swabian castle of brindisi - g7 summit location
The Castello Svevo (Swabian castle) overlooks the sea, boulevard and the Casale district on the other side of the water. This castle was an important location during the G7 summit on June 13, 2024, when world leaders dined in the castle.
g7 summit location
High above Le Sciabiche, the old port, the Swabian castle overlooks the sea, the boulevard and the Casale district on the other side of the water. This castle was an important location during the G7 summit on June 13, 2024, when world leaders had their diner in the castle. It is the oldest fortress of Brindisi and was built as a fortified residence for Frederick II. For its construction materials were used originating from ruined Brindisi city monuments.
Trapezoidal plan
This building originally was built based on a trapezoidal plan. It was realized around a large courtyard surrounded by a fosssato (a moat), endowed with several high walls and towers, making an enemy siege more difficult. The castle was finished in the year 1233. On the west side, between the two cylindrical towers, a donjon was built where on the ground floor the original entrance was made. To the east-side and the center, between the other two quadrangular towers, was set a pentagonal tower. In 1448, a rampart was built that surrounded the ground part of the castle, strengthened by four circular towers. A new wider moat was also excavated.
nice to know
The Swabian castle is also called the 'Great Castle' or the 'Castle of Earth' to distinguish it from the Aragonese castle that can be found out at sea and served to protect the bay and inner harbor of Brindisi.
Seat of the Italian government for 5 months during world war II
Between September 1943 and February 1944, when Brindisi was temporarily the capital of Italy, the castle was home to king Vittorio Emanuele III and the whole royal family. During that period the principal functions of command were located in Brindisi, turning the city into the seat of the Italian government for five months . Despite this, the official title of capital was never recognized. Currently the Swabian Castle is used as the seat of the Navy. Parts of the castle are opened to the public on a limited basis.
how to get there
This is a large castle now used by the military. You can only visit it as a guided tour, with reservation in advance . The reservation can be made on the portal pastpuglia.it or by downloading the application PastPuglia, Always at least 48 hours before date of visit.