Il castle di Gambatesa, located in a privileged position, dominates the surrounding valley, and is located in the historic center of Gambatesa, from which it takes its name; in turn the latter originates from a "physical defect”Of a member of the Pietravalle family, who in the thirteenth century owned the lands of the surrounding area. However, we must go back to the period preceding the Lombard invasion to establish the birth of the town over which the castle of Gambatesa dominates.
History of the Gambatesa castle
Certain information on the origins of the towering manor dates back to the first half of the XNUMXth century; period in which Pandolfo I Capo di Ferro, prince of Capua and Benevento, granted the monks of San Vincenzo al Volturno to build castles to defend the territory.
However, later, it was the Gambatesa who expanded the original nucleus of the castle, erecting the two towering and beautiful corner towers. Then passing from hand to hand, in 1484 the castle was owned by Andrea di Capua, transforming itself from a defensive fortress into a noble residence.
Around 1550 the noble rooms were embellished with frescoes by Donato da Copertino, which in their splendor are today a great tourist attraction. There are represented beautiful landscapes, enchanting mythological scenes, allegories, but also typical pergolas of the sixteenth-century mannerist.
Valuable are the allegorical representations of Charity, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Among other things, the artist signed the complete pictorial cycle with the words “Donatus omnia elabravit”.
Of great interest is also a double door that divides the atrium from the hall, the only testimony of internal connection between the rooms of the castle. The third floor, also intended as a noble residence, is characterized by large and airy rooms; particularly enchanting is the living room, with a large fireplace.
Structure and stratification of the Gambatesa manor over the centuries
Therefore, the castle of Gambatesa appears as the product of the stratification of centuries and each epoch has added something, however making it absolutely harmonious.
The large internal halls are medieval, with beautiful corridors characterized by round arches. While on the facade, the portal is in Renaissance style, as well as the windows and the loggia with three round arches on the north-west side.
The first level, dug into the rock, served as a storehouse for provisions and for stables.
The second floor corresponds to the main entrance for the visitor, and is accessed by an external staircase with three flights. While the third floor is composed of spacious rooms that were in fact the noble residence, and are also embellished with frescoes, of which, however, no traces remain.
The fourth floor of the Gambatesa castle has undergone many changes over time but allows the view from the Renaissance loggia. Finally, the windows and balconies, and the loggia with three round arches on the north-western facade, were added in the Renaissance period.
In the 70s of the twentieth century, the Gambatesa castle was sold to Ministry for Cultural Heritage and restored by Superintendence for Architectural Heritage of Molise region. It is possible to visit the entire Gambatesa castle, and it is pleasant to do so, ending the visit on the embattled terrace. From up there you can enjoy a glimpse that embraces the village, which has the sparkle of Lake Occhito at the bottom and in the background. To reach Gambatesa castle, take the state road 517 towards Foggia, and exit at the junction for Gambatesa.
