Limatola Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans on the remains of an ancient Lombard tower. It stands on a hill, in a strategic position: ruler of the ancient medieval town of Benevento and guardian of the valley furrowed by the Volturno River, between the Taburno massif, Mount Maggiore and the Tifatini Mountains.
The interventions promoted by Charles I of Anjou date back to 1277, to be recognized in the ogival vaulted rooms adjoining the oldest part of the structure corresponding to the rectangular-shaped keep. To the Counts Della Ratta, feudal lords of Limatola from 1420, are ascribable the interventions on the outermost walls and restructuring and extensions implemented in some rooms on the stairs and loggias, in Renaissance taste.
In the second decade of the 16th century, Francesco Gambacorta and Caterina Della Ratta carried out interventions on the defensive structures and on the Palatine Church of St. Nicholas, which, however, retains its original Romanesque portal. During the Renaissance, major renovations transformed it from a military dwelling, of which it still retains some features such as the City Wall interspersed with towers and the Scarpata up to the height of the cornice, to a stately home.
Limatola Castle, now represents a prestigious point of historical, artistic and cultural interest. The Sgueglia family, current owners, implemented a redevelopment project completed in 2010 that restored the prestigious manor to its former glory. Once a defensive dwelling, it is now an enchanting location to experience your special moments: a place where the present and the past live in perfect harmony, in a magical and evocative combination.
References:The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.