It is one of the most-visited Italian monuments and certainly one of the most unique. Castel del Monte stands out on top of a hill 540 m high and its majestic aspect is visible from a distance. White, enormous and impressive, this building has an incredible beauty that you absolutely need to see during your stay in Apulia.
We are near Alta Murgia National Park, about sixty kilometers far from Bari and thirty minutes far from the sea of Bisceglie and Molfetta. The castle's position is intentionally isolated in order to satisfy the Medieval defensive necessities, but it is easy to reach using the main regional roads.
Castel del Monte was built by Frederick II of Swabia in 1240 using calcareous stone. Actually, the Empire's capital was moved from Palermo to Foggia in 1223, therefore the monarch had started promoting many important architectural projects in Apulia.
Its exemplarity, the perfect harmony of its shape and the union between Northern European, Muslim and classical stylistic features have been officially recognized by UNESCO, that included the Castle in its “World Heritage Sites” in 1996.
In fact, the building presents a peculiar octagonal shape, with eight corners, eight towers and eight one-hole windows on the first floor. The number 8 is repeated in the inner courtyard shape, which is decorated with blind arcades and by some beautiful marble statues. Unfortunately, many of the decorations found inside this castle have been lost throughout the years or have been moved to some museums, such as the "Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari". However, it is still possible to admire the rests of some wall frescoes, floor mosaics or the two famous anthropomorphic shelves inside Torre del Falconiere.
The original function of the building is still uncertain. Some affirm that it was exclusively defensive, some that it served for political representation, while others highlight how it has also been used as a prison or as location for important ceremonies, such as the wedding of Frederick's daughter.
There are many symbols hidden inside this wonderful castle. The octagonal planimetry forms an intermediate shape between the circle and the square, which represent the sky and the land. Moreover, it has a strong relation with the light, which exalts its corners in every moment of the day, especially in occasion of the Autumn and Spring Solstices, when the sun rises exactly in front of the entrance door.
Organize your visit to Castel del Monte and let it impress you with its beauty! The entrance ticket costs €7 or €3,50, there are discounts for large groups and it is possible to book a guided tour.
Are you looking for a villa for rent in Puglia? Check out our luxury holiday rentals in the region and choose the one that suits you best.
