Aragonese Castle of Otranto, Medieval fortress and archaeological museum in Otranto, Italy.
The Aragonese Castle of Otranto is a pentagon-shaped fortress equipped with three circular towers, a deep moat, and a lancet-shaped bastion oriented toward the Adriatic Sea. The structure was built from stone and now functions as a museum with several exhibition spaces.
The fortress was built between 1485 and 1498 under commission from Ferdinand I of Aragon. It was constructed as part of coastal defense efforts and significantly influenced regional architecture.
The fortress houses an archaeological museum displaying artifacts discovered in the region, arranged within its restored stone chambers. Visitors can see objects spanning different periods that tell the story of the town's past.
The fortress is open daily and provides access to its structures and interior collections. It is best to arrive early to explore the rooms at a leisurely pace and enjoy optimal views of the surrounding area and the sea.
The fortress inspired Horace Walpole to write his novel in 1764, recognized as the first gothic novel in literary history. This literary connection elevated the fortress to cultural significance far beyond its military purpose.
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