Federico II's stone hunting lodge and Curia meeting place

The castle of Gravina is a stately building erected by Federico II. It served primarily for the hunting trips the ruler was accustomed to making, but it also functioned as a location for the meetings of the Curia. Historical records, including the chronicles of Villani, confirm its existence as part of the various structures Federico II built in Puglia.

The rectangular castle measures 58.5 by 29 meters and was constructed from mazzaro stone. It featured four corner towers and several underground rooms. The structure consisted of three levels, including an attic, though today only parts of the perimeter walls and the basement remain. Upon entering, visitors would find a large courtyard that was half-covered and half-open, leading to the ground floor rooms such as stables, kitchens, warehouses, and other chambers.

A large royal staircase provided access to the middle level, which contained rooms for falconry and the service staff. The upper floor was reserved for imperial accommodations, featuring noble apartments with beautiful bifore windows adorned with carved stone. From these windows, it is still possible to admire the city of Gravina and much of the Murge.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons