Castello Aragonese

Taranto, Italy

Castello Aragonese is a fortification in Taranto. Officially called the Castel San Angelo, it was built on the site of older fortifications dating to Greek occupation in the third and fourth centuries BC. In 1481 the low ground in front of the fortification site was excavated to allow the passage of boats, and to create a moated defensive position. The present fortress was built for the then-king of Naples, Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1496 to reinforce the naturally low-lying link between the old town of Taranto on a peninsula, and the mainland. The seven-towered design is attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini of Siena.

The fortress repelled an Ottoman attack in 1594, but it quickly lost its military significance with the advent of artillery. It was converted to an artillery platform and many interior spaces were filled in to provide a stable base for the guns. In 1707 under the Habsburgs it was converted to a prison however during the Napoleonic period it reverted to its original function as a military fortress. French generals Thomas-Alexandre Dumas and Jean-Baptiste Felix de Manscourt du Rozoy were the most illustrious prisoners of the castle having been taken prisoner in 1799 by the pro-Bourbon Sanfedismi when their damaged ship sought refuge at Taranto Harbour. At the time, Taranto was part of the Kingdom of Naples.

In 1883 the San Angelo tower was demolished to allow construction of the Ponte Girevole, and two others were removed to allow the widening of the canal. Since 1883 the fort has been occupied by the Italian Navy. Beginning in 2003 the Navy began restoration and archeological work on the site, removing plasterwork and investigating fortification work dating back to the Byzantine era. The fort is open for tours.

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Details

Founded: 1496
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Krzysztof Fabiański (8 months ago)
Nice place to chill while waiting for the bus (do not look on the timetable, it doesn't matter anyway).
Teodora Yoneva (9 months ago)
Functioning naval base, free entrance, visit only possible with official tour by military guide. Very cheap vending machine!
Eugenio Filippi (10 months ago)
We arrived just as the free tour was starting so we were able to jump in. The 45min tour gives you a good overview of the history of the site. Definitely worth a visit
Doxakis Komitis (12 months ago)
Beautiful historical monument with free entrance! Half an hour is enough for the visit, where between others you can see the jail of French General Dumas.
babysooz (2 years ago)
A very nice visit at the castle. A navy official provides a guided tour for free (in Italian) every hour. The tour gives information over the history of Taranto and the castle. I found it very informative and entertaining. I would recommend doing it if you are visiting Taranto. Also I was amazed that by the sunset, they displayed the Italian flag with lights on one of the sides of the Costello while playing some anthem (I wish I knew what was it), I loved that moment.
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