Cantelmo Castle, Medieval castle in Alvito, Italy.
Cantelmo Castle is a stone fortress positioned on a hilltop with views over the Comino Valley in Alvito. The structure displays a quadrangular layout with corner towers and thick defensive walls that preserve the fortress's original character.
The fortress was built in the 11th century by Montecassino Abbey during the Norman invasions. Following an earthquake in 1350, major reconstruction work restored the structure and allowed continued use for centuries afterward.
The castle was home to the French noble family Cantelmo and served as a strategic point between competing territories. Visitors can still see traces of this aristocratic past in the restored rooms throughout the structure.
Access is gained via paths leading uphill from Alvito, with conditions varying by season and weather. Guided tours are available during summer months when various sections of the fortress are restored and open to visitors.
The fortress preserves rare original defensive systems that protected the valleys during territorial conflicts. These medieval defensive features remain intact in few other castles across the region.
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