The structure of the castle was based on a pentagonal tower placed at the higher top and a wall with a triangular plant leading down to the valley.

Historical sources confirm the existence of this castle (named "castrum Sculcule") during the battle of Tagliacozzo in 1268 between Conradin and Charles I of Naples.

The passage of the castle to the Colonna family in the 16th century didn't bring important changes to the configuration of the structure.

According to the style of Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the triangular plant reduce the number of sides to defend in case of sieges.

The defensive system survived also to the spread of firearms, with the presence of bunkers at the lower level to defend the castle from the attackers and thick walls able to resist to mortars.