The Sant’Antonio Abate Fortino is situated on the Imperatore Augusto seafront, opposite the old port (renamed Sant’Antonio Pier). Together with Santa Scolastica, it is one of the four ramparts which marked the Bari city walls until the 19th century. It is the highest point of the old town, from where it is possible to take in the outline of the medieval wall (skirting the Imperatore Augusto seafront) on the left and the expanse of early 20th century seafront on the right. Its origins date back to the siege of Bari in 1071, when the Norman Robert Guiscard built a stone tower (turris petrinea) to guard the port. Buildings such as these generally used foundations on rock and had direct contact with the sea. They were also the most vulnerable points in the entire city defence system, and as such were often dedicated to miracle workers or saints. The Bari fortino was dedicated to Saint Antonio Abate after the discovery of the remains of a chapel which had contained a wooden statue devoted to him; he was a popular saint due to his miraculous powers against contagious diseases and protection of pets. Within the walls, the remains of an ancient church from the 11th or 12th century have been found, probably the church of San Nicola by-the-port. The fort required a number of improvements to strengthen it. During the 15th century, it was completely rebuilt at the behest of Isabella of Aragon and the Bari Universitas. In the 16th century, it was given its fortified appearance which, after a long period of neglect, was recently restored by the local council and Culture Authority. Nowadays, entry can be gained to the first floor rooms from Via Venezia and the ground floor rooms from the Imperatore Augusto seafront. These are used by the council for exhibitions, conferences and public meetings.