Castello alfonsino, Military fortress on Sant'Andrea island in Brindisi, Italy.
Castello Alfonsino is a fortress on Sant'Andrea island facing the entrance to Brindisi harbor, built to protect the port from threats at sea. Cylindrical towers rise from a square base, with thick defensive walls overlooking the Adriatic.
King Ferdinand I of Aragon ordered construction of the original tower in 1481 as a coastal defense. The structure grew into a complete fortress system under later Habsburg rule.
The chapel dedicated to Saint Anna sits within the walls and reflects how maritime life and faith were connected for sailors departing from this harbor. The space shows the spiritual side of a busy port town.
The fortress is open only through guided visits that must be arranged in advance. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk through multiple levels as you explore the interior.
Hidden inside the fortress walls is a working internal harbor accessed through an arched passageway. This clever design allowed ships to shelter within the fortification itself during storms or attacks.
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