Castello di Capua
Medieval castle transformed into a Renaissance residence by the Di Capua family, with the Mannerist fresco cycle of 1550 and a state museum.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle of Gambatesa stands in a strategic position for controlling the drove roads (tratturi) of transhumance between Puglia and Abruzzo. Built as a fortress and later a feudal residence in the Middle Ages, from the 15th century it was transformed by the Di Capua family into a stately residence in the Renaissance style.
Its best-known feature is the fresco cycle of 1550, commissioned by Vincenzo I di Capua, Duke of Termoli and Count of Gambatesa, and attributed to the painter Donato da Copertino with his assistants. The rooms on the first floor are decorated with landscapes, mythological and allegorical scenes and figures of the virtues; a date and a signature appear in the Sala delle Maschere (Room of the Masks).
Today the castle is a state museum run by the Ministry of Culture through the Regional Directorate of National Museums of Molise. On the first floor one visits the Salone delle Virtù, the Sala delle Maschere, the Sala del Pergolato, the Sala del Cammino and the Studiolo; on the ground floor there is a space for concerts and conferences, with a photographic exhibition on the Maitunate, while the second floor houses a museum with works by Romeo Musa, Antonio Pettinicchi and the Eliseo collection.
Highlights
- Mannerist fresco cycle of 1550 attributed to Donato da Copertino
- Salone delle Virtù and Sala delle Maschere
- Sala del Pergolato, Sala del Cammino and Studiolo
- Works by Romeo Musa, Antonio Pettinicchi and the Eliseo collection
- Audio guides and multimedia stations
Permanent exhibitions
- Ciclo di affreschi del 1550 nelle sale del primo piano – Salone delle Virtù, Sala delle Maschere, Sala del Pergolato, Sala del Cammino and Studiolo with Mannerist decorations.
- Museo del secondo piano – Works by Romeo Musa, Antonio Pettinicchi and the Eliseo collection.
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Molise (Ministero della Cultura)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,080
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Citizens of the European Union aged 18 to 25, under the general rule for state museums |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission under 18, under the general rule for state museums |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the Ministry of Culture entry, admission is accessible to people with disabilities; for specific needs, it is advisable to contact the museum before the visit.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The ministry entry indicates visits by booking; it is advisable to call the museum on +39 0874 719 261 before the visit. Audio guides and multimedia stations are available. |
