Embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of Puglia on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the majestic Castel del Monte, nestled in the picturesque hills of Andria. Meet your expert guide at the castle's entrance, situated just 36 miles (60 kilometers) from Bari. As you wander through the castle grounds, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the mountaintop fortress. Your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of the castle's fascinating past, from its origins as the Castellum Del Monte in 1223 to its construction by the visionary Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. This medieval marvel is a testament to the emperor's humanist ideals, infused with symbolic meaning and inspired by the principles of mathematics and astronomy. Perched 1,770 feet (540 meters) above sea level, amidst the stunning Alta Murgia National Park, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, spanning from the rugged Gargano promontory to the ancient province of Lucania. Marvel at the castle's impressive architecture, where the number 8 plays a recurring theme: from its octagonal shape to its 8 trapezoid rooms, 8 towers, and the 44 steps of the spiral staircase. Be mesmerized by the harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, complemented by the subtle influences of Islamic art.