Castello Barbarossa

Castello Barbarossa is a medieval fortress ruin on Anacapri's hilltop at 328 meters elevation overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Stone walls and foundations show the layout of its defensive structures, with pathways guiding visitors through the site and explanatory panels at key points.

The fortress dates to the 9th century and took its name from Ottoman Admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa's assault that destroyed it in 1544. This raid marked a turning point for the site's fate and led to its gradual abandonment afterward.

Swedish physician Axel Munthe acquired the castle in 1898 and established an ornithological station dedicated to monitoring and protecting migratory birds.

The site is free to visit year-round and reached via marked trails that lead through the ruins and open grounds. Sturdy footwear helps on uneven terrain, and the elevated location means it can be windy and exposed to sun.

The grounds serve as a research station where scientists capture, measure, and ring migratory birds to track their movement patterns across continents. Swedish physician Axel Munthe established this ornithological work after acquiring the ruin in 1898, and the study continues to this day.

Location: Anacapri

GPS coordinates: 40.55591,14.22682

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07