Castello di Lettere
Lettere (NA)
Hidden gemCastles
The story
Perched on the Monti Lattari, the castle of Lettere watched over the Amalfi frontier: from its ruins the gaze runs from the Gulf of Napoli to the Sarno valley, beneath Vesuvius.
Access
Check openings
The story
The Castle of Lettere rises at about 340 metres on the Lattari Mountains, above the coast: a medieval fortress built around the tenth century, probably at the will of Mansone I of Amalfi, in defence of the Duchy of Amalfi against attacks from the Gulf of Naples. Enlarged by Normans, Swabians and Angevins, after the Aragonese age it lost military importance.
What to see
The walls, the keep and the towers of the fortress, with the remains of the nearby Romanesque cathedral, in a position dominating the valley and the gulf. Restored between the late twentieth century and the early 2000s, it is today visitable: a medieval balcony between the coast and the Lattari.
Tips
The castle is open to visits after the restoration: check days and hours on the channels of the Municipality of Lettere or the operators before going. It is reached by climbing towards the Lattari Mountains; the panoramic view repays the climb. Comfortable shoes are useful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Castle of Lettere?
A medieval fortress on the Lattari Mountains, built around the tenth century in defence of the Duchy of Amalfi, later enlarged by Normans, Swabians and Angevins; today restored and visitable.
What can you see at the Castle of Lettere?
The walls, the keep and the towers, the remains of the Romanesque cathedral and a wide panorama over the valley and the gulf.
Where is the Castle of Lettere?
At Lettere, on the Lattari Mountains, at about 340 metres of altitude, above the Vesuvian-Stabian coast.
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