Fortresses on the island of Sant’Andrea were for centuries the bulwark of the West in the face of Ottoman expansionism. The Turkish danger was, explicitly, the basis of the direct decision to fortify properly Brindisi. While the Turks were still barricaded in Otranto, in February 1481 Ferrante of Aragon ordered the start of work for the construction of a fortress guarding the port of Brindisi. In 1485 Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, transformed the tower of Ferrante into a real castle. It was then decided to isolate the rock with the cut of the rock and the opening of a canal. The castle, also known as the Red Castle due to its color at sunset, the carparo blocks with which it is built, is a masterpiece of defense architecture: the trapezoidal shape and the thick walls have made it impregnable for years. In 1558 the construction of the fort began, which will last for about forty-six years with the intervention of some of the most famous military architects of the time. The Aragonese canal was transformed into a quiet dock connecting the new and ancient structure.

Alfonsino Castle

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Overlooking the sea one side, the land on the other, the Swabian Castle of Brindisi testifies to the wonders of history.

Built by Frederick II in 1227 with materials from earlier buildings, the Swabian Castle of Brindisi, known also as “earth castle” stands in the heart of the city.

The numerous modifications it has undergone, are linked to some of Italy's and Puglia's most important historical figures. One of these, was Charles of Hapsburg, who in 1519 became the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and who fully reinforced the Castle.

During World War II, between September 1943 and February 1944, the Castle served as the residence of Italy's King Victor Emmanuel III, his wife Queen Elena, and General Badoglio. Having fled from Rome, they set up base in the Castle, thus making Brindisi Italy's temporary capital.

Nowadays the Castle is used by Naval Command.

https://www.viaggiareinpuglia.it

the Swabian Castle of Brindisi 

 The castle of Mesagne looks like a precious noble palace, an impressive castle which watches over the town, telling people about the changes of the town over the centuries.

The big corner tower with machicolation, the walls on the lower part, the internal courtyard and the square plan are signs of the original military function of this building, which nowadays welcomes visitors with its façades embellished by the Renaissance loggia.

On the main portal of the castle it is possible to see the wooden portal and two openings for harquebus, where probably there used to be the drawbridge, the entrance from the moat, no more visible.

The southern part of the castle, with large Eighteenth-century decorated windows, can be admired from the nearby piazza Orsini del Balzo.

The castle of Mesagne

The castle of 1100 unique in Puglia to be still inhabited by the family of origin, Princes Dentice di Frasso, is located in the Centre of San Vito dei Normanni (Alto Salento). Its position is strategic because it is just a few kilometres from the main town (20 Km from the airport and the train station of Brindisi, 60 Km from Lecce, the Baroque city .12 Km from the railway station of Ostuni, beautiful whitewashed town, 12 Km from the picturesque natural reserve of Torre Guaceto e100 Km from Bari.
In the castle that has about 20 rooms all furnished with authentic antique furnishings and fireplaces of fine workmanship in pietra leccese "which still warm up the cold days, you can breath an atmosphere rich in history. Among the distinguished guests who have come and remember the King of Italy Vittorio Emanuele III and Queen Elena. In more recent times the principles have hosted Gandhi's granddaughter, Tara Gandhi and the Royal family of Denmark.
If you are a fan of the story and you want to spend a romantic weekend in a princely Castle still inhabited today by original owners Dentice Frasso Principles, this is ideal for a vacation that will make you go back centuries. Antique floors, antique furniture, photographs, trophies that adorn each corner of the Castle, making it unique speak of history. On site, at an additional cost, you can ask a memorable candlelit dinner whose atmosphere during the winter months will be made more romantic by popping a fireplace lit. Stay in a private castle means entering into a dream world, stop today's frantic pace and go back in time.
The Castle also has a garden with trees that provides guests with a relaxing atmosphere.
Guests can relax in between visits by territory rich in famous monuments and landscapes characterized by intense blue of the sea, the white of the limestone walls and the grandeur of monumental olive trees whose area is full. They can also learn about the famous Apulian gastronomy as well as the hospitality of the people which distinguishes people from southern Italy.