Trani castle is one of the most interesting examples of those buildings known as Frederican castles, a real circuit of castles built by Frederick II of Swabia. The castle rises above the sea to defend its city and is famous for being chosen by Manfred, son of Frederick II of Swabia, as the location of his wedding celebrations to Helen of Epirus. We recommend you visit the castle, in particular during the summer period when the historical re-enactment takes place of Manfred’s wedding.
A Brief History:
The building of Trani castle was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in 1230. The castle was completed three years later, even if work continued on the fortress for a further 15 years. As with other castles (for example Taranto castle) Charles V in the XVI century decided to modify the structure definitively by raising the two embankments for city defensive purposes, with the support of firearms.
Curios:
History recalls that in 1259 this castle hosted the wedding between Manfred and the very young princess Helen. Six years after the wedding, following Manfred’s death on the battlefield, Helen returned to Trani where she remained prisoner for 18 long years until the Vespro rebellion. Following her release she fled to Sicily and died there 5 years later. Legend recalls the story of Armida
