Castles
Castle of Cerro al Volturno
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Castle
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The
first mention of the origin of Cerro is found in the Chronicon Volturnense,
when Abbot Godfrey organised a peasant settlement. The castle, built by Camillo
Pandone, can be dated back to the end of the 15th century, and has
features that resemble those of a medieval castle. The main modifications to the
building can be attributed to Francesco Pandone (1443) and his successor
Federico. In 1606 it was purchased by the Colonna family and Lucrezia, wife of
Filippo Colonna, made perhaps the last modifications until the castle became the
property of the Carafa family.
The most noticeable element is the size of the castle with regard to its
location, which involved a complex adaptation of the rocky spur on which it
stands. It has three circular towers, two of which have a bastion with a pointed
spur. Attackers would be seriously hindered by the sheer rocky cliffs that offer
no holds or room for manoeuvring. The square corner tower is the oldest and
presents an interesting bond, with stone bars laid lengthways and crossways.
Past the 17th century bridge, which represents the only entrance from
the south, there is a wide courtyard fronted by the entrance to the chapel. The
castle, as it appears today, is the result of numerous modifications that, over
the centuries, transformed it from a defensive machine (modified for the use of
firearms) into a nobleman’s residence.
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Castle of Cerro al Volturno |
