The castle was first mentioned in the official documents of the Angevin Statute in 1274.
However, the fortifications likely date back to the Byzantine era, as evidenced by the construction techniques typical of the late Roman Empire, the surrounding walls, and the tunnel dug under the fortress.
The first complex was probably destroyed by the Arabs and later rebuilt during the reign of Charles I of Anjou.
Equipped with mighty walls and towers, it was built on the top of the Castle hill because its position allowed it to control a large area of territory.
The castle, which changed hands among several noble families, was named by the Santapau family and later owned by the Ruffo di Calabria family until 1812, when feudalism was abolished.
It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1693, leaving only a few towers, some internal walls and underground tunnels.
