Perched majestically on a small promontory known as Punta Pinna, the Castle of Monopoli (locally known as Castello di Monopoli) stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Spanish Empire's influence in southern Italy. This fortress, also referred to as the Castle of Charles V, is an iconic landmark in the metropolitan city of Bari, Puglia, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural prowess.
The construction of the Castle of Monopoli was completed in 1552 under the directive of Emperor Charles V. It was part of a broader strategy to fortify the coastal regions of Puglia against potential invasions. The castle was ingeniously built using the remnants of earlier structures, including the 10th-century church of San Nicola in Pinna and a grand Roman gate from the 1st century BC, which itself was constructed on the ancient Messapian walls dating back to the 5th century BC. These layers of history were meticulously uncovered during archaeological excavations conducted between the 1990s and 2010s.
The completion of the castle was overseen by the Viceroy Pedro Álvarez de Toledo or, according to some accounts, by the Marquis Don Ferrante Loffredo. In the 1600s, the fortress underwent significant expansions and renovations, transforming it from a purely defensive structure into a more residential one. By the early 19th century, the castle had been repurposed as a district prison, a role it served until 1969.
Today, the Castle of Monopoli has been lovingly restored and repurposed as a cultural hub, hosting important exhibitions of painting, photography, and cinema. It also houses the Museum of the Sea (Museo del Mare), which was established in 2010. This museum offers an engaging narrative of Monopoli's maritime history, tracing its relationship with the sea from the Bronze Age to the early 19th century.
The castle's simple layout is enhanced by its pentagonal bastions, which rise prominently on five sides. The main entrance, once accessible via a drawbridge, is now located to the southwest, where a later-added cylindrical tower stands. Visitors can still see well-preserved sections of the ancient walls to the left of this tower. The numerous cannon placements, strategically positioned from the rooftops to the water's edge, are a testament to the castle's defensive capabilities. The evocative hall of arms and the stone coat of arms bearing the date 1552 and the name of Viceroy Pedro de Toledo add to the castle's historical charm.
Inside, the Castle of Monopoli reveals several elements of artistic and historical interest. The rock church of San Nicola in Pinna, founded in the late 10th century by the Monopolitian Sassone, is a highlight. The grand arsenal, characterized by four cannon ports at the water's surface, served both the open sea and the internal port. These were equipped with four smoothbore Neapolitan howitzers from the first half of the 19th century, each weighing 1,400 kg.
The castle also incorporates a grand Roman gate from the 1st century BC, which overlooks the armory. This gate was fortified with two two-story guardhouses, topped with octagonal towers that are now mostly integrated into the 16th-century castle structure. The Roman fortifications are built upon the robust Messapian walls from the 5th century BC, which in turn stand on the remains of an ancient prehistoric agger. This intricate layering of history was revealed through archaeological research led by the Soprintendenza Archaeologica di Puglia, with contributions from restorers like engineer Francesco Selicato and, following the completion of restoration in 2011, architect Domenico Capitano. The study by architect Angelo Papio also provides a well-documented and interesting perspective on the castle's history.
One intriguing historical anecdote from the 1700s recounts that coral was once abundantly harvested from the waters beneath the castle. Another fascinating story involves Martino Coquemont, a resident of the castle around 1750 and a colonel in the armies of Ferdinand IV of Naples, who reportedly lived to the remarkable age of 101, passing away in 1773.
In conclusion, the Castle of Monopoli is not just a historical monument but a vibrant cultural site that continues to play a significant role in the life of the city. Its walls, steeped in centuries of history, offer visitors a unique journey through time, making it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring the beautiful region of Puglia.
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