Castello Aragonese (Taranto)
Puglia
Castello Aragonese in Taranto, Italy, is a historic fortress originally built on the site of ancient Greek fortifications dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. The current structure was commissioned in 1496 by King Ferdinand II of Aragon to protect the strategic connection between Taranto's old town peninsula and the mainland. Designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the castle features a distinctive seven-towered layout adapted for artillery defense, replacing earlier medieval designs. Over the centuries, it served various roles including repelling Ottoman attacks, functioning as a prison under the Habsburgs, and later reverting to a military fortress during the Napoleonic era. The fortress underwent significant changes in the late 19th century to accommodate a navigable canal and a rotating bridge, resulting in the demolition of several towers. Today, the Italian Navy occupies the site and has undertaken restoration and archaeological work since 2003, revealing Byzantine-era fortifications. Visitors can explore the castle's vast courtyard, the chapel of San Leonardo with its medieval carvings, and remnants of its defensive architecture, making it a unique cultural and historical landmark with panoramic views over the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Castello Aragonese is during spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully appreciate the castle's rich history and architecture. Visitors should check the official website or contact the site for current opening hours and any special events. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to uneven surfaces and the castle's expansive layout.
Interessante Fakten
- •The castle was originally built on the site of Greek fortifications from the 3rd and 4th centuries BC.
- •Its seven-towered design is attributed to Renaissance architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini.
- •The fortress successfully repelled an Ottoman attack in 1594.
- •Several towers were demolished in the late 19th century to allow construction of a navigable canal and the Ponte Girevole (rotating bridge).
- •The chapel of San Leonardo inside the castle contains medieval carvings of a saint bishop and a warrior, as well as the coat of arms of Philip II of Spain.
- •The castle served as a prison during the Habsburg rule and held notable prisoners such as French generals Thomas-Alexandre Dumas and Jean-Baptiste Felix de Manscourt du Rozoy in 1799.
Geschichte
The first fortification on the site dates back to 780 AD when the Byzantines built a defensive 'Rocca' against Saracen and Venetian attacks.
In 1496, King Ferdinand II of Aragon commissioned Francesco di Giorgio Martini to redesign and expand the castle into a modern artillery fortress with seven towers.
Over time, the castle adapted to changing military technologies and political regimes, serving as a prison under the Habsburgs in the 18th century and reverting to military use during the Napoleonic period.
Significant structural changes occurred in the late 19th century to facilitate a canal and rotating bridge, resulting in the removal of several towers.
Since 1883, the Italian Navy has occupied the fortress and initiated restoration efforts in the early 21st century to preserve its historical legacy.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Central Courtyard15th century
A vast open space at the heart of the castle, surrounded by the quadrangular walls and towers, serving historically as a gathering and defensive area.
Chapel of San LeonardoMedieval period (exact date unknown)
A small chapel inside the castle, reconsecrated in 1933, featuring medieval stone carvings depicting a saint bishop and a warrior, as well as the Spanish coat of arms.
Defensive Towers1496
Originally seven towers formed the castle's main defensive structures, four forming a quadrilateral and three aligned along the moat leading to Mar Piccolo.
Kontakt
Telefon: 099 775 3438