Castel del Monte
An octagonal castle built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, standing alone on the Murge plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the design on Italy’s one-cent euro coin.
Castel del Monte was built in the 1240s on the orders of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily. Its design is built around the octagon: the plan is a regular octagon, with an octagonal tower at each of the eight corners and an octagonal inner courtyard, and each of the two floors has eight rooms. The precise geometry still prompts speculation about its symbolism. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, and it appears on the back of Italy’s one-cent euro coin. The castle sits on a hill near Andria, with endless views in every direction, making it ideal for photography from afar. The interior is sparsely furnished, and a visit takes about an hour. Getting there is not easy, so driving is the most practical option. It is about 1 hour from Bari. In high season, private cars must park at the base of the hill and transfer to a shuttle. Admission is about EUR 10, and entry is usually free on the first Sunday of each month, according to Italian state museum policy. Check the official website for current details.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:15–19:45 (Oct–Mar approx. 9:00–18:45; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Gravina in Puglia Aqueduct Bridge
- Altamura Cathedral & Old Town
- Palombaro Lungo
- Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio
- San Pietro Barisano
- Sasso Barisano
- Sassi di Matera
- Tramontano Castle