Cosenza Castle

Cosenza, Italy

The Castello Svevo ('Swabian' or Hohenstaufen Castle) was originally built by the Saracens on the ruins of the ancient Rocca Brutia, around the year 1000. The castle was restored by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, adding the octagonal tower to the original structure, in 1239. According to tradition, his son Henry lived in this castle, as a prisoner at his father's command. Louis III of Naples and Margaret of Savoy married in the castle and they both settled there in 1432.

All signs of the ancient Saracen structure have now disappeared. In the internal cloister, the modifications made by the Bourbons in order to convert it into a prison can also be seen. The entrance-hall is covered by ogival arches with engraved brackets. A wide corridor is dominated by some fleur-de-lis from the House of Anjou coat of arms. They are engraved on the ribbed Hohenstaufen arches.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Via del Castello 5, Cosenza, Italy

See all sites in Cosenza

Details

Founded: c. 1000 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Cosenza Cathedral (0,3 km)
Church of San Domenico (0,7 km)

Nicastro Cathedral (34,9 km)
Rossano Cathedral (45,6 km)
Scolacium Archaeological Park (60,6 km)
San Giovanni in Fiore Abbey (38,3 km)
Corigliano Calabro Castle (41 km)
Santa Maria del Patire Abbey (41,5 km)
Castello della Valle (17,4 km)
Santa Maria della Roccella (60,6 km)
Scylletium (60,5 km)

User Reviews

Robbert van Hoven (8 months ago)
We went during the summer opening times but unfortunately it was closed even though it says here that it is open. Too bad as we hoped to stop here and have a look before continuing our drive

lindie fourie (10 months ago)
Do not waste any time to go there. Every website of them indicated that they are open, but yet they are NOT. Sure, the gate is closed with a padlock, and the key is left in the padlock, ?. From what one can see from the outside, it looks abandoned and Very poorly kept. What a shame!!!!!

O. Bakhtina (3 years ago)
Nice place to visit. Beautiful castle and lots of history.

Mark De Backer (3 years ago)
What a spectacular view. Easy 10 min walk from the center up to the castle. Remarkable and historical location in Cosenza.

John DiMaggio (3 years ago)
Nothing special as far as castles go. Nice views of Cosenza though

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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