Castles and Lords
Arévalo Castle (Ávila)
Castillo del Temple, en Castilla y León
City walls (Lugo)
Loarre Castle (Huesca)
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Arévalo Castle (Ávila)
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Castillo del Temple, en Castilla y León
Kings and queens, princesses, knights, vassals and pages, what today are storybook figures were once part our world. Spain might be compared to a great chessboard, with more than 6000 castles, towers, palaces, fortresses and watchtowers set upon it; defensive pieces of the Peninsula’s towns and beaches that entertain children and adults while recreating history.
To visit Spain’s castles is to step back into the history and culture of the peoples of Europe: Greeks, Romans, Celts, French, English and Turkish. Standing far from the main roads with their Keeps ever watchful on the hilltop, they seem still to defend themselves from the passage of time, which has left its mark on many of them. There are medieval castles, many of which were built as the Christian Reconquest gained strength and designed as a place of refuge for the townspeople; there are Renaissance and Baroque constructions as well, and fortified towers built opposite the sea to prevent attacks by the Berbers or, in the 16th and 17th centuries, from the fearsome pirates who assaulted the coasts.
If this were a legend, what better way to begin it than with the Alhambra of Granada? A true fortified city surrounded by palaces, fountains and gardens right out of A Thousand and One Nights. The Alhambra--for which King Boabdil wept after turning over the city of Granada to the Catholic Kings. Then you might turn your steps towards the Castle of Mondújar, now in ruins, where his wife was buried.
Also of Arabic origin are the Castle of Calatayud (Zaragoza), conquered by Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, el Cid Campeador, after his exile from the Castilian court. The battle is described in the Cantar de Mío Cid; the fortress of Mérida, built on the order of Abderramán II, with its imposing walls and lovely cistern conserved in the center of the building; or the Palace of the Aljafería in Zaragoza, converted into a fortified palace by Abu Jafar.
The Middle Ages saw the rise of knights and knightly orders throughout the Peninsula such as the Knights Templar, much feared for their strength and daring in battle. It is said that the Castle of Ponferrada, the most widely known medieval fortress in Spain, is linked to the castles of Cornatel, the Castle of Monforte de Lemos (Galicia), and the Monastery of Carracedo by tunnels, by which the Templars fled when they were under siege. The Order of Calatrava had its headquarters in the Castle-Fortress of Calatrava la Nueva (Ciudad Real), which was one of the largest buildings of its type in Spain.
Perhaps the most important of the medieval castles, however, is the Castle of Loarre (Huesca). Built on the order of Sancho Ramírez I of Aragon upon the remains of a Roman building, this castle served as a royal palace until the 12th century, when it was converted into a convent of the Order of St. Augustine.
The history of the Castle of Arévalo (Ávila), which is surrounded by the signature ochre-toned landscape of Castile, is linked to the history of poor Blanca of Bourbon, daughter of the Duke of Bourbon and Isabel of Valois. Three days after marrying Pedro I “the Cruel”, he abandoned her for another: María de Padilla.
During the Renaissance, Spain’s castles underwent important modifications to their structures as it was necessary to resist the widespread use of firearms. They were made smaller with rounded towers, and spaces were made in the walls for canons. Examples of these modified castles include those of Berlanga de Duero (Soria), a fortified city that, if at one time served to protect the Christian advance to the south, was transformed in the 16th century to a lordly residence; the Castle of the Counts of Cabrera in Chinchón (Madrid), and the 16th-century Castle of Grajal de Campos (León), an artillery fortress par excellence. It has a large quadrangle protected by towers at each angle, as well as many circular lookout points opened in the walls that are crowned with parapets and battlements.
It was Rodrigo de Mendoza, Marquis of Cenete and son of the great Cardinal Mendoza, who had La Calahorra (Granada) built, This is a fantastic construction in the purest sense of the word, isolated in the middle of a bleak plateau with Las Alpujarras Mountains as its backdrop. This fortress’s rather inhospitable exterior hides a Renaissance palace containing all of the amenities of that era.
The coasts of Spain are scattered with castles and watchtowers, always on the alert for attacks by sea from pirates and enemy ships. In A Coruña, the Castle of San Antón is famous for fiercely defending the city from the bloody attacks of English pirate and privateer Sir Francis Drake, who was eventually forced to flee by María Pita, the city’s heroine. The Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante has repelled French, English, Arabs and even the Cantonalist or decentralist rebels of Cartagena (Murcia) from its coasts.
Spanish Castles: My Pick of the Most Impressive Castles in Spain
Spanish castles are incredibly special when compared to the rest of Europe. Dusty, hidden and often under-visited, they've a romance unmatched anywhere else in Europe.
Interestingly, too, castles are at the heart of Spanish identity.
As you may know if you've ever or visited Spain, Castile y Leon is the central province of the country.
Hence Spanish speakers in Spain and Latin America often refer to Spanish language not as 'Español', but as 'Castellano' (Castilian).
Where does the word 'Castile' come from? It means 'castle' (castilla) - so called because of the number of Spanish castles in the early days of the country.
Everything About 'Alcazars': Muslim Fortresses Adapted By Spanish Invaders
Alcazar Castles. (Credit)
In the years between 711 and 1492, the southern parts of Spain were occupied by the Moors - Muslims from North Africa. These territories, named Al-Andalus (today, the Spanish region of Andalucia), became peppered with Muslim forts and strongholds, inspired by building styles in Morocco and Northern Africa.
Many of these fortresses became to be called Alcazars, which was Arabic for fortress (al-qasar).
However, these Muslim fortresses were eventually overtaken by the Spanish. Between 711 and 1492, Spanish Catholics engaged in a piecemeal 'reconquista', attempting to expel the Moors to Africa. Progress was unsteady but, in 1492, the last stronghold - the city of Granada - fell. With that, Catholic belief had reconquered Spain.
The Moorish Alcazars are, resultantly, an amazing glimpse into Muslim Spain. I've visited the greatest of these Spanish castles, including the Alcazars of Cordoba and Seville. . .
The Alcazar de Segovia: the most famous of all Spanish castles
El Alcazar de Segovia.
On first impressions, the Alcazar de Segovia is reminiscent of something from a story-book.
This castle was once a Muslim fortress, which became extended and strengthened over time into one of the most important castles in the whole of Spain.
Today, the perfectly pointed turrets draw visitors from all around the world, who marvel at its Disney-esque good looks (it's said that the castle was inspiration for Walt Disney World).
It's certainly one of the most beautiful and interesting of all Spanish castles. Read more about the Alcazar de Segovia. . .
The Alhambra, in Granada, Spain: my favourite historical site in the world (no, really!)
Alhambra, Granada.
In my opinion, the most magnificent of the Spanish fortresses is the Alhambra, in Granada, Spain. The Alhambra is a stunning 'Red Fort' surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada - and was the 'last outpost' of the Moors, before the fortress fell to the Spanish in 1492.
The Alhambra has an irresistible air of magic. That's because everything is enchanting - from the spray of water in the cool, tiled courtyards, to the elaborate Arabic stucco-work that covers the walls of the Muslim palaces within the fortress.
Nowadays, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of the foremost tourist attractions in Spain. It's definitely a must-see on any European itinerary. Read more about visiting the Alhambra. . .
A History of Spanish Castles: Exactly Why They're So Special
The amazing history of Spanish castles is what makes them so unique. In 711, the Spanish peninsula was invaded by Muslims ('Moors') from North Africa.
With them, the Moors brought artistic, architectural and religious influences that were unknown in early Medieval Europe.
They also bought with them the knowledge and skills to build supremely defensive forts and palaces. The Moors set up an advanced modern society in the south of the Spanish peninsula and called it 'Al-Andalus' - which is now the Spanish province of Andalucia.
The beautiful palace of the Alhambra, Granada, Spain, looking out across the Spanish city.
Of course, Medieval times were marked by two things: ongoing squabbles over land, as well the flight for religious supremacy. The Christian Catholics of Spain saw the presence of Muslims in their peninsula as being grounds for holy war.
They therefore embarked on a 800 year reconquista - a piecemeal struggle to expel the Moors back to Africa and the East, reclaiming lands for the Spanish Christians.
In 1492, the last Moorish stronghold, the city of Granada, fell to the Christian invaders. Expelled from Granada and the spectacular palace of the Alhambra, legend has it that Muhammad XII rode his horse from the town and looked back one last time at the paradise, with tears in his eyes.
As he looked back wistfully, so the legend goes, his mother rode up to him and chastised, "Thou dost weep like a woman for what thou couldst not defend as a man."
With the fall of Granada, the reconquista was over. However, the period had marked Spanish architecture forever. Castles and forts dotted the lands, built for use in the struggle. Moorish palaces and mosques - such as the Alhambra in Granada - were adapted by the victorious Spanish, building a curious mix of Islamic-European architecture.
And more modern castles again were built taking the most beautiful parts of both cultures and fusing them together in some amazing architectural styles.
And that is why Spanish castles are so special.
My Favourite 'Hidden' Castle in Spain: the Hexagonal Turrets of 'Castillo de Coca' (Coca Castle)
In my opinion, Coca is definitely the most exciting of all the hidden Spanish castles - I remember opening up a 'Lonely Planet' guidebook some years ago and being bowled over by the fantastic, hexagonal design of the turrets and towers.
Coca Castle is quite special in that it's three sided - it's seated with its backside on a sturdy, impenetrable rock base. This rock base defends the posterior approach to the castle, and the three-sided curtain wall protects the castle's front. Inside the curtain walls, you'll find the castle's keep and living areas.
Coca Castle in Spain. The over-ornate, hexagonal turrets and towers suggest that Coca was built more for show than it was for defence. Check out the deep moat around the front of the castle, too. Credit: Rowanwindwhistler (WikiCommons)
Coca Castle was built in 1453, just as the Spanish reconquista was ending, and is often described as being in the 'gothic-mudéjar' style. What this means is that, although the castle would have been built by Spanish Christians, it took inspiration from the Moorish designs that would have been common in South Spain at that time.
The Moorish style of ornate, geometrical design - perfectly demonstrated in the many turrets and crenellations on each castle tower. However, if you look closely at the photo above, you'll see that the arrow holes in the turrets are in the shape of a Christian cross - a lovely example of the fusion of the two styles.
Inside this Spanish castle, you'll be able to walk through a chapel, an armoury and the beautifully named 'hall of secrets', decorated with Muslim-inspired jars, purported to hold secret treasures.
Although much of the furnishing was been gutted from the castle during the mid 20th century, you'll be amazed by the beautiful, Moorish detail of the tiling on the walls and ceilings within all the rooms you'll encounter.
Here's a close-up view of one of the amazing towers of Coca Castle. As you can see, each side of the turret has an additional two smaller turrets - an especially ornate touch that's a result of the Moorish inspiration. Credit: Harmonia Amanda (WikiCommons)
Coca Castle can be found in the tiny Spanish village of Coca, which is around 50km north-west from Segovia in the province of Castile y Leon.
If you're travelling by public transport, there're a few buses every day from Segovia to Coca. Unfortunately, you can't just wander around the castle - due to the condition of some of the areas, access is strictly by guided tour.
There are two windows for touring per day, broken by a long siesta from lunch into 4pm. Don't turn up when the siesta is on - there's not much to do in Coca apart from the castle!
Castles in Portugal were crucial components of the military across history. The Portuguese learned the art of fortification construction from the Romans and the Moors. The Romans, who ruled and colonized the territory of current-day Portugal for more than four centuries, built forts with high walls and strong towers to defend their populations. The Moors, who invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the year 711, brought new stonework and heavily fortified gates to the peninsula.
History
Almourol Castle, built c. 1171 on an island of the Tagus river by the Templar Knights. The highest tower is the square-shaped keep of the castle.
The keep of the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira.
Castle of Arraiolos.
As a place, Portugal has well-defined geographic boundaries, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the west, and rivers and mountains to the east and north. It occupies the westernmost portion of the Iberian Peninsula, and is about the size of the American state of Indiana. The country is a place of topographical contrasts as well, making its defense difficult. The areas around Porto in the north are hilly and green, with fertile river valleys and a rocky coast. The green mountains turn less fertile as they spread to the east, and become mountainous towards the south to the Beiras. Along the coastal Beiras, the topography becomes hillier, with pine forests and a sandy coast. In the central region, the area around the capital of Lisbon, is known for its white rocks, olive fields, and open spaces, while the Tagus basin divides the nation in half, with the yellow hills and cattle fields of the central region on the north bank and the beginnings of the Alentejo to the south. The Alentejo is a vast golden plain that extends south to the red cliffs and green hills of the Algarve, an area markedly influenced by its affinity with Africa, as much as Europe.
These conditions made the defense of Portugal difficult, and the region was marked by eras of fortification building. The Romans were the first to bring in organized military outposts in order to guard their domains. These outposts were usually built on existing fortified castros or defensible Neolithic/Paleolithic strongholds in the hills. But, the Romans gradually built their centres based on their trade and/or commercial needs, and abandoned many sites for places along rivers or lowland agricultural settlements. The outposts that remained continued to serve as sentries or outposts, while some points evolved into larger towns or cities that survived long after the Romans had retreated.
There were primarily two main periods of fortified castle construction: those built and defended by the Moors from Northern Africa, between the 8th and 13th centuries, and those built or maintained by Christian forces, including the Kingdom of Portugal, after this period.
Moors
The Moors, Islamic peoples who had arrived in the Iberian Peninsula from Northern Africa around 711 conquering the Christian lands ruled by the Germanic Kingdoms of the peninsula, built strong castles and fortifications in many cities. But, although many Portuguese medieval castles originated in the Islamic period, most of them were extensively remodelled after the Christian reconquest. One of the best-preserved is the Castle of Silves, in the ancient capital of the Al-Garb (today's Algarve). Built between the 8th and 13th centuries, the castle retains its walls and square-shaped towers from the Moorish period (including its 11th-century cisterns or water reservoirs). The old Moorish centre of the city, the Almedina, was defended by a wall and several fortified towers and gates, parts of which are still preserved.
Another example of Islamic castles in the Algarve is the Castle of Paderne, whose ruined walls evidence the taipa building technique used in some period construction. The Castle of the Moors, in Sintra (near Lisbon), has also preserved remains of its walls and a cistern from the Moorish occupation. Similarly, many of modern Portuguese towns and cities still retain examples of Moorish city walls that have been preserved or reused locally, such as in the Cerca Velha of Lisbon or the fortifications of Évora. Many of these walls were marked by the characteristic horseshoe-shaped gates leading into their courtyards, as evidenced from the castles in Faro and Elvas.
Kingdom
During the Portuguese Reconquista (12th and 13th centuries) many of the castles were reused or rebuilt to protect their fledgling kingdom from invasions from both Moors and rival Christians, like the Castilians. King Afonso Henriques sponsored the building of many fortifications (often remodelling Moorish castles) such as the Castle of São Jorge (in Lisbon) and granted land to Military Orders (specially the Templar Knights and the Knights Hospitallers) in order maintain order and defend their border outposts. The Templar Knights built several fortresses along the line of the Tagus river, like the castles of Pombal, Tomar, Belver and Almourol. They are credited as having introduced the keep to Portuguese military architecture. In addition to supporting national integrity, the castle was used to defend many of the settlements and towns in the hinterland, and promote the possession of crown.
By the Middle Ages, Portugal was a crossroads of cultures, with hostile Moors to the south and rival Iberian kingdoms to the east. Unlike many of their European counterparts, Portuguese castles were heavily influenced by the master-builders of Rome and Northern Africa. Even the early Celtic tribes of Portugal, the early Lusitanians, already fortified their villages within simple stones walls by this time. The Romans, who occupied Portugal after this period, for the next 400 years, then built forts with high walls and strong towers to defend their towns. The Moors, who invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 711 A.D., brought innovative stonework and heavily fortified gates to Portugal. Meanwhile, Northern European and English forts/castles built wooden forts during this period.
Around the 12th century, Portugal emerged as a nation and, lead by the nobleman Afonso Henriques, launched a bold crusade to carve the southwestern half of the Iberian Peninsula away from the Moors. Many of Portugal's earliest castles from this post-1139 A.D. period were reconstructions of Moorish and Roman forts. Their ogival style has certain common themes: high simple granite walls, a dual towered gatehouse, a cistern and pointed castellated walls.
With the Gothic period, the castles became more and more flamboyant and deadly, with archers’ loops in the castellated walls, oil spouts at the base of parapets, and increasingly higher keeps and towers.
By 1249 the Moors had been expelled from southern Portugal, and the nation became the first in Europe to take on its modern borders. The focus of Portuguese castles during this period shifted from lines along east to west flowing rivers, to the towns along the long Portuguese border with rival Castile. The pinnacles of this period were the 13th-century castles built under King Denis, who rebuilt almost every major castle in the land. Until Denis, Portugal’s castles were usually just a three-story keep with one or two rings of walls. Now, new tower keeps were built, like the one at Beja or the five-sided keep at Sabugal. Many castles were encircled by multiple layers of walls, many with staggered gates and hidden escape doors. The wooden buildings used by the garrisons were built with more room for provisions and space for soldiers.
The 13th and 14th centuries was a period a flamboyant castle building, with more decorative touches and features, like pepper pots on towers, ornate brickwork and massive great halls built of stone. Many of these castles became fortified palaces to protect the monarch and courts.
But, just as castle building reached its zenith, the era came to quick end in 1453: in Byzantium, the Turks brought down the once impregnable walls of the castle with cannon fire. The age of castles was over. But, the age of great forts had just begun. Gone were high walls, proud keeps and strong towers. Now, low stonewalls were built around mounds of earth to repulse cannonballs. The straight lines of walls were replaced by star-like angles to allow for cannon and gunfire to be crossed with deadly results against the enemy. These forts became more and more sophisticated in the 16th and 17th centuries. Portuguese engineers built hundreds of impressive forts to defend the empire. Many are still found across South America, Africa, and Asia. The finest examples in Portugal may be found in Almeida, Valença do Minho, Marvão, and Elvas. These gun forts were in use up to the 1830s Civil War, the last war to be fought on Portuguese soil, and some had military uses into the 20th century.
Magnificent Castles of Italy
Explore Italy's Castles and Forts
Castel del Monte
Majestic towers, crenellated battlements, stone fortresses perched upon rocky crags, romantic ruins, sumptuous palazzos and much more. These are the images that come to mind when picturing the Castles of Italy.
The political instability of Italy during the middle ages has left its countryside and cities full of testaments to this turbulent time period. While the familiar castle formations are found throughout Italy, the range of castles, forts, towers and walls date from pre-Roman times all the way to the state-of-the-art “star” forts of the gunpowder era.
Both young and old will enjoy exploring these examples of military might, with some restored to their former glory and others still occupied by their noble families. Some castles are far too ruined to be safely explored and should be viewed from a distance, but there are others that not only allow a visit but allow you to stay overnight. Medieval buffs and children would enjoy a visit to one of the castles that offer period performances such as banquets, balls and jousts.
Below is just a small sampling of the many castles in Italy worth visiting. There are possibly hundreds more castles, city forts and walled towns that would make a great daytrip or even an overnight stay. Even more possibilities open if you include famous villas and palaces, but those listed here have all been real castles or another type of military installation at some point in their histories. Many of these castles have web sites and regional tourism boards will be happy to supply you information on other excellent castles to visit during your trip.
The Castles of Italy: The North
The north of Italy had the unenviable job of defending the mountain passes and the fertile river valleys from the constant threat of invasion. In order to defend their holdings from invading armies and rival families, the nobility built castles all over Northern Italy. Today some are in ruin but many have been restored to either their original design or fanciful 19th century creations. Either way there are still dozens, if not hundreds of castles in the regions of Valle d’Aosta, Lombardy and Trentino worth visiting.
Towers of Fenis Castle
Fenis Castle in Valle d’Aosta has several large crenellated (the teeth like stones at the top) towers and looks formidable even today under a backdrop of snowy peaks. Not only is it impressive from the outside, but the recently renovated interior houses fine displays of medieval art. Fenis is but one of several prominent castles in the tiny Valle d’Aosta with others including Verres, Montjovet and the fanciful reconstructions of Saint-Pierre and Aymavilles.
In Lombardy, the Dukes of Milan are responsible for the impressive Castello Sforzesco located in the heart of the city. Named for the powerful Sforza Dukes that ruled Lombardy, the castle was demolished, rebuilt and restored several times. Over time the Duchy and its palace passed through French, Spanish and Austrian noble families, each using it for their own purposes, from a palace to an impregnable fortress. The castle was nearly demolished by rebelling citizens of Milan but restored to its former glory after Italian unification - including its distinctive round towers. Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction and has several permanent museum exhibits including Ancient and Renaissance art.
The region of Trentino - Alto Adige is famous for its many castles and one of the best is in the within the city of Trento. The Castello del Buonconsiglio looms over the city, a prominent display of power by the Prince-Bishops who ruled Trento until 1803. Originally a severe looking fortress, the castle was constantly changed and expanded over the centuries, giving it a rambling appearance today. The oldest part, Castelvecchio still retains some fortress elements including the Augustus Tower. The most famous tower in the complex is the Aquila Tower, which houses the Cycle of Months, one of the finest Medieval fresco cycles still surviving. Between these two towers lies the Renaissance palace, Magno Palazzo that has an impressive series of frescoed loggias.
High in the Tyrol is Castle Churburg, home to the Trapp family for the last 500 years and allows visits during the spring and summer. This 13th century castle was turned into a sumptuous residence by the time of the Renaissance and today still retains that appearance inside and out. The interior has well preserved rooms and halls including its signature arcades; it’s columns and arches decorated with the family trees of the castle‘s owners. Churburg is also home to the world’s largest private collection of arms and armor as well as the oldest surviving suit of armor, dating to 1365. The surrounding countryside allows for visits to alpine villages, high meadows and mountain hikes.
In the heart of the ancient city of Verona lies it’s red walled Castelvecchio, which along with the intact city walls, makes for an imposing scene. Like most castles in Italy every owner from the della Scala and Visconti families to the Venetian Republic and even Napoleon left their mark on the castle. Today visitors can take a walk along the fortified Ponte Scaligero or view medieval sculpture, weapons and works by Veronese artists within the castle museum.
The ruling d’Este family of Ferrara constructed an impressive display of power in the form of the Castello Estense. Not always popular with their citizens, the d’Este built their seat of authority to withstand both outside invasion as well as local uprisings. The centrally located castle is surrounded by a moat and four square towers and has an infamous dungeon used to house family enemies. By the 15th century the fortress was converted into a luxurious residence, complete with beautiful Renaissance frescoes adorning its Ducal chapel, game rooms and salons.
Castel del Monte - Great Attractions (Italy).
The Castles of Italy: Central Italy
The former lands of the Papal and Medieval city states are dotted with castles and city forts as this was a hotly contested region for centuries. The result is plenty of castles and walled hill towns to explore such as San Gimignano. Although it is not a castle it is a very popular medieval hill town known for its stone towers. The town fort was dismantled by the Medici, but the towers - built for both protection and prestige are evidence of the dangerous rivalries both in and outside the walls. Beside its unmistakable skyline, the town has several intact medieval gates along its walls.
Monteriggioni
In an attempt to protect itself from rival Florence, the city state of Siena constructed the fortified bastion of Monteriggioni. Over time the fort was transformed into a walled community, and to this day the town’s wall bristles with towers facing its sworn enemy. The town is still virtually intact, making it a great stop when traveling through the Chianti region and is home to a Medieval festival every July.
High above the Umbrian hill town of Assisi lies the Rocca Maggiore, watching over the Spoleto valley even today in its ruined state. The original castle dates back to the late 12th century when the future Emperor Frederick II spent his youth here. Little remains of this castle as the current towers and most of the walls are from 14th and 15th century reconstructions. Today visitors can get an unbelievable view of the Umbrian countryside from its towers and makes for a dramatic picnic spot.
Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo has had a long and colorful history. Originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, it was later incorporated into the city’s Aurelian walls. Medieval popes turned the former tomb into their personal fortress, connected to the Vatican by a secret tunnel. This tunnel was used by Pope Clement VII and the entire Papal Curia to escape the sack of Rome in 1527. Later the castle was turned into a fort, with artillery emplacements and eventually a prison. Today the castle is a museum displaying aspects of the many lives of the building, including prison cells, a military museum and papal apartments.
In rarely visited Molise the Castello di Cerro al Volturno is perched high above the valley on a rocky promontory. This castle is known for its huge round towers and thick walls and was once a Benedictine abbey. It later became a private residence for members of the Colonna, Carafa and currently the Lombardi families
Castel dell'Ovo.
The Castles of Italy: The South
The southern regions of Italy have been left with the unmistakable mark of one of the most amazing men of Medieval Europe: The Emperor Frederick II, who left impressive castles and palaces all over his empire, especially southern Italy and Sicily. One such castle was the imposing of Castle of Bari, which Frederick renovated into a massive fortress. In the 15th and 16th centuries the castle became the home to Princess of Naples Isabella of Aragon and her daughter Bona Sforza, the future queen of Poland.
Frederick II’s unique Castel del Monte was built in 1240 with elements of classical, gothic and Arab decoration and is the most famous of his many castles in Puglia. This distinctive castle, once nearly a ruin has been thoroughly restored and designated an UNESCO world heritage site due to its unique octagonal design and possible occult and alchemical symbolism.
Castel dell’Ovo
The city of Naples can boast of three impressive castles (and a royal palace) all within walking distance. Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the egg) is an imposing mass that juts out into the Bay of Naples that has a history steeped in legend. The Castle is built upon the ruins of a Roman fortress and prison which held the last Roman Emperor of the West in 476. attributed to Virgil, who is said to have hidden an egg within a secret chamber of the castle, so long as the egg remained unbroken, Naples would be safe. The present condition of the castle is due to numerous rebuilds and expansions after centuries of sieges and bombardments. The castle has recently undergone renovation but only parts are open to the public.
Castel Nuovo, also known as “Maschio Angioino” was built by King Charles of Anjou but retains little of the original 13th century structure. The Kingdom’s successive waves of Aragonese and Bourbon rules all left their mark on the Castle, with its most prominent feature being the five round towers and triumphal arch entranceway. On the Vomero hill overlooking the harbor castles of Naples is the Castle Sant’Elmo, also built by King Charles and used as a military installation until 1976. The castle has underground jails worth visiting but is not always open to the public.
- See more at: http://www.lifeinitaly.com/history/castles-italy#sthash.uGmQZ4Bl.dpuf
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