Castel del Monte is a fortress dating back to the thirteenth century. He was commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II plateau of the western Murge in Puglia in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.
The castle is built directly on a rocky bank and is universally known for its octagonal shape. The courtyard is characterized by the color contrast of using coral breach, limestone and marble.
A bit’ of history…
Federico II, in data 29 January 1240, He ordered Richard of Montefuscolo to prepare everything necessary for the construction of a castle at the church of Sancta Maria de Monte (that no longer exists). The attribution to a precise architect is not safe, Some attribute the work in Richard of Lentini but others argue that to design creation was the Emperor Frederick II.
…and curiosity
Castel del Monte for a period was also a prison. Under the jurisdiction of Charles I in fact imprisoned here Corrado Conte di Caserta and young children Manfredi. In 1528 They bombed because of a French expedition in the Kingdom of Naples. On September 8 1552 He bought the Conte di Ruvo, Don Fabrizio Carafa and beyond the Carafa they planted a bakery with mill and a furnace. From the seventeenth century followed a long period of neglect and stripped him of all the furnishings. It later became also a shelter for shepherds, bandits and political refugees. In 1876 the castle was bought by the Italian State, that predispose finally restoration. In 1928 the restoration directed by the architect Quagliati removed the material is outside of the castle and demolished part of collapsing structures, reconstructing them later. Between 1975 and the 1981 It had to proceed again to a further restoration.
An ancient legend has it that the origin of the castle is connected to an inscription reported in an ancient temple. Here was a statue on whose head was reported the following sentence: "My boss is a bronze but at sunrise at new moon of May will be golden". One day a Saracen solved the riddle and the first day of May, at sunrise, He began to dig where it fell the shadow of the statue. This went up to a rich treasure with which built the castle.
For the mathematical and astronomical rigor of its shapes and the harmonious union of cultural elements from northern Europe, and the Islamic world of classical antiquity is a typical example of medieval architecture. For these reasons, UNESCO has recognized World Heritage Site in 1996.
