Landmarks
Landmarks of Legacy
Castles, Strongholds & Sacred Spaces of the House of Tortora Brayda
Scattered across the sunlit hills of Southern Italy, nestled in medieval villages and set against sweeping coastal vistas, stand the enduring testaments to the House of Tortora Brayda—castles, towers, convents, and ancestral strongholds that once echoed with the footsteps of nobles, knights, abbots, and ambassadors. These sites are not merely relics of stone and mortar; they are living chronicles of a family whose history has intertwined with the rise and fall of kingdoms, the patronage of the arts, and the guardianship of local heritage.
Many of these once-private estates have since been transformed into museums, cultural institutions, and protected national monuments, preserving centuries of Italian feudal, ecclesiastical, and architectural history.
In this section, we invite you to explore a curated selection of the most remarkable sites linked to the House of Tortora Brayda—each a monument not only to a storied past, but to the enduring beauty and identity of Italy itself.
Castello di Moliterno
Moliterno, Basilicata, Italy.
Castello di Moliterno
Moliterno, Basilicata, Italy
The origins of Moliterno are shrouded in antiquity, with archaeological and oral traditions suggesting continuous habitation since pre-Roman times. Situated in the heart of Basilicata, the town rose to greater prominence during the Norman conquest of Southern Italy. From 1059 to 1186, the Normans established dominion over the region, erecting the imposing Castello di Moliterno, which served both as a fortress and a symbol of feudal authority.
Following the Norman period, through strategic marriage alliances, Moliterno passed into the hands of the Swabian (Hohenstaufen) dynasty. It became a royal possession under Emperor Frederick II, known as "Red Beard," and later his son, King Manfred of Sicily. However, after Manfred's death at the Battle of Benevento in 1266, Moliterno fell under Angevin control, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its feudal history.
In 1269, King Charles I of Anjou formally granted the fiefdom and castle of Moliterno to Oddone (Oddo) Brayda, a Lombard baron from Alba in Northern Italy, who had distinguished himself as a General of the King's Cavalry. The grant is recorded in a royal diploma, which conferred upon Oddone "Castrum Moliterni cum hominibus et pertinentiis, torri et blandis contentis in eo" — the castle, its inhabitants, and associated lands. This act marked the beginning of Brayda dominion over Moliterno, which would last for 108 years, from 1268 to 1477.
During this period, the town endured repeated Swabian rebellions, and the Brayda family became central actors in the volatile politics of the Kingdom of Naples. After Oddone's death, his widow, Baroness Odolina Aimone d'Aquino—niece of Saint Thomas Aquinas—petitioned the king for recompense. In recognition of the family's loyalty and military service, she was granted the fiefdom of Sanseverino in Cilento.
In 1442, the ongoing conflict between Angevin and Aragonese factions culminated in the victory of King Ferdinand I of Aragon, who consolidated the Kingdom of Naples under his rule. Amidst the shifting tides of power, Ugo Brayda, a descendant of Oddone, reached an agreement with Ferdinand II of Aragon to cede the fief of Moliterno to Antonio Sanseverino, Prince of Salerno, in 1477—thereby closing the Brayda chapter in Moliterno's long and storied history.
Oddone Brayda remains a towering figure in this narrative. First mentioned in 1259 as Lord of Alba, he fought with distinction at the Battle of Tagliacozzo in 1268, where he aided Charles of Anjou in defeating Conradin of Hohenstaufen, the last legitimate heir of the Swabians. For his valor, Oddone was richly rewarded. He married Odolina d'Aquino in 1273, uniting the Brayda lineage with one of the most powerful and intellectually renowned families in the kingdom. Together, they had three children—Ruggiero, Margaret, and Oddone II, the latter of whom was born posthumously and placed under royal guardianship.
Today, Castello di Moliterno stands as a testament to centuries of dynastic warfare, chivalric loyalty, and noble ambition—a symbol of the House of Brayda's enduring legacy in Southern Italy.
Villa Tortora Brayda
Sant, Anastasia, Naples, Italy.
Situated in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, in the historic town of Sant'Anastasia, the Villa Tortora Brayda and its surrounding parklands stand as a testament to centuries of noble patronage, religious devotion, and architectural heritage. Adjacent to the villa is the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Arco, one of the most venerated Marian shrines in Southern Italy, founded in 1593 and known for its miraculous traditions and its role as the spiritual heart of the Dominican Monastery of Sant'Anastasia. For centuries, the sanctuary has drawn pilgrims from across the region, its devotion centered on a miraculous image of the Virgin believed to have wept and bled, giving the site its enduring sacred significance.
The villa and estate once belonged to the Muscettola family, illustrious nobles bearing the titles of Princes of Leporano, Patricians of Ravello, Counts of Picerno, and Dukes of Spezzano. The Muscettola line concluded when Lady Nicoletta Muscettola, the last of her house, married Lorenzo Boccapianola, Patrician of Naples and Bari, and a Peer of the Realm from the Dukes of Ripacandida. Their daughter, Margherita Boccapianola, inherited the full legacy of her lineage, and in marrying Carlo II Tortora Brayda, united three noble houses—Tortora, Muscettola, and Boccapianola. Their son, Francesco Tortora Brayda, bore forward this blended heritage, firmly anchoring the family's presence in the region's civic and religious life.
Today, the Villa Tortora Brayda and its park are under the care of the Municipality of Sant'Anastasia, which has preserved the estate as a public cultural space. A major restoration project is currently underway, supported by heritage funding and guided by the acclaimed Architect Antonella Marciano, with the aim of restoring the villa to its former architectural splendor. Together with the neighboring Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Arco, the villa forms part of a sacred and historical landscape, where noble tradition and religious devotion continue to converge at the foot of Vesuvius.
Castello di Arechi, Salerno
Salerno, Campania – From Roman Fortress to Lombard Citadel
Perched high above the Gulf of Salerno, the Castello di Arechi commands one of the most strategic and scenic views along the Tyrrhenian coast. The fortress traces its origins to circa 550 AD, during the final throes of the Gothic War, when the Byzantines erected the original Roman bastion as part of their campaign to reclaim Italy. The early structure featured a monumental central tower, likely rising five to six stories, dominating the landscape and asserting control over the vital coastal routes.
The castle took its present name and enduring form in the 8th century, when Prince Arechi II of Benevento, heir to the Lombard throne, significantly expanded and fortified the structure. His intent was to make Salerno the political and military successor to Benevento and to establish an impregnable citadel overlooking the new princely capital. Under Arechi's direction, the castle became a formidable defensive stronghold—an emblem of Lombard resilience and administrative ambition.
Its reputation for impregnability was put to the test in 1077, during the Norman siege led by Robert Guiscard. Though the castle withstood the initial assault, the Princes of Salerno, cut off and without supplies, were eventually forced to surrender. This moment marked the twilight of Lombard autonomy in the region. According to family tradition, this collapse prompted a branch of the princely house of Salerno to flee southward, taking refuge in Tortora, Calabria—a migration that would later connect to the early ancestral foundations of the Tortora Brayda lineage.
Today, the Castello di Arechi is not only a symbol of Salerno's medieval past but also a stunning cultural site, housing a museum of medieval artifacts and offering panoramic views that remind visitors of its once-crucial place in the geopolitical drama of Southern Italy.
Castello Longobardo di Laurino
Laurino, Provincia di Salerno, Italy.
Giovanni di Lamberto, also known as Giovanni of Laurino, was a 10th-century nobleman of distinguished lineage, descending from both Carolingian and Bavarian bloodlines. The son of Lamberto of Tuscany, Giovanni held the title of Count of Laurino, a strategically positioned stronghold in the Cilento region of Southern Italy. His tenure marked an era of noble patronage, religious endowment, and territorial rebuilding during a time of instability following Saracen incursions.
In the year 945 AD, Count Giovanni made a notable donation to the Monastery of Saint Benedict in Salerno, offering a forest on Mount Peloso and the Moriano Estate, located near what is today Irsina, in the province of Matera. This act not only demonstrated his piety but also affirmed the close alliance between Southern Italy's nobility and its monastic institutions, which served both spiritual and political functions during this era.
Following the second Saracen destruction of Laurino in 988 AD, Giovanni's family undertook the reconstruction of the city, reasserting their authority and resilience in the face of repeated invasions. It is believed that the original Castello di Laurino was erected during this same period—likely in the first half of the 10th century—as a fortified seat of the countship and a defensive bulwark for the surrounding region. Today, the ruins of the castle bear silent witness to the legacy of a family that restored order in a time of chaos and left a lasting mark on the territorial and ecclesiastical map of medieval Southern Italy.
Palazzo Casapesenna
Built over the Ruins of Castello delle Tortore
Tortora, Calabria. Italy.
Situated on Blanda Julia, and ancient roman town, subsequently fortified by the Byzantines, it became a Lombard domain as the Giffoni (or Cifoni/Jefuno) who descended from the Princes of Salerno fled Salerno and took refuge here, the first Lord of Tortora being Arnaldo Giffoni, son of Guamario (Waimar) and grandson of Guy (Guido) Duke of Sorrento.
Arnaldo redeveloped the older fortification and created a new fortress Castle. This in turn became frequented by turtledoves (Tortore in Italian), and became know as the Castle of the Turtledoves. Hence the change of name of the town from Blanda Julia to Tortora, and hence our family name. Over the centuries the Castle went into ruins and a Palace was built upon it. Eventually the family Vargas Machuca, Princes of Casapesenna took it over in 1824, under the Spanish Borbon Kingdom. The Palace bears the Arms of the last occupiers, the Princes of Casapesenna.
Castellammare di Stabia
(Subsequently Grand Hotel Quisisana)
Castellamare di Stabia,Campania. Italy.
Along the sun-drenched coastal road to Sorrento, in the historic town of Castellammare di Stabia, once stood the Casino Boccapianola—a grand neoclassical villa of noble elegance and refined hospitality. This stately residence was originally held by the Massamormile family, an esteemed Neapolitan dynasty, and was later acquired by the Boccapianola family, from whom it passed into the hands of the Tortora Brayda family in the late 19th century, becoming part of their broader portfolio of patrician estates along the Tyrrhenian coast.
The property's elegance and location soon attracted attention from beyond noble circles. After being sold by the family, the estate was transformed into what became the original Grand Hotel Quisisana—an icon of luxury and diplomacy. This hotel would go on to inspire and give its name to the more famous Grand Hotel Quisisana on the Island of Capri, a symbol of Mediterranean opulence and cultural convergence.
The villa also played host to royalty in exile: Empress Eugénie de Montijo, the Spanish-born consort of Napoleon III of France, found refuge within its walls during her period of displacement. The Empress—Doña María Eugenia Ignacia Augustina de Palafox-Portocarrero de Guzmán y Kirkpatrick—is remembered for her elegance, political insight, and tragic fall from imperial grace. Her presence at the estate immortalized its reputation as a sanctuary for grandeur, even in the twilight of empire.
Today, the legacy of the Casino Boccapianola endures as a footnote in the annals of European nobility, hospitality, and exile—a landmark where dynastic heritage and international history once quietly intersected under the gaze of Mount Vesuvius and the Mediterranean sun.
Castello Marchesale di Palmoli
Palmoli, Provincia di Chieti, Abbruzzo. Italy.
The Castle of Palmoli, dates from the 11th century and is located in the North side of the town named Le Coste, in the province of Chieti (Abbruzzo). The Castle guards the Treste river valley, where there were several water mills and faces the Sanctuary of St. Michele di Liscia. The structure includes a twelve-sided tower, probably constructed in the 16th century, as it incorporates a circular tower, still visible at the top. It was the fortified palace of famous Severino-Longo which became intertwined itself to Tortora Brayda through marriage, to whom the Title and Fiefdom of Palmoli went.
The area, formerly called Palmula Monteverde, has its roots in ancient times: around the year 1000 A.D. the local people, to defend themselves from the barbarian raids, took refuge on the upstream from the river Treste. There, in 1095 Pandolfo di Sangro built the earliest part of the Castle , around which he developed the city center. In in the 15th century the Castle was taken by Paolo di Sangro and the late eighteenth century by the Severino-Longo family, Marquis of San Giuliano and Gagliati, and Barons of Palmoli.
Gian Lorenzo inherited the fief and Castle through his union with Maria Severino Longo, whose parternal line had Ancient Roman roots and whose mother belonged to the very illustrious Carafa della Spina family.
His only son, Camillo Tortora Brayda, Knight of Malta, and in the Diplomatic career, was born in this Castle. He died without heirs, but passed the Titles and Captaincy of the family to Francesco Tortora Brayda, second son of Carlo II Tortora Brayda.
Castello di Bruzzano
(Castello di Armenia)
Bruzzano Zeffirio, Provincia di Reggio Calabria, Calabria. Italy.
Bruzzano Castle
Also known as Castello d'Armenia.
This Castle was conceived as a fortress in ancient times. It included residential areas, a private Chapel for the ruling Lords, and heavily fortified defenses.
Situated at the summit of the "Rocca Armenia", in the old town of Bruzzano. The castle, now in ruins, was built between the end of the tenth and the eleventh century. In 925 it became the headquarters of the Saracens. It was later, fief of Giovanni De Brayda 1270-1305, subsequently owned by Ruffo, Carafa and Aragon families. It was damaged by the earthquake of 1783 and further damaged by the earthquakes of 1905 and 1908. Numerous alterations, additions and stratifications were made in historical periods that succeeded from the Middle Ages until the early nineteenth century. Bruzzano castle, has a typical architectural style of the area and the historical periods in which the various parts were built.
Giovanni de Brayda, Count of Brayda, Ronsecco, Sanfre e Piobesi was born in 1240 A.D. from Oddone Brayda, of the ancient noble house of Brayda. He died in 1309 A.D. in city of Brayda.
Giovanni was a man of significant financial means, and as such was able to lend money to the Senechal of the Angevin Kings, Pietro de Vins. This earned him the Royal favor and he was granted the Castles of Sant'Albano, Bene, Cornegliano and Monforte. Following the example of other members of his family, Giovanni moved to the Kingdom of Sicily, after Charles of Anjou took over the crown. Perhaps he was part of the invasion force deployed by King Charles of Anjou.
He was named captain of Gaeta. Then in August 1267 he exercised the functions of Governor in Calabria, where the news of the imminent descent into Italy of Conrad of Hohenstaufen had blazed a wide revolt anti-Angevin revolt. In his role as Governor, Giovanni directed the military operations against the rebels, until Feb. 20 1268 he was replaced by Ponce de Blanquefort. In 1269 the king gave him the post of Governor of the Lands of Otranto, on the Adriatic. A province that hosted the military bases for Angevin expeditions to the East. Having completed that assignment, he was granted the land as a fief and the castle of Bruzzano Vetere in Calabria.
Castello di Mirafiori
Sommariva Perno, Province of Cuneo, Piemonte. Italy.
This castle based in Northern Italy, at Sommariva Perno near Cuneo, was known from 1153 A.D. when it was mentioned by Pope Eugenio III, who gave it as a fief to local Lords. In the latter half of the 13th century, around 1270, the Brayda family acquired the castle, marking a brief but notable chapter in its history. However, their tenure was short-lived; by 1282, the castle and associated lands were reassigned to the Isnardi family, a powerful lineage with roots in the Contado Venassino and significant influence in Asti. The Isnardi's acquisition was part of a broader pattern of feudal transactions and alliances that characterized the region during this period.
Perched atop the sun-dappled hills of Sommariva Perno, in the heart of Piedmont's historic Roero region, the Castello di Mirafiori stands as a testament to nearly a millennium of feudal authority, noble succession, and royal transformation. First mentioned in 1153 by Pope Eugene III, who granted the site as a fief to the local lords of "Summaripa," the castle began as a fortified outpost in a volatile borderland between rival communes and dynasties. Over time, it evolved from a defensive bastion into a noble residence, shaped by successive families including the powerful Isnardi, who held it from the late 13th century, and the Roero family, who consolidated its feudal domain in the early 17th century. Upon the death of Conreno Roero in 1623, the property passed to Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, who elevated it to a marquisate for Roero's widow, Caterina Asinari, thereby beginning a long-standing connection between the castle and the House of Savoy.
This connection deepened in the 19th century when King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy, Italy's first monarch after unification, purchased the castle and gifted it to his morganatic wife, Rosa Vercellana, Countess of Mirafiori, affectionately known as the "Bela Rosin." Under her stewardship, the estate was transformed into a refined royal retreat, frequented by the king and his circle as both a private residence and hunting lodge. This royal phase endowed the castle with lasting symbolic importance—marking it as not merely a feudal relic, but a quiet witness to the private life of Italy's first king. Though now under private ownership by the Gromis di Trana family and closed to the public, the Castello di Mirafiori retains its commanding presence and noble aura, its silhouette rising over the vineyards and woodlands of Cuneo as a silent monument to the aristocratic and monarchical history of Northern Italy.
Castello di Corneliano d'Alba e la Torre Medioevale
Corneliano d'Alba, Piemonte, Italy.
Castello di Corneliano
Constructed on the hill overlooking the city of Alba, the tower of the Castle of Corneliano imposes a sense of Medieval might. This powerful fort was built in the 12th century, and was designed using the latest architectural innovations. It had impenetrable defensive walls and numerous towers, according to local lore there were seven.
BRAYDA, Pietro de. Born in the early 13th century. Brother of Giovanni Brayda.
Pietro of the Lords of Brayda, had notable political influence and enabled Charles of Anjou, still at that time Count of Provence, to become Lord of Alba, which subsequently became a stronghold of Angevin rule. From then on The Brayda sealed an unbreakable partnership with the future King of Naples and Sicily.
Howver in the year 1276 A.D. the Anti-Angevin movement lead by the Marquis Guglielmo VII of Monferrato, meant that the Brayda family (and their military faction, known as the "Graffagnini") given that they were strong allies of King Charles of Anjou, had to be banned and exiled from Alba.
Pietro's nephew Goffredo de Brayda was forced therefore to handover his Castle of Corneliano d'Alba on May 19th 1278 A.D.
Although Charles d'Anjou was able to nominally negotiate the Castle back to the Brayda family only two years later, in practice, it was too late the Brayda had set forth on their long exile in the South of Italy together with Charles d'Anjou.
Upon the death of his brother in 1279 A.D. Wanting to lead a new offensive to reconquer Piemonte he went to the Royal Court in Naples to convince King Charles. He was followed by his entourage of Frankish officials, as well as some Guelphs from Northern Italy (including some of his family members). The Castle of Bruzzano Vetere, which was his brother's, returned to the Crown, but in exchange the King invested him with the Castle of San Marco, and the Palaces of Plancellario, Casalordo, and Chiusano. He was further nominated Governor of Basilicata.
Having convinced the King of pushing on a Military offensive in Piemonte in 1281 A.D. After a long siege from his opponent Tommaso I Marquis di Saluzzo, he finally forced him to give up the Castles of Corneliano and of Pollenzo, and therefore lost the entire Piemonte region.
After the death of Charles I of Anjou in 1285 A.D. and on the basis of numerous changes in political climate, in agreement with King Charles II of Anjou, Pietro sent his brother Berardo to go and negotiate a truce in Piemonte on Feb 2 1290 A.D. On June 30th of that same year a peace treaty was penned. The treaty provided for a return to the homeland for the Brayda family, in exchenge for their military support in the protection of the land, and their payment of taxes. In return they were to recover lands, Castles and property. In addition they were also given the Castle and the Villa of La Morra.
Despite the concessions, his loyalty to King Charles II led him to return to Naples and take on further Military and political missions. He died in 1309 A.D.
Palazzo Tortora
Pagani, Naples, Italy.
The Palace, is situated in via Marconi, is the last remaining aristocratic Palace that is characterized by frescoes wall paintings.
The building has been commercially redeveloped from one of local Palaces belonging to the Tortora family to offer apartments. The family Coat of Arms is still present over the central archway.
Palazzo Tortora degli Scipioni
Pagani, Naples. Italy.
This Palace was constructed in the second half of the 17th century by the Palatine Count Carlo Pignataro.
The property became a Tortora property, in the early 1800s through the union of Carmela Pignataro, a descendant of Count Carlo and Scipione Tortora.
Located on Via Marconi in the historic town of Pagani, just outside Naples, Palazzo Tortora is one of the last remaining aristocratic residences in the area that still preserves its original 18th–19th century frescoes. Once belonging to a branch of the Tortora family, a noble lineage deeply rooted in Campanian history, the palace is adorned with volcanic piperno stone, baroque balconies, and most notably, a vaulted entrance hall featuring the family coat of arms—a turtle atop three hills, symbolizing both heritage and territorial legacy.
First documented in connection with the Tortora family through heraldic frescoes and municipal archives, the palazzo was later subdivided into private residences, a common practice in Italy that balances modern use with historical preservation. Though no longer a single-family noble estate, the structure's architectural integrity and artistic flourishes remain, offering a rare and intimate look into Southern Italy's fading noble past. Today, Palazzo Tortora stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of the region's cultural identity, aristocratic lineage, and enduring artistic elegance.
Palazzo Tortora
Naples. Italy.
Palazzo Tortora in Naples is a monumental Palace located in salita Tarsia.
The Palace dates to the 16th century, and was once in a rural setting, the city then getting built up around it. In the 18th century it was redeveloped in the Baroque styling.
The Tortora Coat of Arms is presented over the vault.
There is an inner courtyard and a garden.
Castello di Leporano
(Castello Muscettola)
Torricella, Taranto, Puglia, Italy.
This Castle was built on the highest point of the city, and is characteristically designed as a sizeable fortress.
The oldest part was the square tower, dating to the Norman – Swabian period, circa 1300.
Although there were previous Lords, the Muscettola Princes developed a Church within it in 1617. The Muscettola family held the Castle until the death of the seventh and last Prince Giovanni Battista Muscettola, who died without heirs and his brother Francesco, who was the father of Nicoletta Muscettola, our direct ancestor. The Muscettola bloodline remains in Tortora Brayda.
The Castle was subsequently sold and is now owned by the local municipality and is used for cultural events.
Castello di Pulsano
Taranto, Puglia, Italy.
This castle originally built for the Lord de Falconibus circa 1430 A.D. Became a fiefdom of Sergio Muscettola, First Prince of Leporano, on June 17th, 1617.
The Muscettola family eventually moved to the Castle of Leporano (Castello Muscettola). The Muscettola family held the Castle of Leporano until the death of the seventh and last Prince Giovanni Battista Muscettola, who died without heirs and his brother Francesco, who was the father of Nicoletta Muscettola, our direct ancestor. The Muscettola bloodline remains in Tortora Brayda.
Palazzo Marchesale di San Giuliano
(Severino Longo)
San Giuliano in Sannio, Provincia di Campobasso. Italy.
This Palace was built in the 17th century over the remains of the castle. The tower which is visible on the right hand side was in fact from the old castle and was rebuilt by order of the Marquis Gian Lorenzo Tortora Brayda in 1902. Heading up the restoration work was Luigi Rucci, to whom we are grateful.
Gian Lorenzo inherited the fief and Castle through his union with Maria Severino Longo, whose parternal line had Ancient Roman roots and whose mother belonged to the very illustrious Carafa della Spina family.
His only son, Camillo Tortora Brayda, Knight of Malta, and in the Diplomatic career, was born in this Palace. He died without heirs, but passed the Titles and Captaincy of the family to Francesco Tortora Brayda, second son of Carlo II Tortora Brayda.
Palazzo Ducale di Fratta Piccola
Provincia: Napoli
Città: Frattaminore, via Roma
The Duke's Palace is a three story quandrangular building, with a court formation. In origin the lowest level provided for stables and warehousing, in subsequent centuries these were transformed in habitable quarters. On the gournd floor there was also a Chapel, there again the altar was moved in recent times to make more useable space. The Palace's Altar is now in the Church of Santa Annunziata, in Piazza Crispi.
Frattapiccola, with its ancient moat and castle was a feudal land from the 13th Century.
In 1750 the Castle and Town, under whose jurisdiction were the inhabitants of Frattapiccola passed on to the Carafa family Counts of Policastro, and then to the next Count of Policastro, Gian Lorenzo Tortora Brayda, and eventually to Francesco Tortora Brayda di Belvedere (1853-1930).
Castello di Taranto
Taranto, Puglia. Italy.
This Castle references Oddone Brayda, the same person who had the Castle of Moliterno above.
Oddone Brayda was appointed in 1275 Castellan of the castle of Taranto : the castle was completely restored under his direction. Oddone died near the end of this period, in early 1280 . The Castle of Taranto , called Castel Sant'Angelo , is located close to a ' natural depression of the ancient bed of rock above which stands the ancient city and is now basically a reconstruction of a previous Aragonese Norman – Swabian – Angevin fortress built on same location but having different characteristics since under Brayda it was a typical medieval castle with numerous tall towers and it was built over a previous Byzantine fortress that had the foundation resting on structures dating back to the greek period ( IV – III century BC ) .
Brayda, Oddone de. – Originating from a noble and powerful family from Alba, in Northern Italy, Oddone was born in the first half of the XIII Century.
His name is mentioned for the first time in 1259 when he became the Lord of the city of Alba.
He is recorded in the Chronicles as having participated in the battle of Tagliacozzo (23 ag. 1268) against Conrad of Hohenstaufen, earning special favor with Charles of Anjou, who rewarded him greatly. In 1269 the king granted him in fief the land of Moliterno Basilicata, confiscated from the Swabian rebels.
He had married in 1273 Odolina Aimone Aquinas, niece of Saint Thomas Aquinas, intermarrying with one of the most powerful families of the kingdom. From the marriage three children were born: Ruggiero, Margaret and Oddone, who was born after his father's death and was entrusted by the king to the tutelage of John of Bois.
Villa Rufolo
Ravello, Italy.
Rising above the Amalfi Coast in the medieval town of Ravello, Villa Rufolo is a jewel of Moorish-Gothic architecture whose layered history stretches from the 13th century merchant elite to the nobility of the early modern Kingdom of Naples. Originally constructed by the wealthy and cosmopolitan Rufolo family, the estate was later inherited and expanded by successive noble houses, including the Confalone, d'Afflitto, and notably the Muscettola family, Princes of Leporano, Patricians of Ravello, and Dukes of Spezzano. Under the Muscettola, the villa was reimagined not just as a fortified palace but as a refined aristocratic residence, with its lush terraced gardens and panoramic loggias becoming a symbol of cultivated life on the Amalfi Coast.
The Muscettola lineage, through its final heiress Lady Nicoletta Muscettola, connects directly to the House of Tortora Brayda. Nicoletta's marriage to Lorenzo Boccapianola, Patrician of Naples and Bari and Peer of the Realm, united the Muscettola line with the Boccapianola family. Their daughter, Margherita Boccapianola, would become the last of her name and marry Carlo II Tortora Brayda, thereby merging three distinguished houses—Muscettola, Boccapianola, and Tortora—into one noble lineage. This union not only transferred the bloodline, but with it, rights and symbolic ties to properties like Villa Rufolo, now celebrated not only for its historic architecture but also for its enduring place in Italy's noble genealogical heritage. Today, while the villa is owned by the municipality and open to the public, its legacy remains deeply entwined with the ancestral narrative of the Tortora Brayda family.