Castello

Trani


Two hundred metres north of the cathedral is one of Trani's major landmarks, the vast, almost modernist Swabian castle built by Frederick II in 1233. Charles V later strengthened the fortifications and it was used as a prison from 1844 to 1974. While the moat is now dry, the ingenious engineers originally devised a system allowing the level of seawater in it to be precisely controlled.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Trani attractions

1. Cathedral

0.16 MILES

This dramatic seafront cathedral is dedicated to St Nicholas the Pilgrim, a Greek Christian who wandered through Puglia crying 'Kyrie eleison' ('Lord,…

2. Scolanova Synagogue

0.21 MILES

This synagogue, one of four once established in Trani's ancient Jewish quarter, has been reborn after over 600 years. Persecutions, forced conversions and…

3. Ognissanti Church

0.26 MILES

Traditionally (but controversially) thought to be built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, this church became a place of blessing for those…

4. Museo Nazionale Jatta

12.18 MILES

Housed in the neoclassical Palazzo Jatta in Ruvo, some 30km from Bari, this museum displays a collection of several hundred archaeological finds, mainly…

5. Canne della Battaglia

13.76 MILES

Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Cannae, scene of a famous battle between the Romans and a victorious Carthaginian army led by Hannibal in 216 BC.

6. Castel del Monte

15.55 MILES

You'll see Castel del Monte, an inhumanly exact geometric shape on a hilltop, from miles away. Mysterious and perfectly octagonal, it's one of southern…

7. Castello Svevo

25.79 MILES

Roger the Norman originally built this castle in the 12th century over the ruins of a Byzantine structure. Later, Frederick II of Swabia built over the…

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