Explore the mesmerising site of Castel del Monte in Apulia, 13th century castle built on a scenic rural hill near Andria in the south-eastern region of Apulia. It was built in 1240 by the son of Constance of Sicily, Emperor Frederick II.
This beautifully preserved fortress once held lavish moral furnishings and expensive furniture which was unfortunately later stripped in the 18th century by greedy thieves and by officials for re-use in nearby buildings.
This unique building even makes an appearance on the Italian one cent euro coin!
This beautifully preserved fortress once held lavish moral furnishings and expensive furniture which was unfortunately later stripped in the 18th century by greedy thieves and by officials for re-use in nearby buildings.
This unique building even makes an appearance on the Italian one cent euro coin!
Stay in a beautiful villa in Apulia along with friends and family and easily commute or cycle around the tourist attraction here. There are few places in Italy more beautiful than the area surrounding Castel del Monte in Andria when the weather is warm and the smells of fresh growing flowers and grass fill the air!
Located close to the quiet monastery of Santa Maria; situated at 540 metres above sea level, Castel del Monte would be a perfect destination for the day! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the surrounding land of the castle where you can sit back and enjoy the picturesque views. This area was once a land of great fertility and luscious vegetation, thanks to plentiful natural water sources in the area.
There’s very little documented history on its original purpose, but in later centuries, Castel del Monte was converted into a prison and these days it's a popular visitor spot. Restored by the Italian government in 1928, it was later awarded in 1992 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those that handed out this important cultural prize described Castel del Monte as a “Unique masterpiece of military architecture”.
Located close to the quiet monastery of Santa Maria; situated at 540 metres above sea level, Castel del Monte would be a perfect destination for the day! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the surrounding land of the castle where you can sit back and enjoy the picturesque views. This area was once a land of great fertility and luscious vegetation, thanks to plentiful natural water sources in the area.
There’s very little documented history on its original purpose, but in later centuries, Castel del Monte was converted into a prison and these days it's a popular visitor spot. Restored by the Italian government in 1928, it was later awarded in 1992 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those that handed out this important cultural prize described Castel del Monte as a “Unique masterpiece of military architecture”.
In the nearby local town of Andria, a famous local DOC wine is produced. Surrounding vineyards produce delicious varieties of red, white and rose wine which thousands of visitors enjoy tasting on their visits here.
Book a local tour around one of the open vineyards where they can sample different types and learn more about the art of wine making!
Why not come and visit the majestic Castel del Monte for yourself and have fun exploring the fruits of the area?
Book a local tour around one of the open vineyards where they can sample different types and learn more about the art of wine making!
Why not come and visit the majestic Castel del Monte for yourself and have fun exploring the fruits of the area?
Photo credits
picture 1: Guido_Radig / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Marcok / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 1: Guido_Radig / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Marcok / CC BY-SA 2.5;