Overview
The old town centre is built around the imposing Norman Castle, home to the Civic Museum which houses the only existing bust of Emperor Frederick II. A few steps away stands the Cathedral, overlooking Piazza Duomo. The large bronze statue of the Colossus of Heraclius certainly stands out, while inside a 14th-century palace is the Cantina della Disfida, in memory of the famous dispute between Italian and French knights. The sea, the coastline, with its fine sandy beaches, and the marina provide a splendid backdrop to the old town. Outside the old town, Palazzo della Marra is certainly worth a visit, with its rich collection of the Giuseppe De Nittis Picture Gallery, where one remains enraptured in the presence of more than 200 works by the famous Impressionist. The Antiquarium of Canne della Battaglia, a site known for Hannibal's victory over the Romans, houses finds from prehistoric, classical and medieval times.
