Il Castello de’ Monti di Corigliano d’Otranto,
defined according to the words of G. Bacile di Castiglione, the most beautiful monument of military and feudal architecture of the early sixteenth century in Terra d'Otranto, has a medieval layout.
In fact, the castle has Angevin origins and was later renovated and expanded between the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth century (by Giovan Battista de’ Monti who redesigned it according to the war needs of the time, making use mainly of local workers).
The castle is surrounded by a moat and on each corner stands a circular tower. On each of the four towers correspond different loopholes, from which protruded the cannons that defended the town from the siege of the Turks. Each tower bears the heraldry of the de Monti family and is dedicated to a different saint, to San Michele Arcangelo, to Sant’Antonio Abate, to San Giorgio and to San Giovanni Battista. In 1600 the castle was transformed into a ducal residence, giving up its military functions. The duke, Francesco Trane, after having purchased the fief from the last of the de’ Monti, modified the military facade of the castle.
By inserting a series of allegorical statues accompanied by the busts of the greatest leaders of the past; in the center he inserted his statue flanked by statues that symbolize justice and charity. The epigraphic plaque placed at his feet informs about his qualities and his noble titles.
He also inserted a cantilevered balcony on the new façade, bordered by an elegant balustrade in Lecce stone richly decorated with friezes and fantastic animals.
Blonde Haiku
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