Castles of Puglia
Castel del Monte - Andria. Photo by: Regione Puglia
Castles of Puglia
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Puglia, the Land of Unexpected Fortresses
Puglia is an amazing treasure trove traversed by diverse civilizations, millennia-old cultures and arts that have left their distinctive mark on the imposing architecture: from the Classic Age to the present day, from the Romanesque to the Baroque. Traveling through the region reveals the differences between the north with its ancient Daunian and Medieval traditions evoked by castles and monasteries, and the south influenced by Magna Graecia and Byzantine rule. Imposing Romanesque cathedrals and majestic castles are cast amid enchanting villages and breathtaking landscapes. Its 865-km coastline is dominated by silent towers built over the centuries by Normans, Swabians, and Angevins.
Above all, Puglia is world renowned because of the imposing artistic expression of the very genius loci who goes under the name of Emperor Frederick II, the “boy of Puglia” who erected the region’s most iconic castle, or monument for that matter: Castel del Monte, near Andria. Across fields of orchids and hillsides abounding with wild herbs, vineyards, and olive groves, there lies the mesmerizing castle erected by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in 1240, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and a renowned masterpiece of medieval architecture. Castel del Monte is the very symbol of Puglia, its mysterious octagonal base sets it apart from all the other castles in Puglia and the rest of the world.
This unexpected journey in search of medieval castles and architecture may start from Lucera with the large Palatium, then heading to the majestic Castello Ducale of Bovino; or from the Swabian castle of Vieste soaring over the sea, to the Monte Sant’Angelo manor, with a 360° panorama. Further south, aside from the enigmatic Castel del Monte, there is the Norman-Swabian castle of Bari and the stately one in Gioia del Colle, a royal edifice with 100 doors.
Heading south, do not miss the castle of Gravina in Puglia where atop a hill, the impressive ruins of the hunting castle may be seen. In the Medieval village of Oria, one can admire the splendid castle that took center stage in Frederick II’s marriage to Yolande of Brienne, which is re-enacted in mid-August in a famed historical procession – the Torneo dei Rioni, or The Boroughs’ Tournament. Twenty kilometers away is the archaeological site of Castel Fiorentino, with ruins of the castle where Frederick II is said to have died.
Other stunning and unmissable castles across the region - from the Capitanata to the Terra di Bari and the Salento – are to be discovered in Manfredonia, Barletta, Trani, Sannicandro, Mola, Monopoli, Brindisi, Grottaglie, Taranto, Massafra, Lecce and Otranto. All along the 865 kilometers of coastline, it is well worth making a visit to the typical coastal watchtowers, still standing alone and scanning horizon today as they did hundreds of years ago: these are the silent companions for an alternative, coast-to-coast Puglian journey from the Ionian to the Adriatic seas. Happy discovery!
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Among Puglia’s Swabian fortresses, the Castle of Trani was the place where Manfred of Sicily (son of Frederick II) married Helena Angelina Doukaina.
One of the most interesting Swabian castles that Frederick II built in Southern Italy, the Castle of Trani stands by the sea in defense of the city.
The Castle is famous as the site where Manfred of Sicily, son of Frederick II of Swabia, chose to celebrate his wedding to Princess Elena d’Epiro (Helena Angelina Doukaina of Epirus). It retains its historic fascination, whilst also telling of knightly legends that have been passed down to us through the generations.
Nowadays, the Castle hosts many events, particularly during summer, including an evocative reenactment of Manfred's wedding that recreates the medieval atmosphere of the time.
The Swabian Castle of Brindisi
Overlooking the sea on one side, and the land on the other, the Castle of Brindisi testifies to the wonders of history.
Built by Frederick II in 1227 with materials from earlier buildings, the Swabian Castle of Brindisi, known also as “earth castle” stands in the heart of the city.
Its numerous modifications are linked to some of Italy's and Puglia's most important historical figures. One of these was Charles of Hapsburg, who in 1519 became the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and who fully reinforced the Castle.
During World War II, between September 1943 and February 1944, the Castle served as the residence of Italy's King Victor Emmanuel III, his wife Queen Elena, and General Badoglio. Having fled from Rome, they set up base in the Castle, thus making Brindisi Italy's temporary capital.
The Swabian Castle in Oria is a wonderful edifice built between 1225 and 1233 at the behest of Frederick II.
It is an imposing gem made of stone, watching over the inhabitants from the top of a hill, halfway between Brindisi and Taranto: the Swabian Castle in Oria is a wonderful structure built between 1225 and 1233 at the behest of Frederik II and, over the centuries, it has been inhabited by princes, knights and noblemen.
It has a triangular plan and is characterized by three towers called Quadrata (Square), Del cavaliere (of the knight) and Del Salto (Jump): the first one was built during the time of Frederik II, while the other two were erected under the Angevin domination.
According to a local tradition, the foggy atmosphere which shrouds the castle is not just a natural phenomenon, but it recalls something which happened during the construction of the castle, known as “Oria Fumosa”, foggy Oria.
The Aragonese Castle of Otranto
Watching over Italy's easternmost town, the Castle of Otranto is a fascinating fortress that keeps memory of past Saracen attacks, and heroic defense.
The Aragonese Castle, formerly Otranto's defensive stronghold, is now a beacon of culture and knowledge, hosting international exhibitions and events.
After having been damaged in 1067 during a siege, the fortress was repaired and modified. But it was after the historical Saracen attack of 1480 that the defensive structure was reinforced and equipped with bastions and cannon towers.
Wandering through the imposing walls and the various architectural details, there’s the towers (Alfonsina, Duchessa, and Ippolita), the Punta di Diamante (Diamond Tip) Bastion, and the Sala Triangolare. This Triangular Hall was created using innovative defensive techniques and is considered one of the most important examples of military architecture of that time.
The Aragonese Castle of Taranto
Thanks to its architecture, historical value, and extraordinary sea-facing location, the Aragonese Castle is one of Taranto's main attractions.
The Aragonese Castle, also known as Castel Sant'Angelo, is the main fortification in Taranto and marks the boundary between the old and the new part of the town.
The fortress was designed in the late 15th century by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, upon request of the Aragon King Ferdinand I of Naples, who wanted it for defensive purposes.
Placed on the seashore to guard the city's navigable canal, it was built over an earlier Norman structure, which was itself based on a stronghold that the Byzantines had constructed to protect themselves against the Saracens.
Of particular interest are the wide, short towers that emphasize the structure's defensive function. The Castle was used as a prison by the Habsburgs and today houses an Italian Navy base. It is often open to guided tours and used to stage exhibitions and events.