Getty Images/500px Plus

Castello Svevo

Bari


Roger the Norman originally built this castle in the 12th century over the ruins of a Byzantine structure. Later, Frederick II of Swabia built over the existing castle, incorporating it into his design and leaving intact the two towers of the Norman structure that still stand. The bastions, with corner towers overhanging the moat, were added in the 16th century during Aragonese rule. Excavation is ongoing and the largely sparse interior is used for occasional art and sculpture exhibitions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bari attractions

1. Cathedral

0.14 MILES

Built over the original Byzantine church, the 12th- to 13th-century Romanesque cathedral, dedicated to San Sabino, is technically Bari's most important…

2. Museo del Succorpo della Cattedrale

0.14 MILES

This subterranean museum beneath Bari cathedral reveals well-preserved remnants of an ancient Christian basilica and various Roman ruins. This fascinating…

3. Basilica di San Nicola

0.23 MILES

Bari's signature basilica was one of the first Norman churches to be built in southern Italy, and is a splendid (if square and solid) example of Pugliese…

4. Museo Nicolaiano

0.26 MILES

Exhibits artefacts from the adjacent Basilica di San Nicola, including chalices, vestments, parchments, relics and paintings.

5. Piazza Mercantile

0.28 MILES

This beautiful piazza is fronted by the Sedile, the headquarters of Bari's Council of Nobles. In the square's northeast corner is the Colonna della…

6. Colonna della Giustizia

0.28 MILES

The Colonna della Giustizia (Column of Justice) is the place where debtors were once tied and lashed (in the less gentle days of the 16th century).

7. Spazio Murat

0.32 MILES

Check out this repurposed heritage building for an ever-changing series of interesting and innovative cultural and art displays, part of the nexus of…