Castello Macedonio

The Macedonio Castle, also known as the "Carafa Castle", is a place of historical interest located in Grottolella, in the historic centre of the Irpinian town.

The ancient medieval fortress, from the top of the hill where it was built to defend the area below, recalls the various dominations that have taken place here. Over the centuries it has undergone several restorations and reconstructions, especially in the Swabian-Angevin and late-Aragonese periods. In 1650, it was transformed from a stronghold into an aristocratic residence of the Macedonian dukes and for a time belonged to the Caracciolo family. The last restoration in 1996 provided the residential flats of the current owners.

Despite the many changes made to its structure, the manor house still retains its 15th-century appearance, with a rectangular plan and an outer curtain of limestone punctuated by rectangular windows and reinforced by four corner towers, three cylindrical and one square. An imposing stone portal dating from 1690, with a frescoed vault, provides the entrance. The large central courtyard has a cistern-well and the upper flats overlook it. On the ground floor is the Palatine Chapel, adorned with stuccoes and fine frescoes, dating from 1690, a place of worship until the 18th century

An architectural symbol of the local community, Macedonio Castle preserves centuries of history that still live on with the same splendour as in the past.