The Angioino castle is to the east of the city and dates from the 14th century although it has undergone major changes, additions and renovations since.
The first plan of the castle was quadrangle, but the Aragonese then added a wall with a polygonal plan, fortified with cylindrical towers at the corners. This work was carried out to the design of Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439-1501). Further works in the Spanish age include the building of the ‘Lookout Tower’, when the Castle took a quadrangular shape with summits strengthened by four towers.
A fifth circular tower was then erected to defend against attacks from the sea in the early 16th century. The castle remained unchanged until the second half of the 19th century when, in the area towards the city, the moat was filled in and the arches that supported the drawbridge were buried.
Today, Gallipoli Castle still has this square base and four towers at the corners: the fifth tower, during the summer months, is used as a movie theatre, while exhibitions and other cultural events are organized in the large halls.
