Castello del Garagnone

Castello del Garagnone is a medieval castle ruin sitting on a steep hilltop near Spinazzola, overlooking ancient trade routes that connected the Via Appia to nearby settlements. The remains include stone walls, underground chambers, and preserved sections of the original fortification system.

The stronghold was established by the Altavilla family and later substantially rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia, who adapted it into a residential complex. This transformation shows how the fortress shifted from purely defensive purposes to include palatial functions.

The fortress served as a signal post in a chain of castles across the territory, allowing inhabitants to warn each other quickly of approaching dangers. Such communication networks were typical for strongholds built in this hilly region.

The archaeological site allows visitors to explore underground chambers and preserved wall sections at their own pace. The hilltop location offers good views but requires sturdy footwear and climbing ability to navigate the steep terrain.

Excavations between 1997 and 1998 revealed a Bronze Age settlement beneath the castle, ranking among the largest ever found in southern Italy. This discovery shows the site was inhabited thousands of years before the medieval fortress was built.