Gioia del Colle castle was build by Richard Siniscalco, brother of the more famous Robert Il Guiscardo. Subsequently, the fortress was modified by Ruggero II and then by Emperor Frederick II, the main protagonist of the castle building process in this area, around 1230. The subsequent historical periods, as with other castles in Puglia, were modified by the Angionians and the Aragons to partially reconstruct the fortification facade. The structure of the castle is characterised by limestone which was used during its construction, by the central trapezium style courtyard and the two towers known as “Torre De Rossi” and “Torre dell’Imperatrice”. The castle was used for defensive purposes but mainly as a residence by Frederick II. Today you can visit the interesting National Archaeological Museum
A Brief History:
The first castle building dates back to Richard Siniscalco, however the real protagonist of the history of the castle is Frederick II who ruled for about 40 years. He was very interested in development and art, so much so that he was named a Stupor Mundi, or a wonder of the world. Other than Gioia del Colle castle, Frederick also built or re-built other castles, such as Monte Sant’Angelo and Castel del Monte.
Curios:
It is said that the Emperor Frederick II lived in this castle with lover Bianca Lancia di Agliano, who bore his son Manfred, even if other sources indicate Monte Sant’Angelo as the location of this affair between Frederick II and Bianca Lancia.
Not to be missed:
The National Archaeological Museum on the grounds of Gioia del Colle Suevian castle. Inside the museum, visitors can admire the archaeological finds dating from the V-VII century B.C. from tombs and everyday objects.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 04/01/2011
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia