Copertino Castle, Military museum and castle in Copertino, Italy
Copertino Castle is a stone military fortress with a star-shaped design and four corner bastions. The walls are pierced by around 90 arrow slits that served as positions for defensive cannons.
The fortress was originally built during the Norman period, but was completely rebuilt in 1540 by military architect Evangelista Menga. The reconstruction followed new defensive techniques specifically designed against gunpowder weapons.
The Chapel of Saint Mark displays frescoes from the 15th century that show the artistic style of that period in southern Italy and offer visitors insight into the religious art traditions of the region.
The castle is open to visitors on most weekdays during daytime hours and provides good access for people with mobility limitations. The rooms are relatively easy to navigate, and there is enough time to explore the structure and interiors.
An underground tunnel network runs beneath the bastions, connecting all four corners of the fortress and formerly serving defensive purposes. These hidden passages allowed soldiers to move quickly between bastions without exposing themselves to outside attacks.
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