Caldora Castle

A fortress dominating the historic centre of Vasto

Located in the historic centre of Vasto, on a promontory overlooking the coast, and facing Piazza Rossetti and Piazza Barbacani, Caldora Castle is a fortress built in 1439 at the behest of Giacomo Caldora according to a design by the Sienese architect Mariano di Jacopo. There are four wings, located around an inner courtyard with the main sides facing east-west and ramparts on three of the four corners. Along the western and northern facades, you can still see the original structures despite the extensive alterations made in the 19th century. The castle is surrounded by walls and a moat with a drawbridge.

The feudal lord Caldora also ordered the construction of Palazzo D’Avalos, now home to the Archaeological Museum, the oldest in Abruzzo. Exhibits include artefacts dating from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, the Civic Art Gallery, Palizzi paintings, and the Museum of Ancient Costume, with costumes from the 19th-20th century. Don't miss a visit to the cylindrical Bassano tower, which was once connected to Caldora Castle.

A few steps away, there are several ancient churches, some of which are fine examples of religious architecture, such as the Church of St Mary Major, the Church of St Michael Archangel, the Cathedral of St Joseph and the Church of St Peter.