Castello Longobardo

The Castello Longobardo (Lombard Castle) of Avellino is the historic fortress of the city of Avellino, in the province of Avellino, Campania region, southern Italy (Irpinia). Unlike most castles, it stands in the lower part of the city, between the Fenestrelle river and the (now covered) Rio San Francesco, rather than on a commanding height.

Tradition attributes its construction to the Lombard period. Some sources date it to the late 9th century (between 884 and 896), when it was erected by the gastald Adalfiero I; others place the origins earlier, in the 6th–8th or even 10th century. From the beginning it served both as a military stronghold and as the residence of the gastaldi and later feudal lords of the city.

In 1130 the antipope Anacletus II crowned Roger the Norman king of Apulia and Sicily. Pope Innocent II and Emperor Lothair stayed in the castle for a month while opposing the investiture; Roger later attacked and set fire to the fortress in 1137. Over the centuries it hosted emperors such as Lothair and Henry VI as well as Angevin and Aragonese rulers. In 1436 Alfonso I of Aragon besieged it and subsequently ordered renovations.

A period of particular splendour began when Maria de Cardona inherited the fief in 1513. The cultured and wealthy countess stimulated trade and the local economy, contributing to demographic growth. In the 17th century the building was transformed into a palace and became the residence of the Caracciolo princes; Prince Marino II Caracciolo founded the Accademia dei Pagliosi inside it (an academy that still exists). The castle was largely demolished in the early 18th century during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Today only ruins and archaeological remains survive. Recent restoration and enhancement projects (including a multimedia room) have been undertaken to valorise the site.