A castle for defence

It was built at the behest of Frederick II, who started the construction in 1227 and it was completed in 1233. Frederick used it as a residence for himself and his garrisons, in a city that he didn't feel like safe. The castle was built as a barrier to the hostility of the people of Brindisi, who were still faithful to Normans. This city was hated by Swabian, as it was frequently place of riots.

Frederick II of Swabia and the building

The emperor commissioned the first part of the castle, nowadays the internal part, just like the one in Bari and Terni. The material used was taken from ancient monuments and walls that fell, such as an amphitheater and some temples. Then Frederick wanted four towers at the corners. The castle was defended by the sea on one side, and by a moat on the other three sides. It was a fortress where citizens could take shelter in case of danger.

The Aragonese expansion

Two centuries later, war techniques had changed as firearms emerged, so the Aragon had to enforce and defend Brindisi from the turkish threat. So the castle was expanded and fortified by the King of Naples Ferdinand I. New walls and towers were built, so that the castle could host more people. During the expansion, a source of water was found, which was very useful during long sieges.

Charles V of Hasburg

Later, Charles V of Hasburg played an important role in the history of Brindisi and its castle. After the sacking of Rome in 1527, the league surrounding him made by France, England, Florence, Venice, Milan and the Pope invaded the Reign of Naples and 16.000 soldiers assaulted Brindisi in 1528. The castle was commanded by Giovanni de Glianes, who believed he found some allies in the people of Brindisi. He then aimed the cannons at the houses of the faithful to the Emperor. Then the League sacked the city and destroyed every house. Brindisi was left poor and without houses.

First and second world war

The castle was turned into a penitentiary before it was officially delievered to the National Marine in 1909. It became the most important naval base during WWI. During WWII, from september 1943 to february 1944, the castle became the residence of the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III. Here the government was administrating and commanding, which made Brindisi the capital of Italy for one year.

Brigade Navy San Marco

Nowadays the castle is the headquarter of the Brigade Navy San Marco and thanks to an efficient action of valorization, it is posible to visit it and know deeply the history of Brindisi.

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