Norman-Swabian Castle

Medieval Jewel of Pietrapertosa

It dominates the village from its highest point among the Lucanian Dolomites and has protected it from enemy incursions for centuries. The Norman-Swabian Castle of Pietrapertosa dates back to the 11th century when Prince Bomar built this Saracen fortress and chose it as his residence. Its strategic position allowed the prince to dominate the entire Basento Valley from the top of the Arabata district. Over the centuries, the fortress was taken by the Normans and then the Swabians, from whom it got its name. 

Excavation and restoration work has revealed the different expansion phases of the castle. It’s still possible to admire the remains of the walls, built using the ancient technique of 'diatoni', small wooden beams inserted horizontally into the walls to improve the structure. See also what remains of the tower, the dungeons and the two cisterns for collecting rainwater.