Maginulfo Castle

Also referred to as RoccaMagenula, the Maginulfo Castle gave its origin and name to Roccamandolfi. More precisely, it is what remains of that architectural complex: a collection of ruins impressive with a romantic charm, topping a cliff that rises to an altitude of 1080 metres. The castle was founded in the 10th century by the Lombard Maginulfo family, but the original layout was modified by the Normans, who enlarged it to make it one of the most famous and robust castles in the region: this is also the reason why, at the end of the 12th century, the Maginulfo Castle became particularly disliked by the new Swabian rulers, who wanted to reduce the power of the local nobles and take control of their fiefdoms. Around 1195 it was besieged a first time by Henry VI to flush out the rebel Ruggero di Mandra, Count of Molise who had found refuge here. In 1220 it was the emperor Frederick II himself to order its destruction, but the new Count Tommaso da Celano also refused to obey and barricaded himself inside, holding the armies of the powerful enemy at bay. It was not until 1223 that the emperor had his way: his men then attacked the castle's strong walls and five defensive towers, one of which was higher and more powerful than the others, and devastated the interior, starting with the floor with the counts' dwellings, of which no trace remains. From the ruins it is clear how the layout followed the morphology of the cliff, with the entrance preceded by a ramp and the walls on the north side facing an overhang.