The castle houses a collection of Daunian stelae, which are unique anthropomorphic limestone slabs from the 8th to 6th centuries BC.
The original defensive moat was filled in during the 19th century to accommodate modern urban development.
King Manfred, the founder of the city of Manfredonia, commissioned the castle to consolidate control over the Gulf of Manfredonia.
The castle exhibits architectural layers spanning from the Swabian period through the Angevin and Aragonese expansions.
The Daunian stelae were rediscovered primarily in the area surrounding Siponto, providing the only visual record of Daunian social hierarchy and attire.
The Castle of Manfredonia, located in the province of Foggia, serves as the site for the National Archaeological Museum of Manfredonia. Built by Manfred of Sicily in the 13th century, the fortress was designed to defend the coastal territory. The structure features a quadrangular plan with five corner towers, originally surrounded by a moat. It underwent significant structural modifications under the Angevin and Aragonese rulers, including the addition of an outer fortified wall. The museum housed within contains a notable collection of Daunian stelae, a series of limestone funerary slabs dating back to the Iron Age. These slabs are carved with abstract motifs and figures representing the pre-Roman Daunian civilization. The castle's architecture reflects the transition from defensive military fortification to a residential and administrative hub.
The view from the castle ramparts overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the harbor.
Visit the upper levels to view the fortifications and look out over the gulf.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Siponto Basilica to see the Wire Mesh Church installation.
Allocate time to examine the specific iconography carved into the stelae, as they depict distinct gender-based social roles.
Do not overlook the smaller side rooms in the museum, as they contain significant architectural fragments and smaller artifacts that are often skipped by crowds.
Typically closed on Mondays.
