Castel del Monte travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

The Castel del Monte is a remarkable octagonal structure erected for the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the southernmost reaches of the empire, in Puglia, southern Italy. It is thought that the building’s distinctive design may be the result of the emperor’s direct involvement. The design is rigorously geometrical and the eight corners of the exterior are marked by bastions, which are also octagonal in form, as is the internal courtyard. Photo by: fmarmo

Outcome the rooms are all the same size. There are eight trapezoidal rooms on each of the two floors of the building, many of them finely vaulted with delicately carved bosses. Although its name and outer appearance suggest that this was a castle. It has massive walls, towers and a gate. It seems that its purpose had little to do with defense. The grand entrance has a ceremonical function. The castle itself has unusual form and location, it appears like a massive crown on a hill. The building is originally decorated with colored marble as well as mosaic floors, and was a grand residence for the ruler and may well have served as a hunting lodge. Photo by: he_boden

Photo by: Edoardo Forneris