Castle of Gioia del Colle

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castles

Castle of Gioia del Colle


Open to the public: Yes
Days: Tuesday to Sunday – Closed on Monday
Opening hours:
(Tue – Sun) from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM – (Last entry at 6:30 PM)

Castle tours are available every hour starting from 8:30 AM.
Maximum allowed visitors per time slot: 18 people.


Ticket:
Full ticket: € 5.00 (valid for both the Castle and the Archaeological Park of Monte Sannace).

Infopoint phone: +39 080.3481305

Address: Corso Domenico Morea, 70014 Conversano BA, Italy. (open in Google Maps).


Gioia del Colle Castle is an important historical landmark located in the city of the same name, situated in the Italian region of Puglia. Its history dates back to the medieval era and represents a symbol of power, defense, and culture.

The castle was built in the 12th century, during the Norman period, on the initiative of Robert Guiscard, one of the main figures of the Norman dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Sicily.

The castle primarily served a defensive function, strategically positioned to control communication routes and trade routes between the interior of Puglia and the Adriatic Sea.

Over the centuries, Gioia del Colle Castle underwent numerous modifications and expansions, reflecting the different dominations that followed in the region.

It came under the control of the Swabians, the Angevins, and the Aragonese, among others. During the Renaissance, under Spanish rule, the castle lost its military relevance and became a noble residence, undergoing restructuring and ornamental interventions.

One of the most notable moments in the castle’s history is linked to the figure of the Swabian Emperor Frederick II, who enjoyed spending time at his court in Gioia del Colle. In the 13th century, he promoted further restoration and embellishment work, contributing to the consolidation of the architectural structure that we can still admire today.

Today, Gioia del Colle Castle is open to the public and hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and shows. Its architecture reflects various historical phases, with medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

The castle is a landmark for local history and an important tourist attraction, showcasing the rich history and heritage of the Puglia region.


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Norman-Swabian Castle of Bari

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castles

Norman-Swabian Castle of Bari

Open to the public: Yes
Days: Every day except Tuesday
Hours: From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Ticket:
Full ticket: € 6.00 – during exhibitions € 9.00
Reduced ticket: € 2.00 – during exhibitions € 3.50 (Adults over 65 and youths aged 18 to 25)
Free admission: Children and youths up to 17 years old.

Infopoint phone: +39 080.886.9304

Address: Bari; Federico II di Svevia Square. (open in Google Maps)

The Norman-Swabian Castle of Bari is an imposing fortress located in the heart of the city of Bari, in Apulia, Italy. Its history is rich and complex, reflecting the various phases of domination and control the region has undergone over the centuries.

The construction of the castle began in the year 1132, by the order of the Norman king Roger II of Sicily. The main objective was to strengthen Norman control over the city of Bari and the surrounding region.

However, construction works continued for decades, involving various rulers and evolving from an initially Norman project to a subsequently Swabian one.

In 1156, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, belonging to the Swabian dynasty, took control of the castle and further expanded it.

During the Swabian period, the castle underwent additional modifications and was transformed into a royal residence, reflecting the typical architectural style of the era.

Over the succeeding centuries, the castle changed hands and underwent various transformations. It was used both as a royal residence and a defensive fortress during conflicts and wars that affected the region.

During the Aragonese period in the 15th century, the castle lost part of its defensive role due to developments in military strategies and technologies.

Throughout the centuries, the castle suffered damages and underwent restoration, adapting to the needs of successive epochs. In the 19th century, the castle underwent significant restoration under the influence of King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

Today, the Norman-Swabian Castle of Bari is an important historical and tourist site, visited by thousands of people every year. The castle has undergone further restoration and conservation efforts over the years to preserve its historical authenticity and unique architecture.

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Most Beautiful Castles in Puglia

Castles Le

Castles of Lecce and Province


The province of Lecce, situated in the Italian region of Puglia, is known for its rich history and architectural heritage, which also includes several castles of great beauty and historical significance.

Here is a brief historical overview of some of the most beautiful castles in the area:

(1) Otranto Castle: Located in the coastal town of Otranto, this castle has ancient origins dating back to the Roman period. However, the current structure is mainly the result of modifications and renovations carried out by the Normans and the Aragonese. The castle is known for its strategic position along the coast and for the chapel inside, with its medieval frescoes.


(2) Acaya Castle: This imposing castle is located in the municipality of Vernole, not far from Lecce. Built in the 16th century by the Acaya family, it features a majestic fortified structure with a double curtain wall, towers, and bastions. The castle was designed for defensive purposes and was also used as a noble residence.


(3) Copertino Castle: In the center of the town of Copertino stands the Castle of Copertino, also known as Castello De Falconibus. This castle dates back to the Middle Ages and has been expanded over the centuries. It is famous for its imposing architecture and for having been the residence of the famous saint and theologian, Saint Joseph of Copertino.


(4) Castro Castle: Located in the municipality of Castro, along the Adriatic coast, this medieval castle stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Originally built for defensive purposes, it was later renovated and used as a noble residence. Today, despite being largely in ruins, the castle still attracts many visitors due to its panoramic location.


(5) Corigliano d’Otranto Castle: This castle is located in the municipality of Corigliano d’Otranto and is one of the best-preserved in the province. Its construction dates back to the 14th century and combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. The structure is characterized by towers, inner courtyards, and mighty walls.


(6) Gallipoli Castle: Located on the coast, in the heart of the town of Gallipoli, this castle is also known as Sant’Agata Castle. Its origins are uncertain, but it is likely to have been built by the Byzantines or the Normans. Over the centuries, it has undergone modifications and expansions. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

These are just some of the most beautiful and interesting castles in the province of Lecce.


Each of them tells a part of the fascinating history of this region, with its cultural and architectural influences that have layered over the centuries.

Most Beautiful Castles in Puglia

Castles Br

Castles of Brindisi Province


Brindisi, a city located in the Italian region of Puglia, boasts a rich and fascinating history that is also reflected in its castles. Here is a brief historical overview of some of the most beautiful castles in Brindisi:


(1) Alfonsino Castle: Built in the 15th century by order of King Alfonso of Aragon, Alfonsino Castle is an imposing fortress located on the coast, designed to defend the city from enemy incursions coming from the sea. With its impressive architecture and strategic location, the castle has become a symbol of power and royal control.


(2) Swabian Castle: This castle dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Swabians, a German dynasty that ruled over southern Italy. Swabian Castle played a crucial role in the city’s defense and has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. Today, it is an important historical and cultural landmark of Brindisi.


(3) Castle by the Sea: Located along the coast, Castle by the Sea was built during the 16th century to defend the port of Brindisi from maritime threats. This castle features a pentagonal structure and throughout its history has been used for various purposes, including military defense and as a prison. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibitions.


(4) Mesagne Castle: Although not directly situated in Brindisi, Mesagne Castle, a short distance away, deserves a mention. Dating back to the 11th century, it is an exceptional example of Norman medieval architecture and serves as a testament to the historical past of the region.


(5) Dentice di Frasso Castle: This castle, dating back to the 16th century, was built by the Dentice di Frasso family, a local noble family. It is located in the town of Carovigno, near Brindisi, and features a combination of architectural styles including Gothic and Renaissance.

Each castle in Brindisi carries a unique story and offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the fascinating past of the city and the surrounding region.

Today, these castles are not only witnesses of their era but also important cultural and tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the world.