Castle of Melfi, Norman castle in Melfi, Italy
The Castle of Melfi is a medieval limestone fortress perched on a hilltop in Basilicata with ten defensive towers—seven rectangular and three pentagonal in shape. The complex includes a baronial palace, chapel, and museum spaces distributed within its walls.
The fortress arose as a medieval stronghold and became an important administrative center under Norman rule. Later, significant legal decrees were proclaimed here that shaped the medieval kingdom.
The castle houses the National Archaeological Museum of the region, displaying ancient finds including a Roman sarcophagus from Rapolla. The collection reveals the different cultures that shaped this part of Southern Italy over the centuries.
You enter through the main gate, which was once a drawbridge, and can then explore the various rooms inside. It makes sense to allow enough time for your visit, especially if you want to see the museum displays.
A legal code was issued here in the 13th century that served as the foundation for the kingdom's administration. This was one of the earliest systematic legal documents in medieval Europe.
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