Built on
the highest part of the old
hamlet, the Castle dates back to
the time of the Lombards in the
10th
century.
Because of
its strategic location, the
fortress has always held a
primary role as to the defence of
the territory. In 1076 under the rule of
the Normans, the
Lombard fortress became a
Castle. In the second half of the
16th century several remakings of
the Castle changed its medieval
look, transforming it from a
powerful
fortressinto a magnificent
aristocratic
residence. To this epoch date
back the works to shift the main
entrance from the occidental to
the southern side of the
Castle.
Important
works of restoration were
patronised by Caracciolo in the
16th century and by
Prince Placido
Imperiale in 1768. Extensive works of
restoration became essential
after the 1980
earthquake, that heavily
damaged the structure of the
Castle. In the 20th
century, the Castle was
first used as a Courthouse and a
Prison and then as a
Notary
Archieve and Judiciary offices
premises.
Goleto
Abbey
was founded by
Saint
Guglielmo,
patron of
Irpinia, in
1133.
It is located
in the town of
Sant'Angelo
dei Lombardi
and
is one of the
most important
monuments in
the South of
Italy.
The
foundation
originally
consisted of a
double
monastery -a
community for
men and another
for women- and
also a church.
Led by several
abbesses among
them
Febronia,
Marina I,
Agnese and
Scolastica,
the Abbey was
enriched with
several works
of art, that
can still be
seen
today.
The
Goleto was
definitively
suppressed by
King
Giuseppe
Bonaparte of
Naples, in
1807.
Since
then, the abbey
fell into decay
but fortunately
the complex has
survived all
this and
hasnow
been restored
to its former
glory.
The
Abbey of
Goleto
Febronia
Tower in the
Goleto
The
Italian author Giampaolo
Merciai during the tour
at the Abbey, 7th July
2012
BOOK NOW! and we will recommend the best restaurants and hotels, the renowned wineries of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Taurasi and Aglianico to combine with the trip.
