CASTEL DEL MONTE

Those who travel from Andria to Castel del Monte will not remain unmoved by the sight of a crown of blond stones perched on the top of a pass at an altitude of about 540 metres. This majestic medieval building, set in the middle of nature and far from any town, sums up all the cultural and stylistic influences that were present in the entourage of Frederick II in the 13th century. It was built in the 13th century, and is a perfect example of a medieval building that was influenced by the classical, Romanesque and Gothic styles of the Swabian emperor. As for its octagonal shape, with eight towers, it is still not known why it was chosen for the basic structure. Although the octagonal fountain in the courtyard has disappeared, the eight rooms on the first floor and the eight rooms on the second floor can still be seen. As you can see, the number eight, symbol of infinity, is omnipresent.

Castel del Monte has been the source of much architectural and artistic speculation about its designer, to the point that the castle is now seen as an exceptional testimony to the Middle Ages. However, the site is also invested with some functions of a much more realistic order: supreme symbol of an imperial power more than military (the loopholes inside the building were used for lighting more than for defence), hunting residence of the Swabian emperor, it is known to have been a strategic link between the coast and the interior.

After the fall of the Swabians, it housed a prison, before being abandoned and stripped of its sculptures and marble decorations by looters. Frequented by shepherds and outcasts, it was finally bought by the State in 1876 for the symbolic price of 25,000 lire (about 15 euros) and restored. Opened to the public since the beginning of the 20th century, then listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1996, it has become one of the top tourist spots in Puglia, but still leaves many historical questions unanswered...

An enigmatic castle ! Castel del Monte has intrigued historians and experts for centuries. What was the purpose of a fortress with no fortifications, moat, drawbridge or loopholes? Some say that Frederick II, a man of great culture, had the castle built in reference to astrological constellations, of which he was fond. So, is it an esoteric site, a scientific observatory or a grandiose place of comfort? No one has yet pierced the mystery of the reasons for its construction!