Castel del Monte The Citadel of Mysteries Private Tour from Rome

Castel del Monte The Citadel of Mysteries Private Tour from Rome

This fascinating castle built by Frederick II is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, a symbol of Puglia and, since 1996, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The great Emperor Frederick II, known as Stupor Mundi - Wonder of the World, is the "father" of Castel del Monte, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The extraordinary fortress sits on a gentle, green hill in the National Park of Alta Murgia, about 20 km (50 mi) away from Andria.
The fortress might have been used as an astronomical observatory or as an imposing hunting lodge. Its mysterious octagonal base sets it significantly apart from all the other castles in Puglia. Castel del Monte is protected by splendid mythological creatures which adorns the keystones in the inside halls and the coral crushed stone doorframes. A unique piece of medieval military architecture, Castel del Monte is a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic.

Itinerary
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Stop At: Castel del Monte, Strada Statale 170, 76125, Andria Italy

Castel del Monte, 37 mi from Bari, is one of the 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. Commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th Century, the Castle is a massive and dominating octagonal structure that sits on a small stretch of the Murge plateau in Apulia, 11 mi from Andria. Universally considered an example of genius medieval architecture, Castel del Monte actually unites elements of different styles and traditions from different epochs in history. Visitors can see this in the Romanesque framework of the lions at the Castle's entrance, in the Gothic framework of the towers, in the classical movement of the interior frieze, in the defensive grandeur of the structure in general and in the Islamic refinement of its mosaics . Built in c. 1240, Castel del Monte became the permanent seat of the Court of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (who became sovereign of the Kingdom of Sicily at three years of age). The monarch, nicknamed "Stupor Mundi" for his eclecticism and his enormous culture, bequeathed his own mysterious air and enigmatic legacy to the Castle itself. The mathematical and astronomical rigor of the castle's design and leaving its visitors both pleased and perplexed by its nature. While the Castle possesses a military look and attributes, it does not feature the usual elements of military monuments from the same period, such as a wall and buildings, for example. Umberto Eco, used as his inspiration for the riddles in "The Name of the Rose".

Duration: 2 hours