In the heart of San Martino in Pensilis stands the majestic
Baronial Palace, commonly known as the “Castle”, an imposing
structure that testifies centuries of history, transformations and noble homes. Probably dating from the eleventh-twelfth century, the building has the typical characteristics of the Norman castra with a defensive function and dominant position on the town. Its original layout has been indirectly documented in the Cassinese registers of Pietro Diacono that mention the ancient gates of the walls including the “Portella” and the “Porta San Martino”.
The history of the palace is closely linked to the figure of
Ferdinando De Capuafourth Duke of Termoli, who chose it as a residence for the health of the air and proximity to the coast.
Today the property is divided between the Town Hall and the Tozzi family, custodian of its most fascinating part, still charged with the original charm.
Over the centuries, the Palace has undergone profound
changes, especially during the reign of Frederick II, who favored imperial castles by dismantling local fortifications. A further transformation is documented in the fifteenth century, when the palace lost the circular towers of Anjou era, as observed by the historian Giambattista Masciotta.
A precious manuscript from 1590, once kept in the Convent “Jesus and Mary” and now disappeared, describes the palace as a “comfortable and impregnable fortress”equipped with drawbridge, ditch and double system of gates with massive merlons and defenses. The entrance was via a shed (ramp), now replaced by a staircase on Largo Baronale, leading to the inner courtyard and the many rooms.
The current structure is spread over three levels and extends for about 1,600 square meters, influencing the urban layout of the historic center. The oldest core seems to be identified in the building overlooking Piazza della Vittoria, characterized by shoe counter and obvious signs of nineteenth-century alterations in the lower openings.
The part belonging to the Tozzi family is the best preserved and represents the noble heart of the palace: an elegant residence, witness of the taste and prestige of a house that has counted composers, intellectuals and military. Visiting it means taking a trip back in time, discovering the aristocratic and military history
of Molise.