Castello Aragonese o Alfonsino (source: Visual Puglia )
The Castle is situated on the Island of Sant’Andrea, at the entrance to the city port. Originally this was a military outpost. The construction of a square keep was started in February 1481 by Ferdinand I of Naples. Just a few years later (in 1485), Alfonso II of Naples, Duke of Calabria, converted this initial defensive core into a full-fledged castle. The addition of mighty bulwarks and seawalls extended the fortress towards the North-East. To ensure greater safety, the small fortress was completely shut off with its only opening on the eastern side of a canal. A large room on the first floor and barrel-vaulted corridors on the lower floor were built in 1492, completing the Castle as we know it today. The reddish carparo limestone quarried from the island and used to build the castle earned it the name of the Red Castle. In 1558 the construction of the Fort was started in order to defend the section of the island that was still unprotected and to avoid enemy attacks, following the attack launched from Venetian ships in 1528. In 1577, two large bastions were built linking the Fort to the ancient fortress. The old defence canal was thus closed, forming the harbour that exists today. The Castle is property of State but is presently on loan to the Brindisi Navy.
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In Brindisi province, stones and buildings tell the story of this land. Appia and Traiana roads once connecting the city to Rome left their traces on modern roads. In this city, where Virgil died, there are the remains of two II –century columns that marked the end of Appia road. The Norman – Swabian and Angevin marks also prevails in the inland area of province and former Messapi land, while it is even more evident in Mesagne, Oria and Ceglie Messàpica castles. In this area, natural landscape is characterized by ravines and caves shaped through centuries by the patient work of rivers. Rock witnesses of basilian monk civilizations can be found near Ostuni. Watch towers north of Brindisi tell the story of pirate and Saracen invasions, while the remains of ancient Egnazia Roman city can be seen in the respective archeological site.
Itria valley is characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand, These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques
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A proud, extremely loyal civilization, between the IX and VII centuries b.C. the Messapis built several settlements that were fortified with huge walls. Oria, with its characteristic castle, and Mesagne still keep witnesses that allow to reconstruct history, customs and habits of this ancient population
The coast of Brindisi area is characterized by small cities gathering around their historical centers, overlooking white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Brindisi is an example, with its huge castle emerging from the sea; Carovigno, dominated by Torre Guaceto and Ostuni, the white Mediterranean sea surrounded by olive trees and by a wonderful beach that hosts an unforgettable medieval center
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia