 to August 25, was celebrated the First Council of Melfi, and finally was recognized the lands conquered by the Normans with the Concordat of Melfi. The Pope named Robert Guiscard
Duke of Apulia and Calabria. The town of Melfi went through a brilliant period of history: on that occasion was promoted to the capital of the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria. Robert Guiscard, to marry Sikelgaita
of Salerno, sent there in exile his first wife, Alberada of Buonalbergo
.
In the Castle other synods were organized: Pope Alexander II
from August 1067 chaired the Council of Melfi II, received the Lombard prince of Salerno, Gisulf II
, and the brothers Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily
. During the Council of Melfi III, in 1089, Pope Urban II
summoned the First Crusade
, then Paschal II in 1101 called the Council of Melfi IV and finally Innocent II in 1137 celebrated the Council of Melfi V, last of the series. There was also a Council of Melfi in 1130 not recognized by the Church, because organized by the Antipope Anacletus II
, who established the Kingdom of Sicily
.
s, Frederick II
gave great importance to the castle of Melfi, and made some modifications. In 1231, the manor was the site of the promulgation of the Constitutions of Melfi
, code of laws of the Kingdom of Sicily, to which Frederick II personally took part in the writing together with people like his notary Pier delle Vigne and the philosopher and mathematician Michael Scot
. The structure was also a deposit for taxes collected in Basilicata and prison, where were held prisoners like the Saracen Lucera Othman, which was released later after the payment of 50 ounces of gold. In 1232, Frederick II hosted in the castle the Marquis of Monferrato and niece Bianca Lancia
, who became his wife and with whom he had his son Manfred
. In 1241, the Swabian king imprisoned in the building two cardinals and several French and German bishops, who should have been part of a papal council for his dismissal.
rulers, the castle of Melfi underwent massive renovations and expansions, as well as being elected by Charles II of Anjou official residence of his wife, Mary of Hungary, in 1284. It was still subject to changes in the 16th century under the Aragon government and became the property of Acciaiuoli
first, then of the Marzano
, Caracciolo
and finally, Doria
, to which belonged until 1950. The castle had to undergo two violent earthquakes in 1851 and 1930 but, unlike the other Melfi monuments that were severely damaged, the castle came out almost unscathed. Today, the building houses the National Museum of Melfese, opened in 1976.
The castle of Melfi has four entrances, of which only one is still usable. The first, situated in the northeast near the Tower parvula, was directly connected with the country and is now walled up; the second, also walled and located near the church tower, opens to the courtyard; the third to the south west, close to the bulwark of the Lion, was the main entrance during Angevin age and allowed to reach the moat and the city. The fourth, the only active, was opened by the Doria and serves as access to the country via a bridge, a drawbridge in ancient times. The interior, though transformed by Doria, between the 16th and 18th century in a baronial palace, still retains some structural features in Norman-Swabian style.
After crossing the bridge is visible a portal that contains an 18th century inscription that honors the deeds of Charles V
and Andrea Doria
. Then entering the courtyard,is possible to access the stables and the yards of the "lairage" and "the Mortorio", all Angevin works created between 1278 and 1281 at the behest of Charles II of Anjou. Always in Angevin style are the "Throne Room" (which houses the museum), built on the north side, below the "Hall of Armigeri." Worth mentioning also the "Hall of the bowl," where were proclaimed the Constitutions of Melfi.
Basilicata
Basilicata , also known as Lucania, is a region in the south of Italy, bordering on Campania to the west, Apulia to the north and east, and Calabria to the south, having one short southwestern coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania in the northwest and Calabria in the southwest, and a...
is a monument owned by the Italian State
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and one of the most important medieval castles in Southern Italy. Its construction, at least the components still visible, dates back to Norman
Norman dynasty
Norman dynasty is the usual designation for the family that were the Dukes of Normandy and the English monarchs which immediately followed the Norman conquest and lasted until the Plantagenet dynasty came to power in 1154. It included Rollo and his descendants, and from William the Conqueror and...
times and has undergone significant changes over time, especially in Angevin
Capetian House of Anjou
The Capetian House of Anjou, also known as the House of Anjou-Sicily and House of Anjou-Naples, was a royal house and cadet branch of the direct House of Capet. Founded by Charles I of Sicily, a son of Louis VIII of France, the Capetian king first ruled the Kingdom of Sicily during the 13th century...
and Aragon
Aragon
Aragon is a modern autonomous community in Spain, coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. Located in northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces : Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Its capital is Zaragoza...
time.
The Norman period
The origin of the castle of Melfi dating back to the late 11th century by the Normans, built in a strategic location that serves as a gateway between CampaniaCampania
Campania is a region in southern Italy. The region has a population of around 5.8 million people, making it the second-most-populous region of Italy; its total area of 13,590 km² makes it the most densely populated region in the country...
and Apulia
Apulia
Apulia is a region in Southern Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Òtranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south. Its most southern portion, known as Salento peninsula, forms a high heel on the "boot" of Italy. The region comprises , and...
. Its placement was essential to defend itself from external attacks and as a refuge for the Allies. The structure was a place of "historic" events during the Norman period.
In Melfi, seat of the County of Apulia
County of Apulia
The County of Apulia was a Norman country founded by William the Hauteville,that existed for sixteen years, from 1043 to 1059 in the territories of Gargano, Capitanata, Apulia, Campania and Vulture.-Creation:...
, there were five ecumenical councils, organized by five different Popes between 1059 and 1137. In the summer of 1059, Pope Nicholas II
Pope Nicholas II
Pope Nicholas II , born Gérard de Bourgogne, Pope from 1059 to July 1061, was at the time of his election the Bishop of Florence.-Antipope Benedict X:...
lived in the fortress and was the center of important events: in June was concluded there the Treaty of Melfi
Treaty of Melfi
The Treaty of Melfi was signed in August of 1059 between Pope Nicholas II and the Normans. Based on the terms of the accord, the Pope recognized Norman influence over southern Italy. Moreover, the Pope recognized Robert Guiscard as the Duke of Apulia, the Duke of Calabria, and the Count of...
, then, from August 3 to August 25, was celebrated the First Council of Melfi, and finally was recognized the lands conquered by the Normans with the Concordat of Melfi. The Pope named Robert Guiscard
Robert Guiscard
Robert d'Hauteville, known as Guiscard, Duke of Apulia and Calabria, from Latin Viscardus and Old French Viscart, often rendered the Resourceful, the Cunning, the Wily, the Fox, or the Weasel was a Norman adventurer conspicuous in the conquest of southern Italy and Sicily...
Duke of Apulia and Calabria. The town of Melfi went through a brilliant period of history: on that occasion was promoted to the capital of the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria. Robert Guiscard, to marry Sikelgaita
Sikelgaita
Sikelgaita was a Lombard princess, the daughter of Guaimar IV, Prince of Salerno, and second wife of Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia....
of Salerno, sent there in exile his first wife, Alberada of Buonalbergo
Alberada of Buonalbergo
Alberada of Buonalbergo was the first wife of Robert Guiscard, duke of Apulia , whom she married in 1051 or 1052, when he was still just a robber baron in Calabria....
.
In the Castle other synods were organized: Pope Alexander II
Pope Alexander II
Pope Alexander II , born Anselmo da Baggio, was Pope from 1061 to 1073.He was born in Milan. As bishop of Lucca he had been an energetic coadjutor with Hildebrand of Sovana in endeavouring to suppress simony, and to enforce the celibacy of the clergy...
from August 1067 chaired the Council of Melfi II, received the Lombard prince of Salerno, Gisulf II
Gisulf II of Salerno
Gisulf II was the last Lombard prince of Salerno ....
, and the brothers Robert Guiscard and Roger I of Sicily
Roger I of Sicily
Roger I , called Bosso and the Great Count, was the Norman Count of Sicily from 1071 to 1101. He was the last great leader of the Norman conquest of southern Italy.-Conquest of Calabria and Sicily:...
. During the Council of Melfi III, in 1089, Pope Urban II
Pope Urban II
Pope Urban II , born Otho de Lagery , was Pope from 12 March 1088 until his death on July 29 1099...
summoned the First Crusade
First Crusade
The First Crusade was a military expedition by Western Christianity to regain the Holy Lands taken in the Muslim conquest of the Levant, ultimately resulting in the recapture of Jerusalem...
, then Paschal II in 1101 called the Council of Melfi IV and finally Innocent II in 1137 celebrated the Council of Melfi V, last of the series. There was also a Council of Melfi in 1130 not recognized by the Church, because organized by the Antipope Anacletus II
Antipope Anacletus II
Anacletus II , born Pietro Pierleoni, was an Antipope who ruled from 1130 to his death, in a schism against the contested, hasty election of Pope Innocent II....
, who established the Kingdom of Sicily
Kingdom of Sicily
The Kingdom of Sicily was a state that existed in the south of Italy from its founding by Roger II in 1130 until 1816. It was a successor state of the County of Sicily, which had been founded in 1071 during the Norman conquest of southern Italy...
.
The Swabian period
With the arrival of the SwabianSwabian
Swabian may refer:* to the German region of Swabia ; or* to Swabian German, a dialect spoken in Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany and adjoining areas See also:...
s, Frederick II
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Frederick II , was one of the most powerful Holy Roman Emperors of the Middle Ages and head of the House of Hohenstaufen. His political and cultural ambitions, based in Sicily and stretching through Italy to Germany, and even to Jerusalem, were enormous...
gave great importance to the castle of Melfi, and made some modifications. In 1231, the manor was the site of the promulgation of the Constitutions of Melfi
Constitutions of Melfi
The Constitutions of Melfi, or Liber Augustalis, were a new legal code for the Kingdom of Sicily promulgated on 1 September 1231 by Emperor Frederick II. It was given at Melfi, the town from which Frederick's Norman ancestors had first set out to conquer the Mezzogiorno two centuries earlier...
, code of laws of the Kingdom of Sicily, to which Frederick II personally took part in the writing together with people like his notary Pier delle Vigne and the philosopher and mathematician Michael Scot
Michael Scot
Michael Scot was a medieval mathematician and scholar.- Early life and education :He was born in Scotland, and studied first at the cathedral school of Durham and then at Oxford and Paris, devoting himself to philosophy, mathematics, and astrology...
. The structure was also a deposit for taxes collected in Basilicata and prison, where were held prisoners like the Saracen Lucera Othman, which was released later after the payment of 50 ounces of gold. In 1232, Frederick II hosted in the castle the Marquis of Monferrato and niece Bianca Lancia
Bianca Lancia
Bianca Lancia d'Agliano was an Italian noblewoman, who was the mistress and later wife of emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, although the marriage, conducted while she was on her deathbed, was considered non-canonical.- Family :Born ca...
, who became his wife and with whom he had his son Manfred
Manfred of Sicily
Manfred was the King of Sicily from 1258 to 1266. He was a natural son of the emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen but his mother, Bianca Lancia , is reported by Matthew of Paris to have been married to the emperor while on her deathbed.-Background:Manfred was born in Venosa...
. In 1241, the Swabian king imprisoned in the building two cardinals and several French and German bishops, who should have been part of a papal council for his dismissal.
The Angevin period and subsequent periods
With the decadence of the Swabian and the arrival of new AngevinCapetian House of Anjou
The Capetian House of Anjou, also known as the House of Anjou-Sicily and House of Anjou-Naples, was a royal house and cadet branch of the direct House of Capet. Founded by Charles I of Sicily, a son of Louis VIII of France, the Capetian king first ruled the Kingdom of Sicily during the 13th century...
rulers, the castle of Melfi underwent massive renovations and expansions, as well as being elected by Charles II of Anjou official residence of his wife, Mary of Hungary, in 1284. It was still subject to changes in the 16th century under the Aragon government and became the property of Acciaiuoli
Acciaiuoli
The Acciaioli, Acciaiuoli, or Acciajuoli was an important family of Florence.Family name is also written Acciaioli, Acciainoli, or Accioly and Accioli in Portugal and Brazil, where there are branches of it. Descent can be traced in an unbroken line from one Gugliarello Acciaioli in the 12th...
first, then of the Marzano
Marzano
Marzano is a comune in the Province of Pavia in the Italian region Lombardy, located about 25 km southeast of Milan and about 14 km northeast of Pavia...
, Caracciolo
Caracciolo
Caracciolo is the surname of a famous noble family of southern Italy.Its members include:*Battistello Caracciolo, Italian painter*Carmine Nicolao Caracciolo, Spanish viceroy of Peru*Francesco Caracciolo, Neapolitan admiral and revolutionist...
and finally, Doria
Doria
Doria, originally de Auria , meaning "the sons of Auria", and then de Oria or d'Oria, is the name of an old and extremely wealthy Genoese family who played a major role in the history of the Republic of Genoa and in Italy, from the 12th century to the 16th century.-Origins:According to legend, a...
, to which belonged until 1950. The castle had to undergo two violent earthquakes in 1851 and 1930 but, unlike the other Melfi monuments that were severely damaged, the castle came out almost unscathed. Today, the building houses the National Museum of Melfese, opened in 1976.
Structure
The castle of Melfi, having witnessed several construction phases over time, has a multi-style architectural form, although it still looks purely medieval. It is composed of ten towers of which seven rectangular and three pentagonal:- Tower entrance
- Tower of the banner or of the Cypress
- Tower of the Secretaria or of the Terrace
- Tower of the Bulwark of the Lion
- Tower Emperor or of the Seven Winds
- Unnamed Tower, only the ruins remain
- North East Tower or Torrita Parvula
- Tower of the Jail or of Marcangione
- Church Tower
- Clocktower
The castle of Melfi has four entrances, of which only one is still usable. The first, situated in the northeast near the Tower parvula, was directly connected with the country and is now walled up; the second, also walled and located near the church tower, opens to the courtyard; the third to the south west, close to the bulwark of the Lion, was the main entrance during Angevin age and allowed to reach the moat and the city. The fourth, the only active, was opened by the Doria and serves as access to the country via a bridge, a drawbridge in ancient times. The interior, though transformed by Doria, between the 16th and 18th century in a baronial palace, still retains some structural features in Norman-Swabian style.
After crossing the bridge is visible a portal that contains an 18th century inscription that honors the deeds of Charles V
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
Charles V was ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from 1519 and, as Charles I, of the Spanish Empire from 1516 until his voluntary retirement and abdication in favor of his younger brother Ferdinand I and his son Philip II in 1556.As...
and Andrea Doria
Andrea Doria
Andrea Doria was an Italian condottiere and admiral from Genoa.-Early life:Doria was born at Oneglia from the ancient Genoese family, the Doria di Oneglia branch of the old Doria, de Oria or de Auria family. His parents were related: Ceva Doria, co-lord of Oneglia, and Caracosa Doria, of the...
. Then entering the courtyard,is possible to access the stables and the yards of the "lairage" and "the Mortorio", all Angevin works created between 1278 and 1281 at the behest of Charles II of Anjou. Always in Angevin style are the "Throne Room" (which houses the museum), built on the north side, below the "Hall of Armigeri." Worth mentioning also the "Hall of the bowl," where were proclaimed the Constitutions of Melfi.