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Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte: Our most recommended tours and activities

Andria: Castel del Monte Entry & Private Historical Tour

1. Andria: Castel del Monte Entry & Private Historical Tour

Castel del Monte is an ancient manor built by Frederic of Swabia on the highest hill of Alta Murga which dominates the splendid landscape like an emperor's crown, a symbol of the power and genius of the great man who was Federico II. Today it is a Unesco World Heritage Site, a castle full of mystery and many questions that seek an answer among the stones, the only witnesses of the past. Your personal guide will await you at the bus and car parking and together we take the shuttle that bring us to the Castle where we walk around the area and admire the monument from outside and all the splendid area of Alta Murgia, then you entry inside of the Castle and explore the different spaces: cort, rooms and towers. Using the story learned from the guide and your own imagination immerse yourself in the midlevel atmosphere and try to understand the mystery of this unique manor so narrow related to its builder.

Bari: Customizable Day Trip in a Fiat 500

2. Bari: Customizable Day Trip in a Fiat 500

On board a splendid Fiat 500L, at the slow pace of the roads of the South, we will travel to get to know places otherwise difficult to reach independently. You will get to know ancient towns, seaside resorts and historical sites of Puglia and Basilicata. Our trips will turn into an opportunity to learn the local culture in a friendly and informal environment. We will travel backroads to destinations that will enlight the day with the beauty that nature and human work will offer along the way. You will have a friend at your side who will immediately immerse you in the customs and traditions of the territories you are going to visit. You can select one of the following itineraries: 1) Alberobello: we will stop in Polignano, famous for its cliffs home of the Diving World Championship on the Adriatic coast, and explore the Itria Valley in depth driving acrossthe backroads filled with ancient monumental olive trees. 2) Matera: on the way to this amazing town we will stop in Gravina in Puglia and Altamura, homelands of some of the most delicious food in the region. 3) Castel del Monte: stops in Ruvo di Puglia and Trani, with their wonderful cathedrals, through suggestive rocky and coastal scenery.

Andria: Castel Del Monte 1.5-Hour Guided Tour

3. Andria: Castel Del Monte 1.5-Hour Guided Tour

Go on a journey through the history of Puglia on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Castel del Monte in the hills of Andria and discover a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide at the castle entrance, 36 miles (60 kilometers) from Bari. Explore the castle grounds and walk around the outside of the mountain fortress while your guide describes its history. It was first recorded as the Castellum Del Monte in 1223, and built by the humanist Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. A unique piece of medieval military architecture, Frederick imbued the castle with symbolic significance, defined by the laws of math and astronomy. Soaring 1,770 feet (540 meters) above sea level, in the heart of the Alta Murgia National Park, you will get panoramic views of the surrounding area, from the Gargano promontory up to the ancient province of Lucania. Discover impressive structural elements that follow the repetition of the number 8, from the castle’s basic octagonal shape, to the 8 trapezoid rooms, 8 towers, and 44 steps of the spiral stairs. Admire the harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic influences, together with important contributions from Islamic art.

Castel del Monte 1-Hour Guided Tour

4. Castel del Monte 1-Hour Guided Tour

Discover the most significant medieval monument in southern Italy on a 1-hour guided tour of Castel del Monte. Situated in Andria in the Puglia region, the citadel and castle is a national treasure and beauty to behold. Built on top of a hill with commanding views of the Puglia region, Castel del Monte is the most important building built by the Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Swabia. Explore the monument’s myths and legends, including the meaning of the number 8. After years of neglect, when the castle was stripped of its furniture and marble decorations to become a refuge for shepherds, brigands and political refugees, Castel del Monte was bought and restored by the Italian state in 1876. Almost a century later, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the perfection of its shape and harmonious union of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Islamic world, and classical antiquity. Explore the castle’s façades and interior, and learn the historical context in which it was built.

Castel del Monte Tour with transfer from Trani

5. Castel del Monte Tour with transfer from Trani

After pick-up from the Trani Central Station, head to Castel del Monte, the most visited monument in Puglia on a private tour. The castle was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Castel del Monte was built in 1240 by Federico II and sits atop a prominent hill in Alta Murgia National Park. The castle has a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape stretching all the way to the sea. Marvel at the castle's unique octagonal shape with eight towers and eight sides. A licensed tour guide will show you the castle and tell you about its incredible history. Learn about Federico II's fascinating life and his extravagant personality. Discover hidden aspects of life in the Italian Middle Ages and the many mysteries that remain about the Castel del Monte.

Castel del Monte: off road e-bike tour

6. Castel del Monte: off road e-bike tour

Enjoy an adventurous e-bike tour sorrounding the Castel del Monte area — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and hidden spots on a 3-hour guided tour. The route takes place mainly on a dirt road with electric mountain bikes: away from traffic and immersed in nature! Ride in class and comfort which is perfect for discovering various parts of the rural region. See the Alta Murgia National Park differently and feel like a local as you cruise through its oak woods and expanses of pseudo steppe, uninterrupted by daily routines. You will look very Instagram worthy on your e-bikes. Admire many famous sights like the Castel del Monte octagonal castle, and discover typical local architecture marvels that are not on the front pages of tourist magazines.

Other Sightseeing Options in Castel del Monte

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What people are saying about Castel del Monte

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 33 reviews

Very clear and interesting

Many of my misunderstanding were clarified. Guide was Knowledgeable and very adequate.

Very prepared, nice and kind guide. I couldn't ask for more