Castello Cantelmo, Medieval castle in Pettorano sul Gizio, Italy.

Castello Cantelmo is a castle in Pettorano sul Gizio featuring an irregular layout with cylindrical towers at the northwestern and southwestern corners and a pentagonal tower at the center. The structure combines multiple defensive elements that span from the 11th century to present times.

The castle likely grew around the 11th-century central watchtower, part of a defence system with the castles of Popoli, Pacentro, Raiano, Vittorito, Prezza and Anversa. Under the Normans in the late 12th century it was the fief of Oddo, son of Oddone of Pettorano, stretching from the Gizio valley to the Cinquemiglia plateau and the Sangro valley. In 1310 Charles I of Anjou granted the fief to the Cantelmo, who held it until 1750; the Tocco of Montemiletto followed until 1806.

The fortress displays medieval defensive architecture with high walls and arrow slits that reveal its role in monitoring the Gizio valley. Visitors can today understand the strategic importance that made this location key to controlling the region.

After restoration in the 1990s, the castle now functions as an exhibition space hosting temporary displays and photography competitions. Visitors should gather local information before a visit to learn about current opening hours and available activities.

The oldest element is the pentagonal tower at the centre, reached by a raised entrance up a spiral staircase. The walls carry a sloping scarp around the whole perimeter with no openings except small arrow slits, and the north-eastern corner is built into private houses.