Location: Bari Map
Constructed: 1132 by Norman king Roger II
The Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle), commonly referred to as the Swabian Castle of Bari, is a monumental medieval fortress in the historic center of Bari, the capital of Puglia (Apulia) in southern Italy. Located at Piazza Federico II di Svevia, 4, 70122 Bari BA, it stands at the edge of the old town (Bari Vecchia), between the historic dockyard and the Cathedral of San Sabino, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Spanning a trapezoidal footprint of approximately 2,500–3,000 square meters (including its central courtyard and moat), the castle is one of the most significant examples of Norman-Swabian architecture in southern Italy, blending defensive military design with later residential and cultural elements. Its significance lies in its layered history as a symbol of power under various rulers—from Normans to Holy Roman Emperors and Renaissance queens—reflecting Puglia's strategic role in Mediterranean trade and politics. Today, it functions as a state-owned museum and cultural venue under the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC), hosting exhibitions, events, and educational programs that highlight Bari's heritage. As part of Bari's UNESCO-listed historic center (inscribed in 2000 as part of the "Longobards in Italy" site for its Norman influences), it attracts visitors for its imposing presence and insights into medieval life, though it is often praised more for its exterior than interior due to ongoing restorations. As of August 25, 2025, it remains open to the public with no major structural changes reported, benefiting from Puglia's regional tourism initiatives amid a post-pandemic recovery in visitor numbers.
The castle's origins date to the Byzantine period (pre-11th
century), with possible traces of earlier Roman or pre-Roman
fortifications on the site, though no concrete evidence survives.
The core structure was built in 1131–1132 by Norman King Roger II of
Sicily as a defensive stronghold to consolidate Norman control over
southern Italy following their conquest of Bari in 1071. This early
Norman phase featured a quadrangular trapezoidal fortress with
corner and intermediate towers, designed for military purposes amid
conflicts with local Lombard and Byzantine forces. In 1156, the
castle was destroyed during a revolt against William I of Sicily
(William the Bad), who razed much of Bari in retaliation.
The
pivotal reconstruction occurred between 1233 and 1240 under Holy
Roman Emperor Frederick II of Swabia (Hohenstaufen dynasty), who
rebuilt it on the Norman ruins, incorporating Swabian architectural
influences from his Sicilian and German realms. Frederick, known as
"Stupor Mundi" (Wonder of the World), used it as a residence and
administrative center, possibly meeting St. Francis of Assisi here
in 1221 (though unconfirmed). The Angevin (Anjou) period under
Charles I of Anjou (1266–1285) saw further modifications, including
expansions for royal use. In the 15th century, during Aragonese
rule, Ferdinand of Aragon donated it to the Sforza family; Isabella
of Aragon and her daughter Bona Sforza (Queen of Poland) transformed
it into a refined Renaissance court, adding luxurious elements like
the double flight of stairs.
Under Bourbon rule (18th–19th
centuries), the castle declined, serving as a prison and military
barracks. It housed political prisoners during the Risorgimento
(Italian unification movement). Restoration began in the 20th
century, with major work in 2017 reopening it as a museum. No
significant archaeological digs have occurred recently (as of 2025),
but the site continues to yield insights through structural
analyses.
The castle's architecture fuses Norman military austerity with
Swabian, Angevin, and Aragonese enhancements, resulting in a trapezoidal
plan (irregular quadrilateral) that adapts to the site's coastal
topography. Surrounded by a deep moat (fossa) on all sides except the
north (bordering the sea), it is accessible via a southern bridge and
gate, emphasizing its defensive isolation. The structure measures about
100–120 meters along its longest sides, with walls up to 20–25 meters
high in places, built from local limestone and tufa for durability
against sieges and coastal erosion.
The layout centers on a large
internal courtyard (cortile), dividing the complex into functional
zones:
Entrance and Vestibule: A Catalan-Durazzesque triumphal
arch gateway leads to a vestibule, blending Gothic and Renaissance
styles.
Courtyard: Spacious and central, with access to wings; it
features a double flight of stairs (scala) connecting ground to upper
levels, added during the Sforza period for grandeur.
Angevin Wing: To
the right, with ogival (pointed) arches and rooms for exhibitions;
includes archaeological displays.
Aragonese Bastions and Towers: Four
angular bastions at the corners, added in the 16th century with sloping
scarps for artillery defense, featuring 90 arrow slits (saettiere).
Main Halls: Upper floors include the Aragonese Hall (for photography
exhibits) and the Torre dei Minorenni (for precious artifacts).
Ground Floor: Vaulted rooms with arches, used for the Gipsoteca (plaster
cast collection) and storage.
The design prioritizes defense
(moat, towers) while incorporating residential comfort (courtyard
loggias), making it a hybrid fortress-palace.
Decorations are modest but evocative of its royal past, with a focus on architectural details rather than lavish art. The Chapel of San Marco (dedicated to the Castriota family's patron saint) is the highlight, featuring 15th–16th-century Mannerist frescoes possibly by Gianserio Strafella, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and heraldic elements in vivid colors with elongated figures. The altar is carved from Lecce stone with religious reliefs. Other areas have stucco moldings, friezes, and faded fresco fragments in halls, often allegorical or mythological. The Aragonese additions include ornate pilasters and capitals in the porticoes. No extensive mosaics survive, aligning with its military origins.
Artifacts reflect the castle's archaeological and cultural layers. Excavations of a medieval "butto" (rubbish pit) yielded a collection of 15th–18th-century ceramics (tableware, plates), displayed in the Angevin wing, offering insights into court life. The Gipsoteca on the ground floor houses 1911 plaster casts of Apulian sculptures by Pasquale Duretti and Mario Sabatelli, reproducing regional art for educational purposes. The Torre dei Minorenni exhibits precious materials like jewelry and artifacts from Puglia. Discoveries during restorations include structural remnants from Norman foundations, but no major new finds as of 2025. Many items are from the Sforza and Bourbon eras, emphasizing the castle's evolution.
As of August 25, 2025, the Castello Normanno-Svevo is in excellent
condition following 2017 restorations, serving as a museum under the
Polo Museale della Puglia. It hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural
events, and educational programs, with a focus on Bari's history.
Opening hours are generally Sunday–Monday and Wednesday–Saturday from
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:30 PM), with Tuesdays varying (one
source notes 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, but confirm via official site). It is
closed on major holidays like Christmas and New Year's.
Admission
fees are €10 for adults over 25, €2 for those under 25 (EU citizens;
non-EU may vary), with free or reduced entry for children under 18,
disabled visitors, and certain groups. Audio guides are available for
€6, though their value is debated due to limited accessible areas.
Accessibility is partial—ground floor is wheelchair-friendly, but upper
levels have stairs and no elevators mentioned; contact +39 080 886 9304
for details.
Visitor reviews praise the castle's imposing exterior,
multimedia history presentations, and educational value, especially for
families and history buffs. Pros include the atmospheric setting and
integration with Bari's old town. Cons: Many rooms are empty or closed
for restoration (upper floors often inaccessible), making the experience
feel limited for the price; heat in summer and lack of seating/water are
common complaints. Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds; allocate 1 hour;
bring water; combine with nearby sites like the Basilica di San Nicola.
No specific 2025 events are noted, but it regularly features art shows
and cultural festivals.
In summary, the Castello Normanno-Svevo
encapsulates Bari's turbulent history from Norman conquest to
Renaissance splendor, offering a compelling glimpse into Puglia's past
amid its evolving role as a cultural beacon.