Castles in Puglia
Published: October212019

Castles in Puglia

discovering the Imperial Apulia

A selection of Castles in Puglia

Puglia has a great history, and over centuries it has been occupied by many governors: the countless architectural and cultural influences prove it.

History enthusiasts will surely appreciate the traces of its dominions revealing almost in every city of this region – even in the smallest town!

Get into the Imperial Apulia starting from its biggest treasure, a selection of the most suggestive and well-preserved Castles in Puglia.

Castello Svevo of Bari

The Svevo Castle of Bari was originally erected in 1131, but it was rebuilt and fortified by the will of Frederick II of Swabia in 1233. It holds inside the Gipsoteca, a collection of sculptures and carvings of the most important monuments and cathedrals in the whole of the Apulia region.

Almost every time of the year you can find temporary exhibitions inside the rooms of this place full of medieval history.

This Swabian Castle is very close to the old city and the waterfront. You can reach it on foot from Bari main train stations, walking on the famous Via Sparano and then on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, or by taking a bus that leaves from Piazza Aldo Moro.

Castello Acquaviva D’Aragona of Conversano

While outside the Acquaviva D’Aragona Castle you can still see the large cylindrical tower of the fourteenth century: the main one dates back to the Norman age; if you notice well, it rises on pre-existing megalithic natural stones.

Don’t be tempted to get in from the square Piazza Castello, but go to Piazza Della Conciliazione and get the honor to enter through a 1710’s door of Baroque style. Inside the Castle, you can also visit the Pinacoteca Comunale, the municipal art gallery that holds the 17th-century paintings of the Gerusalemme Liberata of Paolo Finoglio.

The Castle is in the heart of the city. You can get to Conversano arriving at the Railway Station, which is connected to almost all the main towns of Puglia.

Castello Aragonese of Taranto

With its suggestive proximity to the sea, in 1594, the Aragonese Castle has been essential to repel the Turkish assault. Then, in the years, it has been used as a prison and as a barracks.

The Marine Army has started the restoration of the fortress interior to bring it back to its original configuration: the real first walls and floors will soon see the light. Thanks to military management, guided tours are free of charge and available every day.

The Castle is located on the Small Island that encloses the old village connected to the city center by a beautiful swing bridge, built-in 1886 and then renewed in 1958. 

All the island is easily reachable by foot from the Main Railway Station of Taranto that is well connected to the rest of the region.

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is an impressive 13th-century octagonal-shaped structure that stands on a hill near Andria and probably the most unique of the castles in Puglia.

On each corner of the Castle, there are eight towers octagonal-shaped as well. The structure has two floors connected with three spiral staircases inserted in like many towers. For its masterful architectural details and for its magical charm, the Castle became one of the prestigious Unesco World Heritage Site.

This Castle is located just 20 minutes away from Andria. We suggest you rent a car and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that surround this area.

Castello Aragonese of Otranto

Walking on the walls of Aragonese Castle of Otranto will take you back in time through the small narrow streets of a typical medieval village, surrounded by thick layers of stone.

The construction of the Castle dates back to the end of the 15th century. The structure has a trapezoidal shape, with a more extended side facing the sea. The Castle continues even in its mysterious underground passages made of tunnels, deep holes.

We recommend you to start your journey from the waterfront: if you have a car, you can park near this area. You can reach Otranto also by hopping on a train.

Castles in Puglia are just a part of the historical heritage of the region.

Plan your trip to the south of Italy now to discover the whole Imperial Apulia!

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