Castel del Monte is the symbol of Apulia, its most famous monument. It has been a National Monument since 1936 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It was even chosen as the image on the Italian 1-cent euro coin!
Castel del Monte stands on a hill 540 m high, 18 km from Andria, one of the three capitals of the province of BAT (Barletta-Andria-Trani).
The castle was commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in 1240. In the 13th century Frederick II was the most prominent figure in Italy and in what would become Europe. He was King of Germany, Duke of Swabia, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor. It is no coincidence that the castle’s shape is reminiscent of a crown.
Castel del Monte can be seen as a statement of the great power Frederick II enjoyed. Its strategic position makes it visible from miles away, as if no one should ever forget it is there.
The most important feature of Castel del Monte is its unusual shape: the castle has an octagonal plan! Everything in its structure revolves around the number 8. First of all, the octagonal central courtyard, from which you reach the 8 rooms on the lower floor. Then 3 spiral staircases, set in three of the towers, lead to the 8 rooms on the upper floor. At the 8 corners stand 8 towers, themselves octagonal.
The symbolic power of this place goes beyond a reference to a number. Castel del Monte has been the subject of many studies, based on just as many legends. The geometric rigor of the building is inextricably intertwined with magic and esotericism. Frederick II was a man of great culture and learning.
And many features of Castel del Monte suggest that its purpose was not so obvious. Castel del Monte was certainly not a defensive fortress: it has no moats or drawbridges. Nor was it a residence, since it had no bedrooms or stables for horses.
So, according to most scholars, it was a kind of temple, or better still, a wellness center for body and soul. This is borne out by its 5 cisterns and by evidence of a pool in the inner courtyard. Following the example of the Eastern “hammams,” Frederick II made Castel del Monte a secret place for rituals of purification and knowledge.
Many cultural events are held at the castle: exhibitions on Frederick II, but also concerts and food and wine tastings!
Although the building, after countless restorations, has been stripped of all its furnishings, Castel del Monte remains a mysterious, fascinating, magical place, where everything is perfectly proportioned and geometrically calculated... to amaze!
Castel del Monte stands on a hill 540 m high, 18 km from Andria, one of the three capitals of the province of BAT (Barletta-Andria-Trani).
The castle was commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in 1240. In the 13th century Frederick II was the most prominent figure in Italy and in what would become Europe. He was King of Germany, Duke of Swabia, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor. It is no coincidence that the castle’s shape is reminiscent of a crown.
Castel del Monte can be seen as a statement of the great power Frederick II enjoyed. Its strategic position makes it visible from miles away, as if no one should ever forget it is there.
The most important feature of Castel del Monte is its unusual shape: the castle has an octagonal plan! Everything in its structure revolves around the number 8. First of all, the octagonal central courtyard, from which you reach the 8 rooms on the lower floor. Then 3 spiral staircases, set in three of the towers, lead to the 8 rooms on the upper floor. At the 8 corners stand 8 towers, themselves octagonal.
The symbolic power of this place goes beyond a reference to a number. Castel del Monte has been the subject of many studies, based on just as many legends. The geometric rigor of the building is inextricably intertwined with magic and esotericism. Frederick II was a man of great culture and learning.
And many features of Castel del Monte suggest that its purpose was not so obvious. Castel del Monte was certainly not a defensive fortress: it has no moats or drawbridges. Nor was it a residence, since it had no bedrooms or stables for horses.
So, according to most scholars, it was a kind of temple, or better still, a wellness center for body and soul. This is borne out by its 5 cisterns and by evidence of a pool in the inner courtyard. Following the example of the Eastern “hammams,” Frederick II made Castel del Monte a secret place for rituals of purification and knowledge.
Many cultural events are held at the castle: exhibitions on Frederick II, but also concerts and food and wine tastings!
Although the building, after countless restorations, has been stripped of all its furnishings, Castel del Monte remains a mysterious, fascinating, magical place, where everything is perfectly proportioned and geometrically calculated... to amaze!
Book ahead
Castel del Monte tours
What to see in Castel del Monte
What to see in Castel del Monte
1Castel del Monte - Cortile interno
Address
Castel del Monte, Andria (BAT)
Castel del Monte, Andria (BAT)
2Castel del Monte - Stanza Magica
Address
Castel del Monte, Andria (BAT)
Castel del Monte, Andria (BAT)
3Andria
Address
Andria (BT)
Andria (BT)
How to get to Castel del Monte from Bari
By train
Andria is connected mainly to Bari and to the other two capitals of the province of BAT. To reach Andria, take the train to Bari and then the Bari – Barletta service of Ferrovie del Nord Barese (www.ferrovienordbarese.it). Finally, take local bus line 6 Andria – Castel del Monte. A ticket from Bari to Andria costs €3.40.
Timetables and tickets
By bus
STP Bari (www.stpspa.it) connects Andria to Bari and to other towns in the province of BAT. The main line here is Bari – Spinazzola. From Andria you can easily reach Castel del Monte on local bus line 6, which runs from April 1 to November 1. For information, see www.autolineeandriesi.it. A local bus ticket costs €0.50.
Timetables and tickets
By car
The car is by far the most convenient option. Coming from Brindisi or Taranto, head to Bari on the SS16 or the SS100 respectively. From Bari, take the SS96 toward Modugno and continue on the SP231. Take the Minervino – Spinazzola exit and follow the SP234 for 16 km to the exit for the SS170; after 1 km you reach Castel del Monte.
Where to eat in Castel del Monte
Agriturismo Belvedere dell'Imperatore
Via Castel del Monte, 1 (SS170dir direzione Andria), Andria (BT) · (+39) 0883 569862
Il Pino Grande – Masseria Citulo
SP 234, km 20,920, Andria – località Santa Maria del Monte (BT) · (+39) 0883 569864
Agriturismo Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli
SP 234 - km 15 direzione Castel del Monte, al Km 24 masseria Addario · (+39) 347 6283544
Tips
A full-price ticket to Castel del Monte costs €5; the reduced ticket (ages 18 to 25) is €2.50; admission is free for children and teens under 18 and for those over 65.
As for opening hours, the summer hours are 10:15 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. and the winter hours 9 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. It is open every day except holidays.
The parking area is close to the castle and offers plenty of space. The hourly rate is €1.50, the daily rate €8. Parking is rather expensive, but the place is so fascinating that it is absolutely worth a visit.
As for opening hours, the summer hours are 10:15 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. and the winter hours 9 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. It is open every day except holidays.
The parking area is close to the castle and offers plenty of space. The hourly rate is €1.50, the daily rate €8. Parking is rather expensive, but the place is so fascinating that it is absolutely worth a visit.
Book ahead