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Among the most important historical buildings of Nardò, in the province of Lecce, there is Acquaviva Castle or Aragonese Castle. The fortress probably dates back to 1400, built during the transition between the Angevin and Aragonese domination: it was the time when the dominion of the Acquaviva family began in the city.

The castle was built by Duke Giulio Antonio Acquaviva d’Aragona and it was conceived as an extension of a pre-existing structure, to make the city safer and better protected after the 1480 Turkish invasions.

The castle plan is quadrangular, with four towers, defensive walls and a moat. In 1800, it was transformed into a stately home.

Visitors can easily admire the cornices of the four towers, the main ashlar facade, and the balcony above the main entrance, embellished with caryatids and sculptures of female figure acting as columns.
Inside, the castle hides a delightful Italian garden, with a parterre of box hedges (Buxus sempervirens), citrus and cedars, surrounded by gravel.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)