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Caracciolo Castle - Secret World — Brienza
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Palaces, Villas and Castles 📍 Brienza, Italy 259 views

Caracciolo Castle - Secret World

The first documentary evidence about the Caracciolo Castle dates back to the Angevin period, but probably the date of foundation of the castle is earlier and can be placed, according to some historians, around the fourth century. Entirely rebuilt in 1571, traces of it remain in t...

Photo · Renee M.

Caracciolo Castle - Secret World — Brienza, Italy.

Location
Brienza
Type
Palaces, Villas and Castles
Opening hours
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About Caracciolo Castle - Secret World

Caracciolo Castle - Secret World - Brienza | Secret World Trip Planner

The first documentary evidence about the Caracciolo Castle dates back to the Angevin period, but probably the date of foundation of the castle is earlier and can be placed, according to some historians, around the fourth century.

Caracciolo Castle - Secret World - Brienza | Secret World Trip Planner

Entirely rebuilt in 1571, traces of it remain in the cylindrical donjon, which emerges from the massive mass, and in the circular semi-tower, situated at the center of the walls in order to interrupt the uniformity of the curtain and ensure a more effective defence.

The Caracciolos were responsible for the successive enlargements and for the singular shape, almost triangular, on three floors.

Caracciolo Castle - Secret World - Brienza | Secret World Trip Planner

A stone staircase, open to the sky, leads to a terrace in front of the main entrance.

The Caracciolo family, with alternate events, remained owners of the feud and of the castle until 1857, year in which the last member of the family, Maria Giulia, left it to her nephew Luigi Barracco.

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    Caracciolo Castle - Secret World
    📍 Brienza
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    📍 9.6 km away

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Frequently Asked Questions

The first documentary evidence of Caracciolo Castle dates back to the Angevin period, though historians believe its foundation may be as early as the fourth century. The castle was entirely rebuilt in 1571, which is when most of the structures you see today, including the cylindrical donjon and circular semi-tower, were constructed.
The castle features a distinctive almost triangular shape built on three floors, with a prominent cylindrical donjon and a circular semi-tower positioned at the center of the walls for defensive purposes. A notable feature is the open stone staircase that leads to a terrace in front of the main entrance, offering visitors an atmospheric entry to this historic structure.
The Caracciolo family owned the castle and its surrounding feud for centuries, responsible for successive enlargements that gave it its unique shape. The family retained ownership until 1857, when the last family member, Maria Giulia, bequeathed the castle to her nephew Luigi Barracco.
The castle's circular semi-tower was strategically positioned at the center of the walls to interrupt the uniformity of the curtain wall and ensure more effective defense. This innovative design, combined with the cylindrical donjon that still stands today, demonstrates the sophisticated military engineering of its 1571 reconstruction.
Caracciolo Castle spans multiple historical periods, with origins possibly dating to the fourth century and first documented evidence from the Angevin period. The 1571 reconstruction represents Renaissance-era military architecture, making it a fascinating layer cake of European defensive design and noble family heritage.

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