Tramontano Castle – between history and legend

History and description

Built around 1501 by order of Giovan Carlo Tramontano, a Neapolitan nobleman and count, the castle follows an irregular layout in the typical Aragonese style, with thick walls, a central keep, two round side towers, and bastions that emphasize its likely defensive function. However, the structure remained incomplete because its owner was assassinated in December 1514 by the citizens of Matera, who violently killed him due to the imposition of excessive taxes. This event marked the beginning of a legend that still fascinates visitors to the city today.

Curiosities

According to the legend of the count’s assassination, the conspirators gathered behind a stone that has since been called “pizzon' du mal consigghj”—the “stone of bad counsel.”

Access

Currently undergoing restoration work, the castle is not open to visitors.

How to reach it

Located just a few steps from Matera’s historic center, the castle is easily reachable on foot.

Immersed in both legend and history, Tramontano Castle stands as a perfect metaphor for the fragility of power.

Photo credits: Mateola (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 3.0