Castello Aragonese

Entry is only by the free guided tour at set times during the day and evening. It is still an Italian Navy facility therefore the restrictions. It is still is worth viewing from the outside. We couldn’t wait 2 hours for the next tour so we had to skip it. Definitely would do it next time.

Open every day and the scheduled tours are free. You cannot tour the castle without the tour guide (Navy personnel) and the tour is only in Italian. Too bad they don’t have written translation in multiple languages so tourists can read the descriptions. At the side entrance, a guard will allow you in and direct you to the guide. There are about 10 tour times posted at the guard area. What appears to be the front near the bridge to the new town is an information center, not the castle entrance. We went in late November and only one other couple was there. During busier times of the year, you may need a reservation.

Astonishing scenes of old and new. The Ponte Girevole (swing bridge ) opens for ships and connects too seas. Castello has free tours but in Italian only

The castle are still a functional and working marine barracs, so you have to take the free tour. Otherwise no entry. It didn't work with our schedule

The entrance is free, it is at fixed times, it is a navy museum and the tour is guided by a navy guide. I recommend that you make a reservation so that you don't have emotions, we didn't know and we didn't, but we were still allowed access, I think it's related to the number of visitors at that time. The guide's explanations are interesting and complete, in Italian anyway, but you can still take pictures of the castle, the interior models, the surroundings and enjoy the sunset if you are at the right time.

A very nice visit at the castle. A navy official provides a guided tour for free (in Italian) every hour. The tour gives information over the history of Taranto and the castle. I found it very informative and entertaining. I would recommend doing it if you are visiting Taranto. Also I was amazed that by the sunset, they displayed the Italian flag with lights on one of the sides of the Costello while playing some anthem (I wish I knew what was it), I loved that moment.

A very nice scene, especially during sunset

Very interesting history and friendly staff! Visit with the group is free and scheduled.

Right on the waterfront in Taranto we wandered across the moat into the courtyard. There wasn't a fee, but we were asked to sign a release before going inside. We peeked inside rooms from the main courtyard, Visiting the barracks, kitchen, and lots of ruins seeing broken pottery and coins. The castle was built on the site of an older fortifications dating back to Greek occupation in the 3rd & 4th centuries BC. In 1481 the low ground in front of the fortification site was excavated to allow the passage of boats, & to create a moated defensive position. The present fortress was built for the then-king of Naples, Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1496 to reinforce the naturally low-lying link between the old town of Taranto on a peninsula, and the mainland.