For its strategic position, Vieste was always one of the greatest landmarks of defense of the Gargano and preserved until 1846 the title of Piazza d'Armi. All the rulers of the Kingdom of southern Italy, Normans to the Bourbons have always held in the highest regard this advanced place of the Adriatic Sea.
The castle, that dominates with its imposing the medieval district is traced back to the second half of the 11th century, when the count of Vieste was the Norman Robert Drengot. Distinguishes itself from the buildings and the surrounding landscape for its brown color, and stands overlooking the calcareous rocks overlooking the sea. It is a triangular, accompanied the corners (North. East and West) of three bastions at the tip of the lance, which incorporate the most ancient with a circular base. To the south instead, on the limit of the high cliff of the coast, stood the factory with the chapel, a series of houses and a small sixteenth-century bastion. During the struggles between the Papacy and Federico II (1240), suffered with the city, by the Venetians, considerable damage. It is currently used by the Italian Navy.
References:The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.