Topographic Description

by Massimiliano Cantafio

The Castle of Nicastro rises on a cliff whose flanks are deeply cut by the rivers Canne and Niola. Such a position offered an optimal defense and allowed surveillance of the plain all the way to the sea. The structure is about 106 meters long and 60 meters wide at the widest points, and rises to a height that varies from 300 meters to 330 meters over sea level. At the highest point we find the fortress (A); after passing by the castle-keep, one arrives at a structural complex used for the defense of the principal route of access, formed by three circular towers (C, D, E). The whole structure reveals various phases of construction that were carried out in the course of centuries. The various elements of the whole construction are indicated by letters and analyzed individually.