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Norman Castle of Ginosa

Castles

Norman Castle of Ginosa

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Norman Castle of Ginosa

Name: Norman Castle of Ginosa
Rating: 2

Recommended by 2 hikers

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Location: Ginosa, Taranto, Apulia, Italy

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Best Hikes to Norman Castle of Ginosa

4.5

(12)

hikers

1. Fontana dei Mascheroni loop from Ginosa

24.2km

06:40

410m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

2. Norman Castle of Ginosa – Peucetian Tombs of Ginosa loop from Ginosa

5.71km

01:35

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.2

(5)

hikers

3. Norman Castle of Ginosa – Rivolta Rock Village loop from Ginosa

4.56km

01:16

90m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Cornelia Fuchs

February 21, 2025

One of Ginosa’s most striking landmarks, perhaps the most prominent historical site, is the Norman Castle. Built towards the end of the land spur in what is the northern end of the historical centre, the castle has commanding views over both Rioni di Casale and Rioni di Rivolta, and on to the surrounding plains beyond the ravine.

The castle is the handiwork of Robert Guiscard, born in Normandy who was a significant figure in the Norman conquest of southern Italy during the 11th and 12th centuries. Guiscard became the Count of Apulia and Calabria between 1057 and 1059, and then Duke of Apulia and Calabria as well as Duke of Sicily between 1059 and 1085. He had the Ginosa castle built in 1080. A fortress, clearly occupying the most strategic spot being almost entirely surrounded by the ravine, built to protect the town against Saracen raids. At this time Puglia and much of southern Italy was being fought over between the Normans and the Byzantines.

Today the castle looks more like a large palazzo than a Norman castle. This is because the distinctive Norman features, crenellated towers and a drawbridge, were removed or altered in the 16th century when the castle became the baronial seat of the Doria family. For example, the drawbridge was replaced by an arched bridge that links the castle’s entrance to Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 270 m

Weather

Tuesday 16 December

17°C

11°C

16 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Ginosa, Taranto, Apulia, Italy

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Norman Castle of Ginosa

1. Fontana dei Mascheroni loop from Ginosa

2. Norman Castle of Ginosa – Peucetian Tombs of Ginosa loop from Ginosa

3. Norman Castle of Ginosa – Rivolta Rock Village loop from Ginosa

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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