Italy; Apulia; city of Barletta; Barletta Castle (Italian: Castello di Barletta); main entrance gate; A first castle was built from 1046 to 1050 and 1054 by Normannic count (Italian: conte) Piero il Normanno (Peter the Norman). His son Piero II took over; in 1067. In 1154; William of Sicily; called "The Evil" (Il Malo); took over and extended the castle; 1156 - 1162. In; 1172; his son William II of Sicily; called "The good one" (Il Buono); stayed in the castle and donated money. From 1194 to 1266; the German Hohenstaufen dynasty took over. Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (1194 - 1250) stayed in Barletta castle in 1229; after the sixth crusade of 1228; The castle had been extended by a new wing; from 1224 to 1228. Until 1442; the Anjou ruled Barletta Castle.and extended it; as well. After the intermezzo of the Aragonese family until 1501; the Spanish took over; until 1707. On 24th of May; 1915; Austrian battle ship "Helgoland" attacked Barletta and Barletta Castle. In September 1943; the castle was occupied by opponents of the German troops. On 12th of September; 1943; twelve arrested people were executed by German troops; nearby. Today; the castle is seat of the Museo Civico (Barletta City Museum); housed in the first floor.