Castello Svevo di Bari, Medieval fortress museum in Bari, Italy
The Castello Svevo di Bari is a medieval fortress located at the edge of the old city with strong bastions and defensive walls. A moat surrounds the structure on three sides, displaying the typical layout of a Norman stronghold.
Construction of the fortress began under King Roger II in 1132, but Emperor Frederick II undertook a major redesign in the early 1200s with advanced defensive systems. These renovations made it one of the strongest strongholds of the Mediterranean region.
The fortress displays a mix of Norman, Swabian, Angevin, and Aragonese building elements visible in its walls and gateways. Each layer reflects the different rulers who shaped the structure over centuries.
The entrance is located on Piazza Federico II di Svevia and the site is easily reached on foot. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since you will navigate stairs and uneven stone pathways.
A notable historical moment occurred in 1221 when Saint Francis of Assisi visited the fortress and spent a long night in discussion with Emperor Frederick II. This meeting of two major medieval figures left a lasting mark in historical records.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
418 m
Cathedral of San Sabino
225 m
Castello Normanno-Svevo
23 m
Teatro Piccinni
197 m
Palazzo Fizzarotti
330 m
Santa Teresa dei Maschi
327 m
Santa Chiara
325 m
Palazzo Simi
286 m
Museo Nicolaiano
443 m
Museum of the gypsotheque of the Norman-Swabian Castle (Bari)
61 m
Biblioteca Metropolitana De Gemmis
290 m
Museo Civico di Bari
269 m
Palazzo Fizzarotti
330 m
San Marco dei Veneziani
340 m
Monumental fountain of the gardens of Isabella of Aragon
103 m
Statue of Saint Nicholas
400 m
Fontana della Pigna
428 m
Monumento agli invalidi del lavoro
406 m
Monument to Pietro Ravanas
419 m
Equestrian monument
266 m
Monument to Salvatore Cognetti de Marinis
422 m
Monumento a Michele Fazio
332 m
Arco delle meraviglie
334 m
Monument to Giuseppe Capruzzi
415 m
Busto di Niccolò Piccinni
211 m
Museo diocesano di Bari
189 m
Museo Sacro San Nicola di Bari
424 m
Romanesque Cathedrals in Puglia
338 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes