Before the 1980 earthquake, it developed around a trapezoidal courtyard with three semicircular arches that provided access to the first level rooms; the typological layout was the result of numerous and frequent transformations over time on the ancient residence of the Caracciolo del Sole family, later the Imperiale family: a loggia, a staircase with a carved balustrade, and the stable dating back to the 16th century were recognizable.
A plaque placed to the left of the entrance portal, destroyed with the collapse of the central part of the southern side of the castle, commemorated the 18th-century enlargement and transformation works. From 1862, the fortress was used as a prison and courthouse, a function it retained until the 1980 earthquake when the upper floor, the eastern wing, and part of the southern side collapsed. Between 1987 and 1992, targeted works were carried out to ensure the safety and preservation of the site, as well as a thorough and complete understanding of the entire structural system and of the pre-existing elements of historical-artistic, architectural, and archaeological interest.
In particular, archaeological investigations directed by Marcello Rotili revealed near the donjon—the large tower equipped for defense built at the highest point of the hill (altitude 888m above sea level)—the structures of the ancient cathedral of Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi (11th century), completely incorporated into the southwest wing of the castle, almost entirely collapsed, and other elements beneath the courtyard’s pavement.
During the dismantling of part of the castle’s west façade, two portals and the rear wall of the church were subsequently discovered. Concurrently with the excavations, restoration work was carried out on the stable, the tower, and the loggia, which very recent studies suggest to interpret as a residual testimony of an ancient council seat.
Following a pause of several years due to lack of funds, the described phase of works was succeeded by a further significant restoration intervention that completed the structural recovery of the tower, the stable, and the Romanesque church.
Technological systems and both external and internal finishes were then installed, as well as interventions necessary to prevent and halt deterioration and to create suitable visitor routes within the restored buildings and exterior landscaping. Stratigraphic investigation yielded a significant amount of material culture remains, especially ceramics, as well as objects made of metal, glass, bone, stone, terracotta, bricks, roof tiles, coins, plasters, and anthropic finds. Source: MIBACT
Information on Museum of the Castle Area Works
Via Castello snc, 83054 Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi (Avellino) 0827 23094 urbanistica@comune.santangelodeilombardi.av.it
https://www.comune.santangelodeilombardi.av.it
