The fortress of Frederick II is not only a #UNESCO World Heritage Site but is also one of the mysteries of Italy. Discover its legend... #tuttitaly
We are in Andria, in the heart of Puglia. Castel del Monte is one of Italy's most brilliant and mysterious buildings. This fortress was built in 1240 and was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia.
"It is said that the castle is magical and holds the Holy Grail!"
The construction of the Castle is, in fact, very enigmatic: The origin of Castel del Monte is shrouded in mystery; it is even said that Frederick II himself conceived it and that the greatness of the pyramid of Cheops inspires it.
The most famous legend has it that on the hill on which the castle stands (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site), there was an ancient temple with a statue engraved with an enigma: it was solved by a Saracen, who dug on the hill
and found a treasure that he used to build Castel del
Monte. Even today, scholars cannot explain why the fortress is on this isolated hill and is not protected by a moat.
The construction was an esoteric project:
The number 8 written horizontally represents infinity and the union between God and man: the plan of Castel del Monte is an octagon, there are eight octagonal towers, a labyrinth of 8 rooms, eight windows per floor, the steps there are 44 spiral staircases, which is why it is said that the castle is “magical” and that it holds the Holy Grail! From the internal courtyard, you can look outside only by raising your eyes to the sky, and you will feel like being in a
well, which in the Middle Ages was a symbol of knowledge and prophecy.
Castel del Monte has never had kitchens or bedrooms. It was not habitable, which gave rise to the legend that it was an astronomical observatory, a hunting lodge, or a "wellness center" inspired by hammams and Turkish baths. For almost 800 years, the secrets of Frederick II have not yet been revealed.
An experience absolutely to do and a place to be discovered. The atmosphere here is truly magical, and one can only be fascinated.
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