Venosa Castle, Venosa, Italy

The Venosa Castle is a historic fortified building located in the homonymous town in the province of Potenza. Commonly referred to as the Aragonese Castle because it was built by Duke Pirro del Balzo during the Aragonese dynasty period, it is situated at the southern end of the plateau occupied by the urban area of the city.

Its construction dates back to 1470, commissioned by Duke Pirro del Balzo as part of a broader fortification project. It is an imposing structure, with a square plan featuring four cylindrical towers. The Del Balzo coat of arms, a radiant sun, is visible on the western tower. The construction of the castle and the excavation of the moat, in accordance with the new principles of fortification, led to the demolition of the Romanesque cathedral and the surrounding district. Therefore, a new cathedral was built in an expansion of the settlement on the lower part of the plateau where the city stands.

It was transformed from a fortress into a noble residence by Carlo and Emanuele Gesualdo, with the addition of the inner loggia, the northwest wing, and the outworks at the base of the towers. From 1612, it hosted the Academy of the Renaissance.

The four cylindrical towers at the corners, initially crowned with battlements and probably conical roofs, are supported by outworks that constitute the scarp of the moat, used as prisons. The entire building, accessed via a drawbridge, is surrounded by a deep moat. Inside, there is a large courtyard surrounded by a Renaissance loggia. In front of the castle, there is a porticoed square and a monumental fountain granted to Venosa by Charles I of Anjou.

Within its walls, in the rooms located in the basements of the towers, the castle houses the National Museum of Venosa, which primarily preserves the rich evidence of the Roman colony of Venusia.

References:

Wikipedia

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Masood Rathore (3 years ago)
It’s a museum, they have very good presentations and they have screens and lighting to highlight what you are looking for. Very interesting place

FrAbbunZ 4ever (FrAbbunZ4ever) (3 years ago)
Venosa is a beautiful place to visit

Didi 09 (3 years ago)
Very nice place ???, there is an great museum to visit

Martin Richards (5 years ago)
Amazing castle. Not too much on the inside but walking around the walls and view.from the outside very impressive.

Mithu Sen (5 years ago)
Wonderful piece of history surrounded by beautiful portico houses in the heart of Venosa.

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