The first fortress in the port area of Bari was built in 1131 by the Norman king Roger I, when they conquered the South of Italy from the Byzantines. The role of Bari as a commercial port was constantly increasing, and a citadel was built for protection. It was strengthened and expanded over several centuries.
In 1156, just 20 years after its construction, the castle was destroyed by William I the Evil, another Norman king from Sicily. He burned the city, but Basilica of St. Nicholas was not destroyed. In 1233, the castle was restored by order of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
In the following centuries, the castle was owned by different dynasties: Anjou, Aragon, Sforza. That is why the word "Swabian" was added to the name of the Norman castle, since its owners were from the Central regions of Europe. Now the castle is called Normanno-Svevo Castello di Bari, which means "Norman-Swabian castle of Bari.
All the owners constantly expanded and strengthened it, according to the fortification requirements of their time. After the death of Bona Sforza, the castle was transferred to the Kingdom of Naples. Since then, it has housed barracks for soldiers and a prison.
Today, the Norman-Swabian castle of Bari can be considered one of the largest citadels of the middle ages, preserved in Italy. This is certainly one of the most interesting sights of Bari and the entire South of Italy.
In the Swabian hall of the castle, you can see interesting exhibitions dedicated to the history of the city and medieval art. Be sure to visit the hypothetical. It contains copies of mythical animals that can be seen on the facades of the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Cathedral of St. Sabin. There are elephants, griffins, monkeys, lions and many other animals. These copies were made in 1911 for an exhibition in Rome. It is very interesting to see all these figures at close range.
