Apulia is truly awash with grand architectural feats varying from towns featuring skylines filled with the conical roofs of the large number of remaining traditional trulli houses, to grand and sumptuous Baroque cities and beyond. However, one of the most iconic buildings in the entire region, even amongst these many wonderful contenders, has to be the magical Castel del Monte.
Located not far from the town of Bari, this UNESCO-awarded 13th century wonder was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia. Perched in a strategic position atop a hill, it boasts astounding panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Like something plucked right from the pages of some epic fantasy novel, this extraordinary octagonal fortress is a must-see for those who find a villa in Apulia and who come to dive into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage on vacation.
Built circa 1240, the Castel del Monte, or the "Castle on the Mountain", served as the permanent seat for Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, who ascended to the Sicilian throne at a tender age of three. Renowned for his diverse interests and very refined tastes, Frederick II's castle mirrors his various areas of expertise and curiosity. A true masterpiece of medieval architecture, the building combines various elements that come from several different historical periods, including Roman, Gothic, Romanesque, and Islamic styles. These styles are all combined harmoniously and work together wonderfully with the geometric precision and symmetrical perfection of the building to create something utterly magical and unforgettable to experience on holiday in Apulia.
Numbers also play a big part in the intricate design of the buildings with the number eight appearing throughout: there are eight façades, two stories that each have eight rooms, trapezoidal rooms that form octagons, and eight octagonal towers. A combination of aesthetically pleasing symmetry and symbolism, the castle’s fascinating design and the implications of said design have intrigued scholars for centuries and continue to inspire theories and discussion to this very day.
Though rather intimidating-looking upon first glance, the Castel del Monte curiously actually does not have all that many traditional defensive structures, such as outer walls, a moat, or even stables. Luxury, details, and making the most of those views is, instead, the priority and this is made apparent by the layout and design of the building. And while much of the original grandeur and many features including the polychromatic marble, mosaics, paintings, and tapestries no longer remain, we do have some allusions to this former opulence in the doors that still retain some of their coloured marble decorative elements. It is a pity, however, that the long-emptied and plundered interiors cannot be admired in their fully-realised form and all of their intricate and ornamental beauty any longer.
So, if you find and book your perfect vacation rental in Apulia, while you may not be able to experience the full former glory of the outstanding Castel del Monte, you will still likely find that the striking building and amazing views are utterly breathtaking! Experience it for yourself on your next holiday in Italy.
Castel del Monte
Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale 170, 76123 Andria BT, Italy
+39 3279805551
drm-pug.casteldelmonte@beniculturali.it
Opening hours:
From the 1st of October to the 31st of March: from 9.00 am to 5.45 pm (last admission allowed at 5.00 pm)
From the 1st of April to the 30th of September: from 10.00 am to 6.45 pm (last admission allowed at 6.00 pm).
Closed on the 25th of December and the 1st of January.
Tickets:
Full price - €9.00
Reduced price - €2.00 (18 – 25 year-old EU citizens)
Free tickets for those under 18, guests with disabilities as well as a companion accompanying them, tour guides, etc.