Swabian Castle of Trani

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Swabian Castle of Trani:


Open to the public: Yes
Days: Wednesday; Thursday; and Saturday.

Closed on Monday and Tuesday


Hours:
(Wed – Thu – Sat) from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM – (Last entry at 1:00 PM)
(Friday) from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM – (Last entry at 7:00 PM)
(Sunday: from December 5th) from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM – (Last entry at 1:00 PM)


Ticket Cost:
Full ticket € 5.00
Reduced ticket € 2.00 (ages 18-25)


Infopoint Phone: +39 0883.506603

Address: Piazza Re Manfredi, 16, 76125 Trani BT, Italy. (open in Google Maps )


The Swabian Castle of Trani is one of the most important and well-preserved medieval castles in Southern Italy. Its history dates back to the Norman period when the city of Trani became a significant commercial and port center in the Mediterranean.

  • Norman Foundation: The castle was built in the 12th century during the reign of Frederick II of Swabia, who ruled the Kingdom of Sicily between 1194 and 1250. Its strategic location by the sea made it an important defense point against enemy incursions, especially those of the Saracens.
  • Architecture: The Swabian Castle of Trani is an example of Norman and Swabian military architecture. It is primarily constructed with local limestone and features a rectangular shape with corner towers. The castle is surrounded by a moat and has an imposing drawbridge. Inside, the rooms are arranged around a central courtyard.
  • Use Over the Centuries: Over the centuries, the castle served various purposes. During the Swabian period, it was a strategic military fortress. Later, under the rule of the Aragonese and the Bourbons, it was used as a prison. During the Napoleonic period, it was repurposed as a barracks, and more recently, it was used as a private residence.
  • Restoration and Conservation: Over the years, the Swabian Castle has undergone numerous restoration works to preserve its historical structure. Today, it is open to the public and houses the Civic Museum of Trani, which displays a rich collection of archaeological artifacts, medieval objects, and artworks.
  • UNESCO Heritage: In 1996, the Swabian Castle of Trani was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the “Castles of Puglia” serial site, along with other medieval castles in the region.

The Swabian Castle of Trani is thus a testament to the rich history of the city and its strategic importance over the centuries. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a place of historical and cultural interest that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the medieval history of Southern Italy.

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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