Castel del Monte: Excursion in Alta Murgia National Park amidst history and nature

Highlights

• Alta Murgia National Park
• History and Culture
• Untamed Nature

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Castel del Monte

   1h

   An octagonal stone crown. Fascinating and mysterious. Isolated on a hill in the Murge, 540 meters above sea level from where a vast panorama is dominated. The gaze sweeps west to the highest peaks of the entire karst plateau, and east to the Cathedral of Trani, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and a little further on, the Gargano promontory. Commissioned in 1240 by the Swabian Emperor Frederick II. Subsequently, the building took on the roles of prison and ducal residence. Passed through various dominations and properties of different lords, for a long time, after repeated looting and plundering, it was a refuge for shepherds and robbers (especially in the 18th century). Purchased as a ruin by the Italian state in 1876 for 25,000 lire, it has since undergone continuous restorations; the most recent have recovered its ancient splendor. Since 1996, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before you go

Location