The striking Monopoli Castle is surrounded by sea, standing  proudly upon its own small peninsula within the old town. Built in 1552, the castle has been remodeled throughout its lifetime but the main cylindrical shape, which splits the castle into two levels, was built in 1660. Holes from cannon balls in the walls in the upper part of the castle which faces out to the sea are reminders that it was originally built to protect the town. The part overlooking the town has a more refined style when high ranking soldiers used it as their residence in the 17th century. In the early 1900s, it was used as a prison but nowadays it is used for The Archeological Museum and armoury on the quay (lower) level. Follow in the footsteps of the soldiers before you on the sentry’s walkway on the parade (ground) level, which connects the lookout towers with wonderful views over the sparkling water and the old town.