Castle of Lagopesole – where Frederick II of Swabia practiced the art of falconry

Castle of Lagopesole – a medieval fortress in the heart of Basilicata

History and Description

The Castle of Lagopesole is a majestic medieval fortress from the Frederician era, located on a hill at approximately 820 meters above sea level, on the watershed between the Ofanto and Bradano rivers, in the village of Lagopesole, a hamlet of the municipality of Avigliano, in the province of Potenza, Basilicata.

The original construction dates back to the Norman period, but its current form reflects the modifications made by Frederick II of Swabia in 1242, and later by Charles I of Anjou. The castle features a rectangular layout with two main courtyards: the smaller courtyard from the High Norman period, which houses a square donjon with typical Swabian architectural features, and the larger courtyard, expanded by Frederick II to include a large cistern and a Romanesque-style chapel with a semicircular apse.

The castle served as a summer residence and leisure retreat for Emperor Frederick II, who enjoyed falcon hunting in the surrounding forest. Over the centuries, the fortress hosted prominent historical figures, including Manfred, King of Sicily, and witnessed significant events such as the occupation by brigands led by Carmine Crocco in 1861. In the 20th century, it was restored and today houses the State Forestry Corps and an Antiquarium with medieval artifacts.

The castle stands out for its defensive compactness, with few loopholes and a single fortified entrance, while the presence of an internal chapel is unique among Frederician fortresses.

Curiosities

The castle was used as a filming location for the acclaimed movie The Gospel According to Matthew (1964) by Pier Paolo Pasolini, and the TV miniseries Il generale dei briganti (2012).

Legend has it that in 1137, the site was chosen for the reconciliation between Abbot Rinaldo of Montecassino and Pope Innocent II, in the presence of Emperor Lothair II.

Inside the castle, there is a pink stone sundial that marked the passage of time for centuries.

The donjon is off-axis compared to the rest of the structure, a sign of its antiquity and the phases of expansion.

Access Information

The Castle of Lagopesole is open to visitors, generally from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and in the afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Admission is ticketed, with options for guided tours and participation in cultural events and summer performances held between August and September. The castle also features a storytelling museum with videos and historical projections that make the visit engaging and immersive.

How to Get There

The castle is located in the village of Lagopesole, easily reachable by car.

From Potenza, take the SS93 towards Avigliano and follow the signs to Lagopesole.

Parking is available nearby, and the site is accessible on foot from the town center.

The area also offers accommodation options in hotels, farm stays, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy typical dishes from Basilicata.

Photo credits: aertetto.it