The Castle of Civitacampomarano is one of the most picturesque in the region, thanks to its ancient architecture which has been conserved intact through the centuries. It is reached by a staircase and a gateway with a segmented arch typical of 15th century Catalan-Aragonese style. Above the keystone are two heraldic shields, the Carafa della Spina arms and below, those of Paolo di Sangro, which represent the union of the two families. Above the arch, two rectangular holes used to allow movement of the drawbridge chains.
The inner courtyard contains the so-called “Samnite” fountain, a sculpture with four anthropomorphic figures placed here in modern times by the last owners. An uncovered staircase leads to the first floor and the rooms for the nobles, and some service rooms, which, in part, have kept their painted decorations. On the lower floors are the stables, grain warehouse and storerooms: from here it is possible to reach the towers and the rampart walkways. An internal staircase under the Torre Maggiore leads to the dungeons and the moat.
Over the centuries, the monument has undergone various modifications: the moat has been filled in, the northern side has collapsed and the interiors have been rearranged: despite this, it has retained its charm as an “ancient giant”, in perfect keeping with the historical centre and surrounding landscape.
