CASTEL LAGOPESOLE
In the splendid Vùlture Area, dominated by an ancient
volcano, now no longer active, is where one will come across
Castello Lagopésole, the last fortress
built on the wishes of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia
History
Its name derives from an obstruction lake (for volcanic eruptions),
now dried up, and which up to the 1900s existed in the Piano
del Conte locality.
The place where the Castle is situated, covered a strategic
role of control for many years over the ancient Via Herculea;
a Roman roadway which linked Potenza to Melfi.
The first fortification is probably attributable to the Saracens,
who escaped from Venosa during 743. There was definitely the
presence of an important domus here during the Norman era
as there was an encounter in 1173 between Pope Innocenzo II
and the powerful Abbot of Montecassino Rinaldo in the presence
of the Emperor Lotario II.
Construction of the present day Castle began in 1242 and prolonged
until the death of Frederick II (1250). According to its purchaser,
it was an ideal hunting departure place for the Imperial court.
Following the death of Frederick II, the Castle was frequently
visited by his son Manfred and his wife Elena d’Epiro,
who under the Angioiniansans (1268), was imprisoned here by
Carlo I d’Angiò.
In 1416, Castel Lagopésole became a fief of the Caracciolo
family, who were succeeded in 1531 by the Doria family, The
latter remained proprietors of this splendid castle until
1969.
A visit to the Castle
The Castle is open for visits in the morning from 9.30am
to 1pm all year round and during the afternoon from 4pm to
7pm in Summer and 3pm to 5pm in Winter.
Place of interest
The Federiciano (Frederick the Great) Castle (XIII century);
Naturalistic excursions to Piano del Conte; Visits to Atella.
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