Melfi Castle

Erected on the slopes of Mount Vulture in the late 11th century by the Normans, the castle originally had a defensive function. Several important historical events took place here, including the promulgation of the Constitutions of Melfi, the legislative code of the Kingdom of Sicily, ordered by Frederick II of Swabia. Later, it was the repository of taxes collected in Basilicata, a prison and a noble residence. Over the centuries, the castle was restored and enlarged several times, as evidenced by the different architectural styles that characterise the building. Since 1976, the ground floor has housed the Melfese National Archaeological Museum. The Clock Tower, one of the castle's ten towers (seven rectangular and three pentagonal), houses the Roman sarcophagus from the 2nd century A.D., which came from Asia Minor and was found in 1856.

Opening times

Tuesday to Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed on Mondays

Price:

Full price: €4.00

Reduced price ticket: 2,00 € (children between 18 and 25 years old)

Combined ticket with the National Archaeological Museum of Muro Lucano: €6.00

Free for children under 18, the disabled and their carers and other entitled persons. Further information