Otranto Castle

Otranto, Italy

important bridgehead toward the east, the city of Otranto was provided since the antiquity of defense systems and fortified works. The siege suffered by the city in 1067 seriously damaged the fortress that was repaired and reinforced a few years later at the behest of Roberto il Guiscardo. The reconstruction promoted in 1228 by Frederick II of Swabia instead remain evident traces of the tower of the median body cylindrical, incorporated in the bastion at the tip of the lance, and in curtain walls of the north-east. An analysis of the undergrounds suggests that the castle was set to a plant with a central core with quadrangular, scanned at the corners by cylindrical towers.

After the sack of Otranto In 1480, the year in which the whole South of Italy was the object of the Turkish attack, the castle had to be rebuilt, which he did Alfonso of Aragon, Duke of Calabria. At the end of the century, when the city was given as a pledge to the Venetians, the structure was further enhanced with the addition of artillery and mortars. The Aragonese phase there remain only a tower and part of the walls. The current appearance of the small fortress it owes to the Spanish viceroy, who made it a true masterpiece of military architecture. The two polygonal bastions added in 1578 on the side facing the sea, inglobarono the preexisting aragonese bastion.

Today the castle of Otranto has a pentagonal plan, surrounded by a large moat and punctuated by four towers, three circular in carparo and one with the tip directed toward the sea. On the fifth side, discovered, opens the drawbridge. The fortress otrantina inspired the first gothic novel of history, the castle of Otranto, written by Horace Walpole in 1764.

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Founded: 1228
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

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www.e-borghi.com

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User Reviews

Dejan Braki (13 months ago)
The Aragonese Castle in Otranto was built during the Spain rule in late 15 c. It occupies a commanding position above the old town protecting the harbor entrance. It's a classic turret castle with a moat around it. Great views of the old town and entire bay from the tower
Antonio Falzone (15 months ago)
The castel of otranto and walls inclose the old city which dates from the 1500,s is a wonderful imposing structure which has many walk ways and view points to see, inside you can visit the turrets, and theres many rooms with artworks, the view fron the very top is amazing which you can see otranto fully, not very busy so is relaxing, the old town has many shops, bars and has a turkish eastern europiean feel to it, with narrow streets and cobble stone walkways. Plenty to like, and night life has many clubs and bars. Cost 12 euros to vist but children are free. Great exlerience.
Ana Kërtusha (16 months ago)
Beaufiful building with magnificent views over Otranto and its harbour. Friendly staff. It's better to visit the castle "Forte a Mare" being accompanied by a guide to show you around and better understand it. As well the interior of the castle hosted the Banksy's exhibition in 2021 during my visit there. Really interesting and impressive
Polonita G (17 months ago)
Small castle with some permanent but mini history exhibitions. I was there end of April just bumped into a small temporary exhibition of Chagall
Georgia Gallou (19 months ago)
The imposing and impressive castle, the Castle of Otranto has 3 towers and a moat. It hosts exhibitions. It is well maintained. There is a book: "The Castle of Otranto", a gothic novel by Horace Walpole (1764).
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