One of the most interesting Swabian castles that Frederick II built in Southern Italy, the Castle of Trani stands by the sea in defense of the city.

The Castle of Trani was the place where Manfred of Sicily (son of Frederick II) celebrated his wedding to Helena Angelina Doukaina.

This fascinating castle built by Frederick II is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, a symbol of Puglia and, since 1996, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fortress might have originally been used as an astronomical observatory or as an imposing hunting lodge. Its mysterious octagonal base sets it significantly apart from all the other castles in Puglia.

The Aragonese Castle, also known as Castel Sant'Angelo, is the main fortification in Taranto and marks the boundary between the old and the new part of the town.

The fortress was designed in the late 15th century by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, upon request of the Aragon King Ferdinand I of Naples, who wanted it for defensive purposes.

Built by the Normans and redesigned over the centuries by the Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese, Barletta Castle is a treasure-trove of history and culture.

Frederick II included Barletta Castle as one of the castles of the Terra di Bari (Land of Bari). Constructed in the second half of the 12th century, the castle encapsulates the history of the city where the famous “disfida” (challenge) was held.

Located in Bari, the Castle was originally built by the Normans in the 12th century, but was later destroyed in 1156. Frederick II it rebuilt between 1233 and 1240, transforming it into one of the region's most interesting fortresses, mainly thanks to its strategic position. A fascinating example of medieval construction, it also retains elements that were added in successive extensions.

Monte Sant'Angelo Castle still bears signs of the succession of the many dominations, civilizations and architectual styles.

Located in the Gargano National Park, it was originally erected by the Lombards and later on enlarged under Norman rule, with the Giganti tower to it.

The castle, stronghold of the town of Gallipoli, is completely surrounded by the sea.

It is located on the eastern part of the “nice town” and it can be already seen at the entrance of the peninsula which surrounds the old part of the town. The castle, has nowadays a quadrangular shape with four towers on each corner and a fifth one, called “Rivellino”, separated from the perimeter and alone in the water.

With its fortified walls , citadel and castle, the Castel of Acaya is a precious testament to feudalism in the Salento. It lies a few miles from Lecce.

Acaya Castle, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance-era defensive architecture in the Terra d’Otranto (Land of Otranto). It guards the small hamlet and preserves centuries of history.

Alfonsino Castle, also known as the Red Castle because of the vermilion colour of its stone, sits on Sant'Andrea Island at the entrance to Brindisi’s harbour, in front of the Pigionati Channel.

Otranto Castle is a fascinating fortress that looks eastwards and it witnesses a past when the city had to protect itself from Saracen attacks.

The Castle currently hosts international exhibitions and events.

A fifteenth-century building, Dentice of Frasso Castle in Carovigno, was turned from a military fortress to a sumptuous residence as time passed by. It was renovated and expanded at the behest of Count Dentice in 1904. Situated on the top of a hill, it is visible from the coast. Situated on the edge of the characteristic historic center of Carovigno, the castle faces north towards the nearby village of Ostuni and west towards the sea.

Castello Svevo Angioino in Manfredonia was originally established in 1279. it's the town's iconic sight and houses a National Archaeological Museum. The geometric regularity of the structure contains numerous construction aspects typical of Swabian architecture, which coexist with details attributable to different styles, testifying to the succession of different dynasties and dominations.