Blog

The Angevin-Aragonese Castle of Gaeta dominates the historic center of the city, bearing witness to centuries of political and military events that shaped southern Italy. Its imposing structure, divided into two main sections, reflects the architectural and strategic evolution of Gaeta through the ages. Angevin-Aragonese Castle of Gaeta: Origins and Development The earliest records of a fortification in Gaeta date back to the 6th century, during the war against the Goths. However, documented evidence confirms the castle’s existence in the 12th century, when Frederick II of Swabia ordered its reinforcement between 1222 and 1234, recognizing the city's strategic importance in controlling the surrounding territory. The Angevin Era: Expansion and Fortification With the rise of the Angevins in the Kingdom of Naples, the castle underwent significant transformations. In 1289, Charles II of Anjou expanded the structure, reinforcing the defenses and consolidating Gaeta’s role as a coastal stronghold. This phase saw the construction of the western wing, characterized by an irregular layout and five circular towers, one of which houses a chapel built by Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies in 1849. The Aragonese Period and Further Expansion Under Aragonese rule, the castle was expanded once again. After 1536, Charles V of [...]