Complesso Monumentale San Giovanni

The archaeological complex of San Giovanni is located on the site of a ruined castle of Norman origin. A symbol of feudal power, the castle was partially destroyed in the 15th century and Bishop Tornfranza used its materials to decorate the cathedral and build the Basilica of San Giovanni (in 1532) with the help of the homonymous brotherhood. Some of the elements were used to decorate the Osservanza Chapel. In May 1589 the Congregation of Santa Croce, which was already involved in helping the sick, asked the local university to be able to build a pavilion for use as a hospital.