Lucera
The Fortress of Lucera: a Historical Testimony to be Discovered
The Svevo-Angioinian Fortress of Lucera, also known as "Castello di Lucera," is a historic structure dating back to the 13th century, built during the Federician and Angioinian era, and represents one of the most important symbols of the city of Lucera. Located on top of Colle Albano hill, it is visible from every part of the surrounding territory. Thanks to its strategic position, the fortress has been used as a defense tool for centuries. Today it represents a unique tourist and cultural attraction of the city, known as one of the most important archaeological sites of the area.
History
Origins
Colle Albano hill is a place of great historical importance since the 3rd millennium BC. In fact, a Neolithic settlement was found, and during the Bronze Age, ceramics attributable to the Dauni were discovered. In the 19th century, the "carrello di Lucera" was found, a group of proto-historic bronzes that probably represent a ritual scene. In addition, the hill represented a place of great importance for the acropolis of the Roman Lucera, of which some archaeological remains can still be admired in the area adjacent to the Torre della Leonessa.
The Palatium
From 1223, Federico II deported the Saracens from Sicily to Lucera, which became an important Muslim settlement. In 1233, the Palatium was built, according to the emperor's project. There is no document attesting to the beginning or end of the work, but it is known that the original structure had a tower shape with four wings around a square courtyard. On the courtyard, there were large portals and windows decorated in an Arab-Norman style. The interiors were in coral limestone, the same material used at Castel del Monte. In the courtyard of the Palatium, there is a well.
The Svevo-Angioinian Fortress
Construction of the Fortress
Around 1233, Federico II built his Palatium on Colle Albano. In 1283, Charles I of Anjou added the magnificent Svevo-Angioinian Fortress, used as a citadel (fortress).
Description
The Fortress was built on existing foundations, also using the pyramidal base of the previous structure. The fortress has a quadrangular base, and inside it is possible to see traces of different eras, such as Neolithic huts, ruins from the Roman, Early Christian, Svevo, and Angioinian periods. In the inner courtyard of the fortress is the cistern, where rainwater was collected, a testimonial of great importance to the daily life of the fortress.
The Fortress as Defense
The Lucera Fortress has been used as a defense tool for centuries. Thanks to its strategic position, the fortress was a place of great importance for the defense of the surrounding territory. During the Angevin wars, the fortress was used as a prison and a place of torture. After a long period of abandonment, the fortress was restored and used as a prison until 1953.
Conclusion
The Fortress of Lucera is a historical testimony to be discovered. Thanks to its strategic position, it has been used for centuries as a defense tool and represents one of the most important tourist attractions in the city of Lucera. Currently, the fortress can be visited, and it returns to visitors the beauty of past centuries and the richness of culture and tradition of the city of Lucera.
