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Apulia castles, palaces and mansions

The Apulia region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Apulia region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Lecce - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Sedile

The construction dates back to the end of the 16th century on a previous building. It was built as a building for public meetings. The central part of the exterior is formed by an elegant arch above which there is a loggia with three refined arches. The volumetric shape outlined is provided by the four angular pillars. Inside it has shops that are rented by the municipal administration. The palace took on several roles over time as the seat of the City Hall, seat of the National Guard, and at the end of the nineteenth century, seat of the Civic Museum.

Apricena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castel Pagano

The castle is of nineteenth-century origins, even if it has been the subject of continuous restoration in recent years. Since it is a very ancient monument, it has been the scene of several important moments concerning the history of the area. In addition, the castle has passed into the hands of numerous owners. After the '600 it was used as a place of refuge by local shepherds, being in a state of neglect. Today you can see only the ruins, also available to the public.

Deliceto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Deliceto

The castle of Deliceto dates back to the 11th century and belongs to the Middle Ages. It is located in the municipality of Deliceto, in the province of Foggia, in Puglia. The castle had a triangular shape, but, after its reconstruction, it took the form of an irregular trapezoid. The building has special decorative architectural elements, typical of noble residences and is surrounded by picturesque villages. The castle welcomed noble families, such as Aragon. It is currently open to the public.

Manfredonia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Manfredonia

Historical news of the Castle of Manfredonia starts from the 13th century when the city was under the domination of the Angevin. It is assumed that Charles I requested construction on a previous structure consisting of rooms closed by walls with communication doors to the outside. In the Aragonese era, the structure of the Castle was transformed. In fact, a city wall was built that incorporated the previous structure and a pentagonal bastion was built that incorporated one of the circular towers.

Brindisi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Bastione Carlo V

The city of Brindisi owes its defensive system to the Romans and, then, to the Spanish family of the Aragonese. This system includes castles, doors and ramparts. Among the latter, it should certainly be mentioned that of Charles V, which has a typical structure of the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, with stubby fortresses and merloni and develops on a triangular plan. The ramparts are currently used by the Municipal Administration to promote exhibitions and events.

Mola di Bari - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Angioino

The construction of the castle was ordered by Charles I of Anjou between 1278 and 1281 in order to protect the coast from pirate attacks. The building has the form of a stellar polygon. Access to the castle is through a bridge. Inside there is a large hall, shaped like a trapeze, transformed today into a conference room. Charles I wanted the building to be a palace and home for the royal family. In the 16th and 17th centuries, within the structure, literary academies and a theater were housed.

Melendugno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello D'Amely

The Baronial Palace D'Amely, also called castle, looks like a large tower built in the second half of the 16th century on commission of Pompeo Paladini, seventh baron of Melendugno and Lizzanello. Access to the property was possible through a drawbridge. With the advent of the Barons D'Amely, the drawbridge was replaced with a masonry one surmounted by the noble emblem: two lions supporting a crenellated tower on their backs. Above the coat of arms stands the statue of the Immaculate Madonna.

Cavallino - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace or Castromedian-Limburg Castle is a construction from the second half of the 15th century. The interior, characterized by an atrium in which there is a statue in Lecce stone depicting the founder of the Castromediano family, houses vast rooms decorated with architectural elements typical of the Baroque period. Of particular artistic value are the gallery, whose cross vault is enriched by the symbols of the zodiac, the arms room and the living room.

Brindisi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa del Turista

The “Tourist House” is located in an ancient block, among the best known in the city. It is possible to trace spas that date back to the Roman period. The property hosted the headquarters of the Church of the Knights, during the Middle Ages. Previously, it was owned by the Templars. This is also evidenced by the Cross of Malta, located on the entrance. Today it is destined for tourist activities, thanks to the restoration carried out by the Municipality of Brindisi.

Altamura - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo De Angelis-Viti

Palazzo De Angelis-Viti is one of the most representative and best preserved examples of palaces of the type house at court. It is located near the Gate of Bari. The building has changed over the years. The initial part, that of the building building which includes the ground floor and the main floor, dates back to the beginning of construction, with also the entrance portal and the internal loggia. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the entrance portal was modified and the second floor was completed.

Brindisi - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Svevo o di Terra

The Swabian Castle of Brindisi, also known as Castello di Terra, is the oldest in the city. The construction of the castle began in 1227 at the behest of Emperor Frederick II. At the center of the trapezoidal courtyard stands the castle, surrounded by a high wall. The castle has six towers: two in circular shape, three with a square plan and one pentagonal. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it underwent reconstructions, keeping the original structure intact.

Corigliano d'Otranto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Corigliano

The Corigliano Castle is one of the most special architectural models found in the municipality of Corigliano d'Otranto. It was built in a quadrangular shape with four corner towers and surrounded by a deep moat. On the facade we can admire paintings by several famous people of the time. Between 1514 and 1519 the building was renovated by Giovan Battista de' Monti. In 1667 the structure passed to the Trani family who transformed it into a ducal palace.

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