The oldest heart of the Castle of Gioia del Colle, the North wing, dates to the 9th century and the Byzantine era. It was extended by Richard of Hauteville, brother of the more famous Robert Guiscard between the 11th and 12th centuries. Over time, the stronghold was redesigned by Roger II of Sicily and later, around 1230 C.E., by Emperor Frederick II, the driving force behind the development of a network of castles in the area. Like many other castles in Puglia, the structure was later modified by the Angevins and the Aragonese.
The inner rooms of the castle surround the interior courtyard on two floors. Of the four towers originally constructed, the two left today stand at the two ends of the south wing and are known as “De' Rossi” (28m) and “dell'Imperatrice” (24m).
The Castle, once a defensive stronghold and Frederick II's residence, now houses the National Museum of Archaeology.
Apulia Film Commission
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