Castello Normanno-Svevo (Swabian Castle), Bari
Bar Harbor, Italy
About This Activity
The Castello Normanno-Svevo was founded by Roger II in 1132 and rebuilt by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 1230s into one of southern Italy's most formidable fortresses. The castle sits between Bari Vecchia and the Adriatic, surrounded by a dry moat. Inside, the state museum houses a remarkable cast collection of architectural ornamentation — capitals, portals, and sculptural fragments — from Puglia's Romanesque and Norman churches, making it an excellent companion to visits of the region's churches. Recent visitor reports (late 2025) put admission at €8–10; verify at the ticket office on arrival.
Seasonal note: Year-round; closed Mondays; best in mild weather for exterior exploration
See This in an Itinerary
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