Imperial Castle, Sant’Agata di Puglia

The history of the Castle of Sant’Agata, which mostly also reflects that of the village, is mainly linked to the nature of the place that hosts it, as an excellent observatory and strategic point, overlooking the Calaggio valley, the borders of Irpinia, Lucania, and Daunia, and located right at the exit of the Campanian passes towards Puglia (Lombard-Byzantine domain borders). 

The territory was crossed by a vast Roman road network and had a significant monastic presence, as evidenced by monuments and remains. 

The Castle, Castrum or Rocca, was called Artemisium during the Roman period, perhaps because there was a pagan temple at the top of the mountain. 

With the advent of Christianity, and specifically when in 592 by the will of Pope Gregory the Great the relics of the Martyr St. Agatha were transported from Catania to Rome, the Artemisium was renamed St. Agatha in honor of the Saint. The Rocca of Sant’Agata played a very important role in the Middle Ages as a province or military-administrative district, having command over a district composed of a certain number of villages. 

During Lombard rule Sant’Agata was the last outpost of the Duchy of Benevento. 

Around the year 1000 it was owned by Landolfo and Pandolfo, Beneventan princes.