The history of this fort is linked to the prominent figures who operated within it: wanted by Robert Guiscard, expanded by Frederick II, equipped with new towers by Charles I of Anjou and remodelled by Caracciolo and Doria.

The history of the castle of Melfi begins at the end of the eleventh century. Built in a strategic position by the Normans as a brilliant crossing point between Campania and Puglia, it was fundamental to defend against external attacks.

In Melfi, capital of the county of Puglia, there were five ecumenical councils organized by five different Popes. Among these, Pope Nicholas II decided to stay in this fortified fortress that became the hub of important events.
Treaties were signed and great events celebrated, so much so that the city experienced a rich period in which it was promoted capital of the Duchy of Puglia and Calabria.

The importance of the fort grew with the arrival of the Swabians, in particular with Frederick II who chose it as a residence and approved some important restorations.
The manor was the place of promulgation of the constitutions of Melfi, became the deposit of taxes collected in Basilicata and was also a prison that welcomed well-known names.

With the fall of the Swabians and the arrival of the Angevins, the manor underwent massive expansions and restoration works and was elected by Charles II of Anjou official residence of his wife Maria of Hungary in 1284.
Further modified by the Aragonese, it became property first of the Acciaiuoli, then of the Marzano, the Caracciolo and finally of the Doria.

The castle survived two violent earthquakes in 1851 and 1930, unlike other monuments in the city.