The Castle

In the highest part of the town, not far from the shrine, in a dominating position on the Carbonarra valley rises the gigantic and irregular mass of the castle, fortified with solid ramparts of various epochs, which give evidence to its rich history. The castle, which originally served a military function, was transformed into a building of residential character. The tallest rampart that stands out is the very old tower of the giants, given this nickname because it was built with Cyclopean stones. The primitive part dates back to the 8th and 9th Centuries; there was an important transformation with the arrival of the Norman's, when it became the dwelling of the princes of the rule of the Honour Montis Sancti Angeli, bequeathed by the queens who are responsible for the construction of the Norman tower and the Chamber of the Treasure.

The Swabian Fredrico II took particular care of the castle, inserting it amongst the CASTRA EXEMPTA (the Lord of the castle was appointed exclusively by the Emperor) and in the list of castles to be restored. After his death it went to his son Manfredi, then to King Corrado of Swabia and finally to the grand Camerario Maletta. During its 200-year ownership by the Angevins, the fortress was further enlarged. Within its walls Fillipa of Antich was imprisoned and died. She was Princess of Swabia and descendant of Fredrica II (1272) and the Queen Givanna I of Naples who was probably assassinated in 1382.

Charles III of Durazzo was born here in 1351. He was King of Naples from 1382 - 1386 and was baptized in the Basilica of Saint Michael. During the period 1464-1485 the fortress belonged to the family of the Albanian hero Georgio Castriota Scanberg, in 1497 it went to Consalvo of Cordobo and halfway through the 16th century it became the property of the Grimaldi princes.

In 1907, the castle was bought by the Commune of Monte Sant' Angelo who are the present owners and are seeing to the restoration.

Book now by calling 0044 (0)20 82483267 or email Price