Trani castle is one of the most beautiful examples of fortification erected in Puglia by Frederick II of Swabia. Its construction, which mirrors the shape of the Adriatic sea, began in 1233 and was completed in or around 1249.

In 1259 it hosted the wedding of Manfred, son of Frederick II, and Elena Comneno, who was the daughter of Michael II King of Epirus. Due to the arrival of new firearms, in the early 1500's the castle was subjected to considerable change with the demolition of some parts and the construction of new sections, including the new lancet embankment situated on its western side.   

From 1586 to 1677 it held the office of the Sacra Regia Udienza, a judicial, administrative and political body in Bari. It was a prison from 1860 to 1975 and was restored to public use in 1998.