Description of the attraction
Castello di Gesualdo is located in the town of Gesualdo in the Campania region of Italy, which is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Irpinia area. The city was founded in the Middle Ages and flourished in the 16th century, not least thanks to the local native, the outstanding musician Carlo Gesualdo. From those times, picturesque streets, small cozy squares, tiny gardens and squares that have preserved the unique atmosphere of the past have survived to this day.
The castle was built in the 7th century - it consisted of four round towers with a courtyard in the center. Probably, it was part of a single defensive system, since there are other fortified castles in this area - Torella dei Lombardi, Rocca San Felice, Guard Lombardi, Bisaccia. However, nothing has survived from the original Lombard structure.
One of the first owners of Castello di Gesualdo was William Hauteville, nicknamed Bastard, who became the ruler of the city in the 11th century, and later the building passed to his heirs, who took the name of Gesualdo. This family has owned the castle for several centuries with few interruptions. In 1460, the castle was captured by the troops of Ferrante I of Aragon and partially destroyed. Gesualdo restored the building, and a century later it underwent another reconstruction and was turned into a residential residence: large spacious halls appeared for organizing concerts and theatrical performances, a chapel, a small theater stage and a balcony were built on the upper floors. Not a trace remains of the strict medieval fortress.
Unfortunately, the Gesualdo family ceased to exist at the beginning of the 17th century, and all his property passed to a distant relative, Niccolò Ludovisi - his emblem can still be seen today above the entrance to the courtyard. Then the castle began to change hands, and regular earthquakes in the region in 1694, 1732 and 1805 accelerated the desolation of the building. The period of decline lasted until the middle of the 19th century, when Castello Gesualdo was bought by the Caccese family, on whose initiative it was restored and modified. Only a few rooms on the ground floor have retained their original appearance, while all other rooms have been modernized - alas, the historical and artistic value of the castle was not taken into account. In 1980, another earthquake struck, which seriously damaged the structure - an entire wing collapsed, and today Castello Gesualdo is still under restoration.
