The Castello Monforte towers over the historical center Campobasso and offers magnificent panoramas of the city and the surrounding countryside. It is considered to be the main symbol of the city.
Castello Monforte Campobasso
Useful information
Address: Viale delle Rimembranze, 86100 – Campobasso. Phone: +39 327 4992312. Opening times: From 09:00 till 13:00 and from 16:00 till 20:00. Ticket price: Free entrance.
History and description
The Castello Monforte was constructed by the Normans. It was probably built on top of a Lombard watchtower that had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1456.
The castle is named after Count Cola di Monforte, the feudal lord who had it constructed in 1459.
The castle is square with on each corner a cylindrical tower. The main entrance, which is not being used anymore, is on the city side. The walls are topped with Guelph battlements. The Monforte coat-of-arms (a cross with four roses) is visible above the drawbridge.
What to see
On the first floor is a War Memorial for the victims of both World War I and II.
The highest tower is being used by the Air Force meteorological station.
Before the Romans came and conquered the area, a people called Samnites used to live in the area. One of their settlements was on the hill where the castle now is. Some ruins of ancient Samnite walls are incorporated in the castle.