The Norman Swabian castle of Cosenza represents the most significant monument of the City of Bruzi, ancient people of Italic lineage, who inhabited almost all of today’s Calabria ("Consentia Urbs Magna Bruttiorum." , Appio Claudio Cieco).
Built by the Byzantines in 937, it was occupied by the Arabs with the Caliph Saati Cayti. Destroyed by the earthquake in 1184, it was rebuilt by Frederick II of Swabia. Became a place used as a mint for minting coins, in the Angevin period was the home of Louis III of Anjou.
Damaged by the earthquake in 1600, it was restored during the Bourbon domination, becoming the prison.
Following the conquest of the Unification of Italy it was transferred to the municipality of Cosenza. The completion of the restoration work and the definitive opening to the public dates back to June 2015.
Today it is a multi-purpose cultural structure, rich in exhibition and conference spaces.
