CASTELLO
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Castle constituting one of the most impressive defensive structures of Salento.
The Copertino Castle is one of the most interesting and impressive defensive structures in Salento. It is the work of the famous architect Evangelista Menga, much better known for his participation in the fortification works of the island of Malta, residence of the knights of the order of the same name. The fortified complex was completed in 1540, at the behest of the Marquis Alfonso Granai Castriota, a general of Charles V, and has a quadrangular plan with corners reinforced by bastions in the shape of spearheads. The ramparts contain an ancient keep of Angevin origin and are in turn surrounded by a moat.
Access to the castle is via a stone bridge spanning the moat and a beautiful portal flanked by two columns and adorned with rich Renaissance-style decorations carved in Lecce stone. Another curiosity not to be missed is the small chapel of the castle dedicated to San Marco, beautifully decorated with frescoes by Gianserio Strafella, a mannerist painter from Copertino. There are the tombs of the Squarciafico marquises of Genoese origin, owners of the castle from 1557. In Piazza d'Armi there are wells and porticoes made by the Pinelli-Pignatelli family. The upper floor, accessible from the courtyard via an open staircase, houses about twenty rooms, built when the fortification was used as a residence by noble families. Worth seeing is a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, decorated with 15th century frescoes.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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