The castle foundations contain layers dating back to the Byzantine period, which were uncovered during 20th-century excavation efforts.
The structure includes the 'Salone di Bona Sforza', named after the Queen of Poland and Duchess of Bari who modernized the castle in the 16th century.
The site features a significant collection of plaster casts created for the 1911 International Exhibition in Rome to showcase Apulian Romanesque art.
The castle is surrounded by a moat that was utilized for defensive purposes against the Venetian fleet in the 16th century.
The masonry incorporates repurposed limestone blocks that bear stonecutter marks from the medieval period.
The Regional Directorate of Museums in Bari is housed within the Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), a 13th-century fortification originally built by Roger II of Sicily and later expanded by Frederick II. It functions as a strategic administrative hub for Puglia's cultural heritage and serves as a primary exhibition space for archaeological findings and regional art. The structure features a prominent Aragonese-era defensive wall and a massive moat that remains a defining architectural element. Inside, the Gipsoteca gallery displays plaster casts of significant Romanesque architectural decorations from various Apulian cathedrals. The site offers a direct view of the transition from medieval defensive architecture to Renaissance residential modifications. Ongoing research and restoration projects are managed from this location, impacting local conservation policies.
From the inner courtyard looking up at the contrast between the medieval towers and the ornate Aragonese windows.
Focus on the Gipsoteca section to view detailed replicas of architectural carvings that are difficult to see in their original, high-altitude locations.
Check the exterior courtyard for temporary outdoor art installations, which occur seasonally.
Carry a light jacket even in summer, as the thick stone walls keep the interior rooms significantly cooler than the outdoor temperatures.
Do not mistake the administrative offices for public exhibition halls; stick to designated visitor pathways to avoid restricted areas.
Closed on Tuesdays.
Maintain a quiet volume and avoid touching the plaster casts or ancient stone surfaces, as they are fragile and under conservation.
