Bernalda Castle – the evocative manor overlooking the village

History and description

Originally built by the Romans in the 4th century AD as a lookout point over the port, the castle was later reconstructed by the Normans and, in 1470, by Bernardino di Bernaudo, who gave it its current features. Over the centuries, it passed into the hands of various owners: it was the residence of Charles III of Bourbon in 1735, later served as a Carabinieri barracks, and finally became the property of the Municipality of Bernalda. Since 2023, it has hosted a cinema exhibition inside. The building has a quadrangular layout with three corner towers on the outside, and inside it features secret tunnels, wells, cisterns, courtyards, halls, and arrow slits.

Curiosities

According to a macabre local legend, the castle hides a treasure once belonging to a noble family, which will remain guarded until the sacrifice of a child.

Access

Open daily with varying hours, the castle can be visited with a free‑will donation.

How to reach it

The building can be reached by car via the SS407 road towards Bernalda, or by train to the central station, followed by a short walk.

A fascinating itinerary rich in history, Bernalda Castle is a captivating stop full of beauty.

Photo credits: Rocco Scattino (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0