【World Heritage】What is Castel del Monte in Andria? | A Spot Full of Mysteries

Andria in Italy boasts the world heritage site Castel del Monte, set amid a sprawling, picturesque plain. The region is also known for its abundant olive groves, essential to Italian cuisine.

Amidst the relaxed rural landscape of Andria stands Castel del Monte—a world heritage castle shrouded in many mysteries and secrets. Let’s introduce the allure of this castle full of enigmas. Please use this as a reference for your trip to Andria.

What is Castel del Monte?

Castel del Monte, a world heritage site in Andria, Italy, is said to have been built in the 13th century by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor. To understand Castel del Monte, let’s first introduce Frederick II.

Frederick II was orphaned at an early age and was raised in Sicily—a melting pot of Christian and Islamic cultures. He was remarkably learned, fluent in several languages, and well-versed in astronomy, mathematics, and the natural sciences. He is also known as the founder of the prestigious University of Naples. He was said to have had interests in anatomy, psychology, and hygiene. With his advanced ideas, he was called the "Emperor born too early," and has even been compared to Leonardo da Vinci.

Castel del Monte, built by this forward-thinking Frederick II, has an unknown purpose and original function. Although it bears the name “castle,” its unique architectural style has led some to question whether it was truly intended as a castle. It features a fusion of Northern European Gothic and Islamic design, incorporating the number “8”—which signifies resurrection in Christianity and heaven in Islam—throughout its structure. Its mysterious, beautifully calculated appearance has sparked various theories, such as it being “a place where Christ’s relics are hidden” or “an alchemical laboratory.”

Access to Castel del Monte

There are several ways to access Castel del Monte in Andria. If you are visiting from Rome, you can fly domestically to Bari, and then drive for about one hour to reach Andria, where the castle is located. If you are coming from the direction of Alberobello, where the world heritage “Trullo” is located, you can drive for about an hour and a half from Alberobello to Castel del Monte.
Alternatively, there are long-distance buses from Tirana to Castel del Monte.

Recommended Point ①: Enjoy Searching for Numerous “8’s”

Castel del Monte in Andria is a unique building. Unlike other castles adorned with flashy decorations using various building materials, its simple octagonal design exudes a timeless beauty. The building is constructed using coral gravel, limestone, and marble, each with subtly different hues.

At Castel del Monte, there are eight octagonal towers positioned at the corners of the octagonal castle. Throughout the castle, you will notice a recurring theme of “8”: in the octagonal courtyard, in the eight leaves decorating the columns, in the eight rooms on the first and second floors, and in the eight plant motifs on doors and ceilings. The view of the octagon in the open courtyard, with the sky forming an octagon, is particularly impressive and popular.

Recommended Point ②: Enjoy Solving Its Mysteries

Castel del Monte in Andria is full of mysteries beyond the motif of “8.” The castle is built directly on a rocky outcrop without any evidence of preparatory leveling typical of construction. It is unclear why such an elaborate structure was built in the middle of nowhere in the outskirts of Andria rather than as a proper residence.

Furthermore, the castle is built along a line that, on old maps, connects Paris—the former center of Christianity—with Mecca—the holy site of Islam. Its main entrance is constructed with perfect golden ratio dimensions (1.618:1) both vertically and horizontally. The shadows cast by the castle walls align perfectly with the octagonal courtyard at noon on the equinoxes—suggesting that various intentional signs were embedded in its design.

There is no moat or defensive wall typical of a castle, nor are there facilities for lavish banquets. The meticulously crafted and beautifully understated structure exudes an air of mystery that is even more intriguing.

◎ Summary

Castel del Monte is a world heritage site full of mysteries. Its enigmatic allure, beyond the motif of “8,” is one of its major attractions. Note that from November to March, the bus service from Andria Station to Castel del Monte may be suspended, so it is recommended to book a private tour taxi. Incidentally, Castel del Monte is also featured on the reverse side of Italy’s 1-cent Euro coin. Truly, Castel del Monte stands as one of Italy’s representative world heritage sites—so be sure to visit!

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【World Heritage】What is Castel del Monte in Andria? | A Spot Full of Mysteries