Among the many jewels scattered throughout the Salento area, the castles undoubtedly stand out, evidence of a past marked by invasions, battles and foreign dominations. In this article we will explore some of the most fascinating castles in Salento, telling their history and importance.

A bit of history
Salento has a rich and complex history marked by various dominations, including the Byzantine (6th – 11th century), Norman (11th-12th century) and Aragonese (15th-16th century). Each of these has left a significant mark on the culture, architecture and traditions of the region. In particular, the domination closest to our times, namely the Aragonese, strengthened the coastal defenses against Ottoman incursions, building watchtowers and strengthening the existing fortifications. The Turkish invasions in Salento are an important and dramatic chapter in the history of this region. These attacks, which intensified between the 15th and 16th centuries, had a devastating impact on the local population and left deep scars in the collective memory.
Eastern, transalpine and Spanish traditions have learned to coexist over the centuries, bringing an influence on local culture and traditions, also visible in architecture and art.

The Aragonese Castle of Otranto
The Aragonese Castle of Otranto is one of the most significant monuments of the city, with a rich history that reflects the various dominations and influences that have characterized Salento over the centuries.
The first fortifications of Otranto date back to the Byzantine period, but the structure we know today has undergone numerous expansions and modifications over the centuries. During the Norman domination, Otranto became an important military and commercial center, and the fortifications were strengthened to protect the city from external attacks.
Under the Swabian rule of Frederick II, the castle was further strengthened. However, it was during the Angevin domination that a significant expansion of the defensive structures was seen, due to the growing threats from the East.
The castle underwent its most significant transformation during the Aragonese domination in the 15th century. Ferdinand I of Aragon, after the devastating Turkish siege of 1480, ordered the reconstruction and expansion of the castle to make it an impregnable fortress.

Structure and Defenses
The Aragonese Castle of Otranto has an irregular pentagonal plan, with corner bastions that strengthen its defense. The structure is surrounded by a deep moat, a common element in Aragonese fortifications to prevent direct access to the walls.
• Circular Towers: The bastions at the corners are surmounted by circular towers that allowed for better defense against artillery attacks. These towers are equipped with loopholes and gun ports.
• Access Gate: The main entrance is protected by a massive door with a drawbridge, a typical element of medieval fortifications that guaranteed an additional level of security.
• Internal Courtyard: Inside the castle, there is a large courtyard surrounded by buildings that housed the troops, warehouses and other structures necessary for the life of the garrison.

Architectural Elements
The architecture of the castle is characterized by a combination of defensive and decorative elements that reflect the various cultural influences of the period.
• Massive Walls: The walls are built of local limestone, with a solid and resistant structure designed to withstand artillery attacks.
• Sculptural Decorations: Despite its predominantly defensive function, the castle also features decorative elements, such as heraldic coats of arms and sculptural motifs that celebrate the power of the Aragonese dynasty.
• Patrol Walks: On the perimeter walls, the patrol walks allowed soldiers to patrol and defend the castle from above, offering a panoramic view of the city and the sea.

 

Gallipoli Castle
Gallipoli Castle is one of the most significant symbols of the city, strategically positioned at the entrance to the historic center. Its rich history reflects the various dominations that have characterized Salento over the centuries, highlighting an architecture that has undergone numerous changes and expansions throughout its existence.
The origins of the castle date back to the Byzantine period (6th-8th century), when Gallipoli was part of the territories of the Byzantine Empire. During the Norman domination (11th-12th century), the structure was expanded and strengthened, becoming an important defensive point against Saracen attacks.
In the 13th century, under the Swabian domination of Frederick II, the castle was further fortified. Subsequently, with the advent of the Angevins (13th-14th century), important expansion and renovation works were carried out to adapt the structure to new war techniques and defensive needs.
The castle underwent its most significant transformations during the Aragonese domination (15th-16th century). Ferdinand I of Aragon ordered the reconstruction of the castle after Gallipoli was involved in the wars between the Angevins and the Aragonese. The renovation and expansion works continued under the reign of Charles V, who adopted new military techniques to improve the defense of the city against Turkish incursions.

Structure and Defenses
The Gallipoli Castle has a quadrangular structure with four corner towers and a polygonal tower. Its strategic position on the water made it particularly difficult to attack.
• Corner Towers: The four cylindrical towers at the corners of the castle were equipped with arrow slits and gun ports for defense against artillery attacks.
• Polygonal Tower: The polygonal tower, known as the Rivellino Tower, was added during the Aragonese period and is one of the main architectural features of the castle.
• Moat and Drawbridge: The castle was surrounded by a moat, which separated it from the mainland, and the main entrance was protected by a drawbridge.

Architectural Elements
The architecture of the castle combines defensive elements with decorations that reflect the various historical periods.
• Mighty Walls: The thick walls made of local limestone were designed to withstand artillery attacks.
• Heraldic Decorations: On the walls and inside the castle there are coats of arms and heraldic symbols that celebrate the power of the noble families and sovereigns who governed Gallipoli.
• Internal Courtyard: The central courtyard of the castle was surrounded by various buildings that housed the troops, kitchens, warehouses and stables.

Copertino Castle
Copertino Castle is one of the most important and best preserved castles in Salento, located in the city of Copertino, in the province of Lecce. Its history reflects the political and military events of the region, while its architecture represents a significant example of Renaissance fortification.
The origins of the castle date back to the Norman period, between the 11th and 12th centuries. Initially, there was a Norman tower, probably built on pre-existing Byzantine ones. This tower was the nucleus around which the castle subsequently developed.
During the Angevin domination (13th-14th century), the castle was expanded and further fortified. With the arrival of the Aragonese in the 15th century, the castle underwent significant transformations. Alfonso of Aragon, in particular, ordered important expansion works to adapt the structure to the new defensive needs imposed by the introduction of firearms.
The current configuration of the castle is largely due to the Renaissance period. In the 16th century, the castle was expanded and transformed by the Castriota-Scanderbeg family, descendants of the Albanian hero Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg. The architect Evangelista Menga was commissioned to renovate the castle, giving it the imposing and fortified appearance that we can still admire today.

Structure and Defenses
The Copertino Castle has a quadrangular plan, with bastions at the corners and a large moat surrounding it.
• Corner Bastions: The four spear-shaped corner bastions (called “a puntone”) are characteristic of Renaissance fortifications and were used to improve defense against firearms.
• Moat and Drawbridge: The moat completely surrounds the castle and was originally filled with water. The main entrance is accessible via a drawbridge, which could be raised in the event of an attack.
• Internal Courtyard: Inside the castle there is a large central courtyard, around which various residential and military buildings are arranged.

Architectural Elements
The architecture of the castle combines defensive elements with aesthetic characteristics typical of the Renaissance.
• Entrance Portal: The main portal is decorated with Renaissance motifs and has a round arch.
• Balconies and Loggias: Some internal balconies and loggias are adorned with elegant stone decorations, reflecting the Renaissance taste for aesthetics and symmetry.
• Rooms and Halls: Inside, the castle houses numerous rooms and halls, some of which are frescoed and decorated with heraldic crests and floral motifs.

Norman Tower
The Norman tower, dating back to the original period of the castle, is still visible and represents the ancient heart of the structure. This tower was integrated into the subsequent architectural modifications, becoming a symbol of the historical continuity of the castle.

Acaya Castle
Acaya Castle is a notable example of Renaissance military architecture located in the homonymous village of Acaya, in Salento, in the province of Lecce. The fortress has a long history that reflects the political and military transformations of the region and represents one of the best preserved castles in Salento.
The origins of the castle date back to the 13th century, when a watchtower was built during the Norman-Swabian domination. However, the current configuration of the castle is mainly due to the expansion and fortification works carried out between the 15th and 16th centuries.
During the Aragonese domination, the castle underwent important fortification works. In particular, the architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya, son of Alfonso dell’Acaya, was commissioned to transform the tower into a modern Renaissance fortress.
In the 16th century, under Charles V, the castle was further strengthened to defend the territory from Ottoman attacks. Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya designed a system of bastions and walls that made the fortress impregnable according to the canons of Renaissance military architecture.

Structure and Defenses
Acaya Castle has a quadrangular plan with corner bastions and a large moat surrounding it, reflecting the most advanced fortification techniques of the Renaissance.
• Corner Bastions: The four corner bastions, shaped like a spearhead, are designed to withstand attacks from firearms and to offer a wide field of fire to the defenders. These bastions are equipped with gun ports and arrow slits.
• Moat and Drawbridge: The castle is surrounded by a moat, originally filled with water, which constituted a first line of defense against attacks. The main access to the castle was via a drawbridge, which could be raised to prevent enemies from entering.
• Inner Courtyard: At the center of the castle is a large courtyard, around which are arranged various residential and service buildings, including barracks, kitchens and warehouses.

Architectural Elements
The architecture of the castle combines defensive elements with aesthetic features typical of the Renaissance.
• Entrance Portal: The main portal is decorated with Renaissance motifs and features a round arch with coats of arms and sculptural decorations.
• Balconies and Loggias: Some internal balconies and loggias are adorned with elegant stone decorations, reflecting the Renaissance taste for aesthetics and symmetry.
• Rooms and Halls: Inside the castle, there are numerous rooms and halls, some of which are frescoed and decorated with coats of arms and floral motifs.

 

The Castle of Charles V
The Castle of Charles V in Lecce is one of the main fortresses of the city, a symbol of military and political power in Salento during the Renaissance period. This castle represents an important testimony to the history and military architecture of the 16th century.
The origins of the castle date back to the Middle Ages, with a first fortified structure built by the Normans in the 12th century. However, the current configuration of the castle is the result of a complete renovation and expansion commissioned by Emperor Charles V in the 16th century to improve defenses against Turkish incursions.
During the Aragonese domination, the castle underwent various fortification interventions. The most significant transformation occurred under the reign of Charles V and his viceroy, Don Pedro da Toledo, in 1539. The military architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya was commissioned to design the new castle, which was to be an imposing and modern structure according to the canons of Renaissance military architecture.

Structure and Defenses
The Castle of Charles V has a trapezoidal plan with four corner bastions that give the structure a massive and imposing appearance.
• Corner Bastions: The four corner bastions, called San Giacomo, Santa Croce, Sant’Antonio and Sant’Antonio Abate, are designed to withstand attacks from firearms. The bastions are equipped with embrasures and slits for positioning artillery.
• Moat and Drawbridge: The castle was originally surrounded by a moat, which increased defenses against attacks. The drawbridge allowed access to the castle and could be raised in case of attack.
• Inner Courtyard: The inner courtyard is large and surrounded by buildings that housed the troops, kitchens, warehouses and other structures necessary for the life of the garrison.

Architectural Elements
The architecture of the castle combines defensive elements with aesthetic characteristics typical of the Renaissance.
• Entrance Portal: The main portal, decorated with Renaissance motifs and heraldic coats of arms, represents the monumental entrance to the castle.
• Balconies and Loggias: Some internal balconies and loggias are adorned with elegant stone decorations, reflecting the Renaissance taste for aesthetics and symmetry.
• Rooms and Halls: Inside the castle, there are numerous rooms and halls, some of which are frescoed and decorated with heraldic coats of arms and floral motifs.

Square Tower
Inside the castle there is a square tower that represents one of the original structures of the medieval castle. This tower was integrated into the subsequent architectural modifications, becoming a symbol of the historical continuity of the castle.

 

Contemporary use of castles
Castles frequently host temporary art exhibitions, ranging from contemporary art to historical exhibitions.
They are also used as locations for various festivals and cultural events, such as those dedicated to the promotion of reading and literature, with book presentations, meetings with authors and workshops for children and adults.
During the summer they host classical, jazz and pop music concerts, as well as theatrical performances and dance shows.
Castles are venues for conferences and seminars on various cultural, historical and scientific topics, supported by various educational activities, which make them important educational centers, with initiatives aimed at schools and families:
Multimedia technologies are also used to enrich the visitor experience, through interactive exhibitions and virtual visits.
Cultural collaborations are organized, such as exchanges of exhibitions and projects with museums and art galleries at national and international level, and community projects, such as Initiatives involving the local community, promoting active participation and the enhancement of cultural heritage.

Conclusions
The castles of Salento represent a heritage of inestimable value, living testimonies of a past rich in history and culture. Each castle has a unique story to tell, made of conquests, transformations and adaptations to the needs of various historical periods. Visiting these castles means not only admiring their architectural beauty, but also immersing yourself in a journey through time that allows you to rediscover the deep roots of Salento.
If you are passionate about history and architecture, or simply want to explore fascinating and evocative places, the castles of Salento are an unmissable destination. Prepare yourself to live an unforgettable experience within the walls of these ancient fortresses.