The fear of external attacks, the need for security, the search for protection—these are the primal sentiments that gave rise to Castel del Monte. A millennia-long story began when the inhabitants of the City of the Three Crowns, compelled to flee to defend themselves from the continuous raids of barbarians, sought refuge in a fortified center nestled among the mountains, giving life to the ancient "Ricetto," the first historical center at the top of the village. Studies, research, and archaeological excavations have unearthed the signs of a past that traces its origins to the Plain of S. Marco, a small karstic depression, the site of an ancient Roman pagus of the republic of Peltuinum.
Coins, stone inscriptions, funeral urns tell a story that started from the 11th century BC, while the superb architecture of the village keeps alive a more recent past. The works of art that the village preserves recall the various influences of the families that dominated it—the Counts of Acquaviva, the Sforza, the Piccolomini, and the Medicis, Lords of Florence who wrote two centuries of history. And still, the Bourbons until the Unification of Italy in 1861 when the village fell prey to brigandage. From the early 1900s, the development of a more modern city began, realizing important public works. In this historical scenario unfolds the life of a people of shepherds and farmers who managed to turn the difficulties of survival in a harsh and isolated territory into an opportunity for wealth, a richness still evident in the wonders they created.
The pre-Roman settlement on the Colle della Battaglia dates back to the battle between the Roman army led by Consul Bruto Sceva and Aufina (now Ofena) and the neighboring lands, including the legendary City of the Three Crowns (Titus Livius, Book VIII, 29).
At the end of the 8th century, the population gathered near the church of St. Marco, part of the possessions of the Volturnensi monks of St. Pietro ad Oratorium, giving life to the inhabited center of Marcianisci or Marzanisci.
In the 10th century, for defensive reasons, the population created a new settlement on the hill of St. Marco, east of the Plain, of which some remains still exist today.
Between the 11th and 12th centuries, to escape the raids of the barbarians, the population moved again and formed the original nucleus of Castel del Monte in the highest and oldest part of the village, the "Ricetto," which developed around the castle.
In 1223, the name "Castellum de Monte" appears for the first time in the papal bull of Honorius III.
In 1298, Corrado D'Acquaviva takes possession of part of the village and becomes its sole owner in 1315, following the transfer by Matteo D'Atri of his possessions.
In 1383, Castel del Monte is given in fief to Pietro, Count of Celano.
In 1474, the village becomes part of the possessions of Alessandro Sforza, and later passes to the Piccolomini.
In 1579, the Piccolomini sell Castel del Monte to the Medici family, the lords of Florence, who were excellent governors until 1743.
From 1743 to 1861, Castel del Monte is part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under Bourbon rule.
From 1861, with the Unification of Italy, the phenomenon of brigandage imposes a very secluded life on the village.
In the early 20th century, thanks to economic recovery, especially in sheep farming, numerous public works are realized.
After the two world wars, following a severe economic crisis, many residents of Castel del Monte emigrate to France, Belgium, Germany, America to work in factories and especially in coal mines.
