Castles
Castle of Macchia d'Isernia
 |
|
Castle of Macchia d'Isernia |
History
records mention a Saracen incursion in the 10th century. In 1269
Macchia belonged to Amerigo de Sus. During the Angevin period it was allotted to
Aldemario of Scalea, until Robert of Anjou gave it in feud to his wife Sancia.
The subsequent history of Macchia was tied to that of the nearby settlement of
Monteroduni. Prominent among the counts who had control of the village during
the 17th century were the Della Marra, who were probably of Norman
origin.
The castle occupies the upper part of the village, a position of significant
topographical pre-eminence which is visible from afar. The side of the keep that
fronts the church has an uninterrupted wall while that facing the square is
adorned by a tower crowned with a small loggia and wide portico, signs of the
numerous re-adaptations that the castle underwent over the centuries. Despite
the evidence of a fortified structure with escarpment, today the building has
the aspect of a residential palace originating from the merging of different
bodies at different periods, which are still partly recognisable. The keep
reminds one of the castle of Venafro in its dimensions and construction
technique. The main entrance is preceded by a staircase that leads to a wide
trapezoid inner courtyard. Still visible are traces of the drawbridge supports,
while on the wall by the entrance to the burgh, facing the castle, a series of
corbels support a jutting structure with openings for dropping missiles.
The village church flanks the castle, creating a narrow passage that opens onto
a small square.
 |
Castle of Macchia d'Isernia |
