Castello Svevo Angioino

The Castello svevo angioino is located in the town of Manfredonia in Italy and was constructed during the late 13th century by the Angevin dynasty. Its initial building phase began in 1279 under the reign of Charles I of Anjou, who is thought to have incorporated earlier structures into the castle’s design. This first phase consisted mainly of enclosed rooms with solid walls and external entrances, reflecting the fortification needs of the period.

The castle’s development did not follow a single master plan but expanded through several distinct phases over ensuing centuries. The original layout and structures were created under the supervision of Pierre d’Angicourt, an architect associated with the Angevin court. Further changes took place during the rule of the Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, and later the Spanish, each leaving their mark on the castle’s fortifications and internal configurations.

In the mid-15th century, around 1442, the Aragonese rulers enhanced the castle’s defenses by adding an external wall. This new enclosure incorporated the existing construction and formed part of a wider system of coastal protection meant to defend against maritime threats. During the 16th century, a significant addition was the pentagonal bastion on the western side, which included a circular tower. This particular bastion was named Torre dell’Annunziata because it featured a marble relief representing the Annunciation, a Christian theme, placed above its outer corridor.

The castle’s military role was severely tested in 1620 when it surrendered during a Turkish assault. This event exposed some defensive weaknesses, including limited artillery capacity and the lack of parapets designed to shelter defending soldiers. Following its decline as a fortress, the castle was repurposed in the 18th century mainly for military barracks, with the western tower serving as a prison.

Ownership changed in the 20th century when the municipality of Manfredonia acquired the castle in 1901. Later, in 1968, the city donated the fortress to the Italian state, which committed to preserving the site and establishing an archaeological museum inside. Since December 2014, the castle has been managed by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, functioning as the National Archaeological Museum of Manfredonia, showcasing regional historical and archaeological finds connected to the ancient settlement of Siponto and the surrounding Gargano area.