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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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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Aragonese Castle of Conversano

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Aragonese Castle of Conversano


Open to the Public: yes
Days: Tuesday to Sunday – Closed on Monday
Hours:
(Tue – Fri) from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM – from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
(Sat – Sun) from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM – from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM


icket:
Full Ticket: € 5.00

Infopoint Phone: +39 080.4958525

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


In the heart of Apulia, among the olive trees and ancient cobblestone streets, stands the Aragonese Castle of Conversano, a tangible testimony to centuries gone by. Its history, intertwined with the fate of noble families and rulers, is a journey through political upheavals and human events that have marked this land.

Its first stones were laid in the eleventh century, when the Normans ruled Southern Italy. Initially conceived as a defensive fortress, the castle soon became the focal point of conflicts between powerful dynasties. In the thirteenth century, it came under the control of the Swabians and later the Angevins, who transformed it into an impenetrable stronghold with majestic towers and formidable walls.

However, it’s the era of the Aragonese that bestowed much of its current structure upon the castle. In the fifteenth century, King Ferdinand I of Aragon initiated an ambitious renovation, giving the castle a sumptuous and regal appearance. It was then that the castle assumed its unmistakable grandeur, with inner courtyards, frescoed rooms, and secret passages.

The historical events of the castle often intertwined with the destiny of the Caracciolo family, who owned it for centuries. The presence of this noble family has left an indelible mark in the elegant rooms and flower-filled courtyards of the castle. During the Renaissance, the castle became a center for cultural and intellectual events, welcoming artists, poets, and scholars.

But like every place steeped in history, the Aragonese Castle of Conversano also hides its dark secrets. Stories of court intrigues, betrayals, and forbidden passions seem to still resonate within the stone walls. It’s said that on some nights, when the moon shines high in the sky, whispers of ancient loves and distant laughter can be heard.

Today, the castle is a living museum, a place that preserves ancient weapons, precious tapestries, and works of art that narrate the history and heritage of this land. As you stroll through its halls and admire the breathtaking panorama from the top of the towers, it’s impossible not to perceive the layering of centuries of life that have unfolded in this place.

The Aragonese Castle of Conversano is much more than a tourist attraction. It’s a tangible fragment of history, a window that opens onto distant epochs and lives lived intensely. In every smoothed stone and faded fresco, the soul of those who built, inhabited, and loved it over the centuries is hidden.

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Most Beautiful Castles in Puglia

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Castles of Foggia and Province


The province of Foggia, located in the Puglia region, Italy, is rich in history and captivating castles that bear witness to the past of this land.

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

(1) Lucera Castle: This castle, situated in the city of Lucera, dates back to the Roman era and was later expanded and renovated by the Swabians and the Angevins. It was an important strategic center during the medieval period and hosted various rulers and nobles. Today, it is possible to visit its imposing walls and some of the original towers.


(2) Manfredonia Castle: Built in the 13th century by the order of Emperor Frederick II, the castle is located in Manfredonia, overlooking the sea. It played a crucial defensive role over the centuries, undergoing various architectural modifications. Today, a part of the castle houses the National Museum of Manfredonia.


(3) Bovino Castle: This castle is located in the charming town of Bovino and is an example of medieval architecture. Built around the year 1000, it has undergone various transformations over the centuries. Its walls offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.


(4) Deliceto Castle: Situated in the town of Deliceto, the castle of Deliceto dates back to the Norman era and has undergone various stages of architectural development over the centuries. Its imposing towers and walls are a characteristic attraction of the area.


(5) Troia Castle: Built by the Swabians in the 12th century, Troia Castle is located in the city of Troia. It is known for its impressive structure and panoramic position. During the medieval period, it played an important role in disputes among various local factions.


(6) Orsara di Puglia Castle: This medieval castle is located in Orsara di Puglia and is characterized by well-preserved towers and walls. It is one of the historical symbols of the area and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.


These are just a few examples of the most beautiful castles in the province of Foggia. Each castle has a unique history and represents a valuable testimony of the past of this fascinating Italian region.