Castle of Barletta
Castle in Barletta, Italy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The castle of Barletta is the architectural result of various stratifications due to the succession of different ruling dynasties from the 11th century to the 18th century. Once a fortress for defensive purposes, surrounded by the sea that occupied the moat all around the castle and insulated it from potential enemy attacks, it constitutes a strategic point in city life as well as an important urban core.[1][2][3] It is home to the Municipal Library,[4] the Civic Museum and a conference and exhibition hall.[5]
Castle of Barletta | |
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Castello di Barletta | |
Apulia, Barletta in Italy | |
Coordinates | 41.320833°N 16.288333°E / 41.320833; 16.288333 |
Type | Medieval-Renaissance castle |
Site information | |
Owner | Municipality of Barletta |
Open to the public | Yes, through guided tours except on Mondays |
Condition | Restored between 1973 and 1988 |
Website | http://www.comune.barletta.bt.it/retecivica/citta/luoghi/castello/castello.html |
Site history | |
Built | 11th century-17th century |
Events | 1915: the castle came under attack by the Austrian scout cruiser Helgoland. |
Garrison information | |
Past commanders | William I of Sicily Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor Charles I of Anjou Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor Philip IV of Spain |
Garrison | Home of the Municipal Museum and the Municipal Library |
Among the works preserved, in addition to an alleged limestone bust of Frederick II of Swabia,[6] dating back to the 13th century,[7] the Sarcophagus of the Apostles,[8] the first stone high relief to bear witness to Christianity in Barletta, dating from the period between the 3rd and 4th centuries, is located here.[9]