Driving through olive groves and sun scorched plains, on top of a hill, a fortress breaks up the landscape of Italy’s heel. In the middle of nowhere in the Puglia region of Italy, a lone castle waits, elevated from the common man or woman. This castle is unlike most in Italy, enough that UNSECO gave it its stamp of approval.
Castel del Monte makes you work to reach her. A 20-minute walk in the hot Italian sun up to the Castle’s feet doesn’t go without reward. Fredrick II had the castle constructed in 1240. The strange octagonal shape alludes to the idea that the castle could have been some sort of mathematical offering to a higher power. However, some believe the castle was built to showcase Fredrick’s power, resembling the shape of a crown. No spots to pour hot oil on invaders or positions to shoot arrows down to those that got a little too close for comfort, Castel del Monte probably had an easy life.
That is until Fredrick II died, leaving behind his strange construction hinting at Muslim architecture. Castel del Monte would be looted, stripped of its grand interior of mosaics and statues.
Upon entering the castle, I am not only fascinated by why it was constructed, but also its ruined archways. The bright rosy red color of the castle’s arches grab you as you pass under them. No furniture or tapestries remain. Just these ruined arches and open space, reminding all who enter simplicity is king in Puglia’s middle of nowhere.
I think all of the most special places in the world require some kind of treck to get to! Beautiful!!!
Hey Suzy,
Great pictures and story on the Castel del Monte. We started doing bike tours recently in Puglia and our guests have been loving the whole area. For those who have already been to Tuscany, Puglia is another great Italian experience.
Ed
Puglia is a really interesting area of Italy, not somewhere too many people think to go.
Thanks for the history tid bits. I like pictures but I always like learning a little bit about some past or what it all means. Often times I’m just looking going, “wow, that looks amazing” but I have no history to relate it to.
What was truly interesting about Castel del Monte’s history is that most guidebooks said the castle was an offering to a higher power. When you go inside, most of the information credits its unique shape to symbolize his power. Definitely a fascinating place historically.
Beautiful shots, These kidn of place feel like stepping back in time.
Very cool! Are the red archways what remains after they’ve been looted, or is that how they originally appeared?
I believe that is how they appeared post-looting. Beautiful nonetheless.