It was the powerful Lombard family of the Castaldei who wanted it, together with many other fortresses in strategic places in the county of Capua. The Riardo Castle was built in the second half of the 9th century, on the hill overlooking the plain of the Savone stream, which arises from the extinct volcano of Roccamonfina.
And a huge and characteristic arched window allows you to observe the whole plain as far as the sea. Another feature is the main tower with hollow walls in which the stairs reaching the keep are placed.The Normans then decided to expand it in the 11th century. The current layout dates back to the Angevin period, when the fortress was strengthened along the entire perimeter, clearly for defensive reason, and was equipped with typical elements of the time such as the "elephant foot" plinth and the battlements. The building had four floors and boasted magnificent gardens on the north side from which the Matese massif can be admired.
