Photo of Castel del Monte

Visit Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is an unusual castle with an octaganol shape and towers at each point of the octagon. It is located in the Puglia region in the 'heel' of Italy.

Explore the Castel del Monte

The Castel del Monte was built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. It is one of many castles built by Frederick in the region but is considered to be one of his finest.

The castle is built on a rocky peak and has a perfectly octagonal shape with eight octagonal towers standing at each point of the octagon. Its location, symmetry and the astranomical and mathematical precision along with the blending of Islamic, Gothic and Classical styles has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Status.

 Why Frederick built the castle is something of a mystery as there is no port or town nearby to defend. Frederick II was renowned for his learning and intellect and this along with the peculiar design of the castle has lead many to speculate over about its symbolic significance.

 
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The castle does not have many standard defensive features and indeed includes a number of windows which would severly weaken a defensive castle. It has a window on each facade of the ground floor and a mullioned window on each facade of the floor above. The side facing the city of Andria has a three-mullioned window.

At the centre of the castle is an octagonal courtyard and surrounding this are eight rooms on each floor each with vaulted ceilings. Three of the surrounding towers are stair towers and others contain toilets and washrooms attesting to the care Frederick and his court are said to have devoted to their bodies.

Sadly not much remains of the internal decorations of the rooms but it is worth a visit to the castle to explore its unusual design and for the views you get over the surrounding Puglia countryside.

The castle is thought to have been the inspiration for the fortress "Aedificium" in Umberto Eco's novel "The Name of the Rose".

Places to Visit Nearby

One of the largest medieval castles of Italy is nearby at Barletta. This is also the town from where Frederick II began his sixth crusade.

This should not be confused with Castel del Monte in Abruzzo which is one of Italy's "most beautiful villages".

You can find more local travel ideas in the Puglia guide.

See also: 

Map of Castel del Monte and places to visit

 
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Castel del Monte places to visit

Barletta

Barletta

Barletta is a historic town with the largest bronze statue dating from Ancient Roman times.

Barletta guide
Trani

Trani

Trani is a delightful seaside port with an elegant town centre.

Trani guide
Ruvo di Puglia

Ruvo di Puglia

Ruvo di Puglia has an attractive old centre and and attractive Romanesque cathedral.

Ruvo di Puglia guide
Bitonto

Bitonto

Bitonto is a pretty town with some important museums and archaeological sites.

Bitonto guide
Bari

Bari

Bari is a coastal city with an interesting historic centre.

Bari guide
Altamura

Altamura

Altamura is a historical town with a fine cathedral and reputedly the best bread in Italy.

Altamura guide

...or see all our recommended places to visit in Puglia

 
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