Castello Macchiaroli

Teggiano's castle was the seat of the Sanseverino princes and a stronghold overlooking the Vallo di Diano. Probably of Norman origin, it was enlarged under King Ladislao and strengthened after the Conspiracy of the Barons. Its pentagonal walls, keep and Torre della Cimmaruca preserve the form of a medieval fortress.

Why it matters

The castle reflects Teggiano's importance under the Sanseverino family. It was enlarged in the early fifteenth century by King Ladislao and strengthened after the Sanseverino returned to power. In 1487, Ferdinand of Aragon funded further works after the Conspiracy of the Barons. A decade later, Antonello Sanseverino held the fortress through a siege by a royal army for more than two months before the revolt ended by treaty.

What to notice

The fortress has a pentagonal curtain wall with corner towers. Inside the walls stands the maschio, or keep, while the Torre della Cimmaruca occupies the north-western corner and overlooks the Vallo di Diano. The princely residence encloses a courtyard with a large cistern, reflecting the castle's later domestic use. The terrace opens over the valley and the rooftops of Teggiano.

Context and history

The castle's origins are probably Norman. King Ladislao enlarged it in the early fifteenth century, when Diano passed to the royal demesne. The returning Sanseverino family strengthened the fortress, followed by Ferdinand of Aragon after the Conspiracy of the Barons. In 1497, Antonello Sanseverino's forces resisted a royal siege; the conflict ended through negotiation and treaty.

After its military role waned, the fortress became a residence and passed by inheritance to the Macchiaroli family. Teggiano's August reenactment, Alla Tavola della Principessa Costanza, recalls the marriage of Antonello Sanseverino and Costanza da Montefeltro and the assault on the castle.