Monte Sant ' Angelo Castle

Monte Sant'Angelo Castle is a historic military installation located in the Apulian city of Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy. Originally constructed around the year 837 by Orso I, the Doge of Venice, the fortress displays a rich blend of architectural influences resulting from centuries of modification. The oldest surviving section is the pentagonal Torre dei Giganti, or Giants' Tower, which features massive walls measuring 3.7 meters thick and stands 18 meters high. Over time, the structure was expanded by the Normans, who added the Norman Tower and Treasure Hall, and later underwent significant restoration under Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire. In the late 15th century, Ferdinand I largely rebuilt the complex, giving it much of its current appearance.

The castle holds profound historical significance due to its diverse roster of famous residents and users throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods. It served as a residence for Norman leaders like Robert Guiscard and was notably used by Emperor Frederick II as a home for his mistress, Bianca Lancia. During the Angevin rule, the site functioned primarily as a prison. Between 1464 and 1485, it provided refuge for the exiled Albanian condottiero Skanderbeg. Today, the castle is open to the public and serves as a venue for cultural exhibitions. Local folklore adds a layer of mystery to the site, claiming that the ghost of Bianca Lancia still haunts the grounds, with her sighs reportedly audible during the winter months.