Feudal Castle of Serino

On the top of a hill full of vegetation, in the locality of Toppola, are the ruins of the Feudal Castle of Serino which, together with the Castle of Orano, constitutes the group of fortifications present in the territory of the municipality. Of the original structure, only the perimeter walls and the ancient chapel, now restored, are visible. According to some sources, the castle was built around 839 AD, as a defensive bulwark for the local inhabitants threatened by the raids of the militias engaged in the dynastic struggles for the succession to the throne of Benevento. However, the current conformation of the castle should date back to 1159, the year in which Costanza Saracena, belonging to the Sanseverino family, elected Serino as the capital of her feud. The structure is accessed through two suggestive arched doors that mark the passage along the three short ramps that once led to the main entrance. After the last door, you come across the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie which today includes the private chapel with a bell tower, once located near the residence of the feudal lord. With the loss of its defensive function, the castle suffered the neglect of time and was gradually abandoned. The ruins of the building, with the adjoining restored church, are now well kept, inserted within a highly suggestive natural setting, in which the centuries-old linden tree in front of the church makes a fine show.

Remains of the feudal castle of Serino, complete with boundary walls and access arch. Very suggestive place!