In this article authors present the results of the on-site activities conducted throughout the year 2005. The two trenches opened during this season provided a good overview of the stratigraphical sequence. The late Medieval phases culminated in the erection of a large fortified complex during the Swabian and Angevin periods, when the hill was transformed into a huge fortress, enclosing a huge seigneurial residence. In the 12th century the site had already been used for defence purposes since it fell within the feudal domain of the Drengot family which, until 1137, had successfully challenged the authority of the Altavilla family, whose leader, Roger II, had become king of Sicily in 1130. However, the most interesting and unexpected result consisted in the discovery of a hilltop settlement on the Rupe Canina which existed well before the arrival of the Normans in Southern Italy. In fact, there is evidence of occupation on this site dating back to the late 10th century and further investigation will surely allow us to learn the details of these early settlement phases, as well as those of the development of the fortified complex. (A.M., XXXIII, 2006).