Explore the Castel SantAngelo in Taranto

What is the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto?

The Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto, also known as the Aragonese Castle of Taranto, is a Renaissance fortress built to defend the navigable canal connecting the Mar Grande to the Mar Piccolo. It is located at the entrance of the old town, in a scenic position overlooking the sea and the famous Swing Bridge.

When was the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto built?

The first fortifications date back to the Byzantine period, but the current appearance of the castle is due to the Aragonese. It was rebuilt starting in 1481 at the behest of Ferdinand II of Aragon, with the advice of architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, one of the most important military engineers of the Italian Renaissance.

Why visit the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto during a trip to Puglia?

Visiting the Castel Sant’Angelo means immersing yourself in the military and maritime history of Taranto. Walking through its walls, one can feel the defensive power of the past, but also the charm of a place that has witnessed centuries of battles, dominations, and transformations.

The visit is not only historical: the panorama that opens from the terraces is a unique experience. On one side, the Mar Grande, open to the horizon; on the other, the Mar Piccolo, intimate and rich in tradition related to the fishing of Taranto mussels.

What is the difference between the Aragonese Castle and the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto?

There is no difference: they are the same building. Some call it Castel Sant’Angelo, while others prefer the name Aragonese Castle, precisely because the most important renovation was carried out by the Aragonese in the 15th century.

What to see inside the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto?

Inside the castle, visitors can see: the spacious internal rooms, once used as barracks and warehouses; the underground corridors, which hold suggestive atmospheres and tell centuries of history; the cylindrical towers, from which one can imagine the life of soldiers and the defensive role of the fortress; the panoramic views of the sea, ideal for taking unforgettable photographs.

How does the visit to the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto take place?

The visit is guided and free, managed by the Navy, which today is based in the castle. The guides lead visitors through a path that combines history, architecture, and curiosities.

The experience is immersive: one moves from bright rooms to underground galleries, listening to stories of sieges, prisoners, and transformations of the city. Each step allows one to feel the connection between Taranto and its sea.

Where is the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto and how to get there?

The castle is located on the east side of the Swing Bridge of Taranto, at the entrance of the old town. It is easily reachable on foot from the modern center of Taranto by walking along Viale Virgilio and Via d’Aquino.

Those arriving by car can park in the areas near the waterfront and continue on foot. For those traveling by train, the Taranto station is about a 15-minute walk from the castle.

What are the opening hours of the Aragonese Castle of Taranto?

The opening hours vary depending on the season and the needs of the Navy. Generally, visits are scheduled throughout the day, including some very suggestive evening tours. It is advisable to check the updated hours on the official website of the Navy or at the tourist office in Taranto.

Why is the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto an experiential place?

The visit is not only cultural. Walking among the mighty walls, listening to the echo of footsteps in the underground, observing the sea from a 16th-century tower: all this makes the experience alive and engaging.

Many tourists report that the most exciting moment is the exit onto the bastion with a view of the navigable canal, especially when a military ship or a local fishing boat passes by. It is at that moment that one truly understands the maritime soul of Taranto.

What makes the Castel Sant’Angelo unique compared to other castles in Puglia?

Its strategic position makes it different from castles like those in Otranto or Bari. The Castel Sant’Angelo is literally suspended between two seas and controls the only passage between the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo.

Moreover, the direct management by the Navy makes it a site that is always alive, not just a simple monument but a place that continues to play an active role in the city.

What are the most beautiful photographic experiences at the Aragonese Castle of Taranto?

Taking a photo from the swing bridge with the castle in the background. Photographing the sunset reflections on the Mar Grande from the castle terraces. Capturing the interior of the underground galleries, where light creates unique atmospheres. Immortalizing the contrast between the ancient walls and the modern ships crossing the canal.

How long does the visit to the Castel Sant’Angelo in Taranto last?

The guided tour lasts about an hour. During this time, all the main areas of the castle are covered, and the guides enrich the experience with anecdotes and curiosities.