Castel del Monte - Puglia
The weather gave us some beautiful clouds. 15 minutes later we were trying to dry our socks with the car heater. It was an impressive downpour!
The history of Catel del Monte is mysterious and controversial. If it is true that it was built in the 13th century by order of King Frederik II, there is no agreement on whether the work was finished, or whether it was used even as a hunting lodge. Castel del Monte's geometric design was unique. The fortress is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. The towers were originally some 5 m higher than now, and they should perhaps include a third floor.
In the 18th century, the castle's marbles and other ornamentation were looted. After having been abandoned for a considerable length of time, the castle was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State, which began the process of restoration in 1928.
Castel del Monte - Puglia
The weather gave us some beautiful clouds. 15 minutes later we were trying to dry our socks with the car heater. It was an impressive downpour!
The history of Catel del Monte is mysterious and controversial. If it is true that it was built in the 13th century by order of King Frederik II, there is no agreement on whether the work was finished, or whether it was used even as a hunting lodge. Castel del Monte's geometric design was unique. The fortress is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. The towers were originally some 5 m higher than now, and they should perhaps include a third floor.
In the 18th century, the castle's marbles and other ornamentation were looted. After having been abandoned for a considerable length of time, the castle was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State, which began the process of restoration in 1928.