The origins of Gesualdo Castle can be traced back to the Middle Ages during the Lombard conquests in southern Italy in the 7th century. It was founded either by the legendary Knight Sessualdo or by Radelchi, Prince of Benevento, as a defensive outpost. The first documented records date back to the 12th century under Norman rule, with William of Altavilla as the first lord. The castle gained importance during the Norman-Swabian era and became a prominent fortress in the region.
Carlo Gesualdo, a descendant of the Norman line, transformed the castle into a Renaissance-style mansion in the late 15th century. Over the centuries, the castle suffered damage and looting during various conflicts, including the Franco-Spanish War and the arrival of French troops in 1799. It underwent significant renovations in the 19th century and was designated as a site of historical and artistic value in 1913. The castle was severely damaged in the 1980 Irpinia earthquake and has undergone ongoing restoration efforts. Currently, a portion of the castle is open to the public, and future plans include establishing a polyphony education high school within its premises.
Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.