Castles

Castle of Macchiagodena    

Castle of Macchiagodena

The settlement of Macchiagodena occupies a commanding position over the valley of the river Biferno. The castle is located at the western edge of the village opposite the church of St. Nicholas. Dating back to an earlier period, possibly of Longobard origin, (in 964 it was called Maccla de Godino), it was used as an observation point for the Pescasseroli-Candela sheep-track. In Angevin times it belonged to Barrasio, a knight of French origin. Later it came into the hands of Cantelmo of Roccavivara and of the Counts Pandone of Venafro.
The castle was built on the remains of pre-existing military structures, of which little is preserved as a result of the adaptations the castle underwent over the centuries. It is a castle-palace with a steep escarpment along the main façade and two circular towers; a third tower survives on the northern side. Beyond the entrance, well protected by two towers, there is an irregularly shaped courtyard. Traces of fortified structures are scarce.