Castel del Monte

Located in the heart of Puglia, a few kilometers from the city of Andria, stands one of the most fascinating monuments in Italy: Castel del Monte, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and a symbol of an era rich in mystery and culture.

The castle is located on a hill at 540 meters above sea level, within the Alta Murgia National Park, which makes it a fascinating destination for hikers, cyclists and visitors from all over the world, attracted by its medieval and astronomical charm.

Architectural and cultural features

The castle was built in the 13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in a privileged position, in the center of the two most important settlements of Andria and Garagnone, near Gravina.

Castel del Monte has always been famous for its unique and symbolic architecture: a perfect octagonal structure, with eight octagonal towers, which reflects the extraordinary mathematical, astronomical and philosophical knowledge of its creator. Its intended use has been debated at length: it is not a military castle or a royal residence in the traditional sense, but a place that seems designed to amaze, inspire and perhaps even contemplate.

What to see

For visitors who come here, it is recommended to take a guided tour (lasting about 1 hour), during which you can explore:

• The eight internal rooms, all trapezoidal and with refined architectural elements.
• The spiral staircase, which connects the two floors of the castle, also designed according to a precise symbolic design.
• The panoramic view from the hill on which the castle stands, which extends to the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
• Temporary exhibitions and artistic installations are often hosted inside.

Although the interior is bare of furnishings, the evocative atmosphere and perfect geometry make it an unmissable stop for those who love history and art.

What to do nearby

In addition to visiting the castle, explorers who come to this part of Puglia can visit charming villages and scenic and cultural beauties present in the homonymous province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. For example, we recommend:

• Taking a nature walk along the paths of the Alta Murgia National Park.
• Tasting typical local products in the restaurants and agritourisms of the area, such as Altamura bread, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil.
• Visiting the charming village of Gravina in Puglia, immersed in a natural canyon.

How to get to Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte can be reached from Andria by means of the urban bus line n° 6 which, starting from the Bus Terminal (Largo Ceruti), arrives at the Castle or by means of a convenient taxi or NCC service.

This service guarantees comfort, punctuality and the convenience of a professional driver who takes care of the journey without stress and without having to comply with public bus timetables.

With an NCC you can:

• Leave directly from your accommodation in Andria or another location (for example: from Brindisi or Bari airport)
• Enjoy the scenic drive through olive groves and hills.
• Have the time and flexibility to visit the castle at your leisure.
• Be taken back in comfort without having to think about parking or public transport.

A visit to Castel del Monte is much more than a simple excursion: it is a journey through time, into the mind of one of the most cultured emperors of the Middle Ages and into the beauty of a region that preserves its authenticity intact. If you are in Puglia and are thinking of going outside the most popular locations, we recommend including it in your tour.

If you need some advice on organizing your trip to Puglia, at this link you can find a series of itineraries recommended and designed by us depending on the days you have available.