Castello di Barletta, Norman castle in Barletta, Italy
The Castello di Barletta is a fortress on the Italian coast with four pentagonal bastions at its corners, a surrounding moat, and defensive structures like drawbridges and gun positions. The chambers, courtyards, and fortifications are open to visitors today and show how a medieval military building was laid out and built.
Norman forces built the original fortress between 1046 and 1050, and later rulers including Frederick II expanded it through the 18th century. During Spanish rule in the 16th century, the building received major modifications to accommodate new artillery technology.
The Municipal Library and Civic Museum inside the walls hold historical manuscripts and artifacts that show how this place has gathered knowledge and memories for centuries. Visitors can trace the region's story through objects and documents that reflect how the city changed over time.
The building is open Tuesday through Sunday with guided tours through restored chambers, courtyards, and fortifications, plus special exhibitions in dedicated halls. Plan to spend several hours exploring the different areas and viewing the collections at a relaxed pace.
Inside is a notable bust of Emperor Frederick II that shows how important this ruler was to the region. The sculpture remains a centerpiece of the museum collection today and draws visitors interested in learning more about medieval history.
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