"Torrachese" feud

The little village and surrounding lands over the centuries were owned by many landowners.

The first mentioned name was Bartolomeo of Torraca, owner of lands and goods. Later in 1270 the feud passed into the hands of the noble Francesco Sanseverino, count of Lauria who gave it to Tommaso Monforte of Laurito.

Since the end of 1300, the feud was object of a long series of sales among the most illustrious owners. We remember the De Freda and the Gambacorta.

In 1599 the feud went into the hands of Decio Palamolla, baron of Scalea who moved to Torraca for the beauty of the place and for the favourable weather conditions. He was the first baron of Torraca and Sapri, which was a part of the “Torrachese” feud. Decio Palamolla married Brianna Gaetani and in the next three centuries other 7 barons of the same dynasty followed: Carlo, Vespasiano, Francesco, Biagio, etc…

In 1852 during a visit in Italy, Ferdinando II, King of two Sicilies (from 1830 to 1859), on the 27th of September with the ship “Carlo III”, landed in Sapri and was guest of Baron Biagio Palamolla in Torraca…

The King was welcomed with festive events: illuminations, shows, fireworks and dances.

On that occasions Baron Palamolla had a carriage as a gift, a sign of gratitude of King Ferdinando II.

As witness to the visit of King Ferdinand II, there is an inscription on the facade inside the castle. The words of the monument enhance the majesty of the King and underline the gracious hospitality of the inhabitants of Torraca. The inscription was placed in the castle by Biagio Palamolla, Marquis of Poppano, October 8, 1852.