Castello
di Manfredonia (Castle of Manfredonia)
The Castle of Manfredonia is the result
of changes, extension and restoration works
done throughout several ages. Originally
the body of the cstle consisted of a four-sided
building surrounded by defensive walls linked
by five square-shaped towers: four towers
were located at the corners whereas the
fifth one was probably located near the
North-East door, i.e. the main castle's
entrance. Today, due to incorporation works,
the former four-sided buildings have been
changed into cylinder-sided embattled towers.
During the Aragonese reign (1442) the Castle
was further changed: in fact, new castle
walls were built. But in 1620 the castle
was conquered by the Turks because of the
smallness of artillery and the lack of high
defensive parapets capable of protecting
the defenders.
Once lost its former role as a fortress,
during the XVIII century the Castle became
barracks whereas the Western embattled tower
was used as a prison.
In 1968, through D.P.R. n°952 of June
21, the Castle was donated to the State
by the Municipality: on account of it, the
State undertook to create an Archaeological
Museum inside the castle in order to preserve
the finds from the surrounding territory. |
