The Aragonese Castle of Taranto, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo, is a fortress overlooking the navigable channel that connects the Mar Grande to the Mar Piccolo, next to the swing bridge. Its original function was defensive: it controlled access to the old city and protected the port from attacks by sea....Read more
The Aragonese Castle of Taranto, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo, is a fortress overlooking the navigable channel that connects the Mar Grande to the Mar Piccolo, next to the swing bridge. Its original function was defensive: it controlled access to the old city and protected the port from attacks by sea. It is still the headquarters of the Italian Navy, which takes care of its preservation and opening to the public. The current building was rebuilt at the end of the fifteenth century by the will of Ferdinando d’Aragona, based on a project attributed to the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, incorporating previous structures from the Byzantine, Norman, and Swabian eras. The cylindrical towers, massive walls, and underground chambers tell the story of the evolution of military techniques and the strategic role of Taranto in the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, the castle also served as barracks and a prison, becoming a symbol of the city's history. From a cultural perspective, the Aragonese Castle represents one of the most iconic places in Taranto: it combines military architecture, historical memory, and the marine landscape, offering picturesque views of the Old City and the port. It is an important tourist attraction. Guided tours, often free and conducted by Navy personnel, allow visitors to explore courtyards, walkways, internal rooms, and archaeological remains uncovered during renovations. Its central location makes it easily accessible on foot during an itinerary in the old town, close to the Cathedral of San Cataldo, the waterfront, and the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto.
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