Castle of Charles V

Lecce, Italy

The Castle of Charles V was first built in the Middle Ages, and was strengthened by Charles V in 1539, to a design by the architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya. To build this fortress two constructions were pulled down: the Chapel of the Trinity and the Monastery of the Benedictine Order of the Saint Cross.

The castle did not have only defensive functions, in the 18th century one of its rooms was used as a theatre. From 1870 to 1979 it was used as military district. Nowadays it is the seat of the Cultural Affairs of the township of Lecce, a backdrop for many cultural initiatives.

Visitors can remain charmed with the delicate ornaments of the interiors: the capitals and the decorated big room, with imposing big stained glass windows. The rooms of the upstairs are sustained by imposing stone columns. There is a legend linked with this castle: it tells that the family which owned this castle in the 14th century, the Orsini del Balzo family, kept a white bear in the moat of the castle. This animal was a status symbol and, at the same time, it scared prowlers.

References:

Comments

Your name



Address

Via XXV Luglio 32, Lecce, Italy
See all sites in Lecce

Details

Founded: 1539
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Rob Jansen (3 years ago)
Castle is nice to visit. Did not visit the ramparts, did visit the first floor rooms and exhibitions which I found disappointing given the fee levied.
Vuong Pham (3 years ago)
We had a good experience here since we had a meeting. Good place to organize meeting.
Oniric Project (3 years ago)
Fascinating spaces. True: there isn't any furniture but it's very beautiful!
Tensai Sakuragi (3 years ago)
Interesting experience. Rooms are mostly empty, but architecture is quite impressive..
Niels Dewelde (4 years ago)
Very disappointing. Don’t go if you don’t understand Italian, even tough they advertise English as an option. You will receive a tablet with long texts on them to read in English, while the natives watch/listen to videos on theirs. They are able to look around while listening, while you have to read half a book and have no time left looking around. It’s tough understanding anything as all introductions and intros are Italian-only. Apart from the very disappointing service, it’s a beautiful castle and I hope the tour will improve or just mention the experience is not available in English.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.