- Unique architectural structure: Castel del Monte stands out for its exceptional precision. With 8 towers emerging from 8 corners, blending Islamic, Gothic, and Romanesque influences, the castle's unique shape fuses elements of both circles and squares.
- Inconclusive purpose: The castle's original purpose remains a mystery, lacking clear indicators of a fortress, such as moats or enclosing walls. Notably, its interior stairs defy the conventional clockwise direction. Some believe that it was a hunting lodge. Perhaps you could be your mystery to solve!
- Polychromatic finish: Colour is a symbol of luxury, and Frederick II indulged in the finest marble for the castle’s interiors. Special limestone and coral breccia give the castle a polychromatic appearance.
- Frederick’s legacy: Emperor Frederick was a learned man in mathematics, philosophy, history and religion. This exceptional project mirrors his diverse passions, fusing cultural and religious elements with scientific precision.
- Most visited monument in Puglia: Castel del Monte draws the maximum number of visitors in the Puglia region. Its popularity skyrocketed when it was later embossed on the Italian 1 cent Euro coin.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Owing to its outstanding architectural genius, fairly intact structure and superior conservation efforts, UNESCO has recognised it as a heritage site in 1996.
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Castel del Monte | Andria’s Octagonal Wonder
Is it a castle? Is it a fort? Is it an octagonal anomaly? Castel del Monte is all this and more. This unique 8-sided structure in Puglia, southern Italy, was built by the Germanic emperor Frederick II around 1240. Initially believed to be a fortress, scholars speculate that Castel del Monte was a hunting lodge. Learn more about what makes this intriguing castle a must visit in Puglia.
Why visit Castel del Monte?
Which Castel del Monte ticket is best for you?
If you're short on time
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Optional audioguide
- Get priority entry and bypass long queues to delve right into this octagonal marvel.
- With an optional audioguide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German, learn about the intriguing legacy and history of the castle.
Recommended ticket
Castel del Monte Skip-the-Line Tickets
If you're looking for an intimate experience
Go for: Small-group guided tours
Duration: 1 hour
Guide: Available
- Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of an English or Italian guide as they walk you through the castle and its unique history.
- Don't miss the Great Hall on the second floor. Look out for its 8 vaults and centre column.
Recommended ticket
Castel del Monte Small Group Guided Tour
Castel del Monte Highlights
Strict octagonalism
Castel del Monte is a precise paper blueprint that achieved perfection in stone. This rigid octagonal design was perhaps meant to heighten the interplay of light and shadow during the solstices.
Courtyard
Located in the middle of the castle, the courtyard is also octagonal. The main tank that collected rainwater was located below the courtyard.
Rooms and towers
The 16 rooms (8 on the ground floor and 8 on the first floor) have vaulted ceilings and are trapezoid in layout. Although much of its ornate decor has been vandalized or stolen over the centuries, you can still see a lot of the castle’s intricate marble carving on doors and frames.
Towers
Some of the towers have staircases connecting the two floors of the castle. Of note is the Falconer’s Tower, as Frederick II was deeply influenced by the Arab tradition of falconry. View the humanoid figures carved into this tower.
Columns
The columns inside Castel del Monte are made of two different types of stone: coral crushed stone on the ground floor and trilobite marble on the first floor. The coral crushed stone columns are semi-columns, while the trilobite marble columns are pillars.
Advanced hydraulic engineering
Frederick II’s penchant for innovation is showcased in his use of hydraulic toilets and baths that harvested rainwater. He was inspired by Arab engineering, and Castel del Monte was thought to be one of the first European castles to have toilet flushes.
Throne Room
The 5th room was the seat of the throne. Although the actual throne is no longer there, you can sit on the steps leading up to it and take a picture.
Remnants of a fireplace
The hollow that was once a blazing fireplace has now caved into the wall. This was where game from royal hunts was slow-roasted.
Plan your visit to Castel del Monte
April 1 to September 30: 10 AM to 6:45 PM.
October 1 to March 31: 9 AM to 5:45 PM.
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time.
Closed: December 25 and January 1.
Visit duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Maximum 120 people at a time (including children) and 30 members per tour group (including children)
Best time to visit
As Puglia can get quite hot and crowded during the summers, the best time to visit would be between September and March, ideally as soon as the castle opens.
Address: Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale 170, 76123 Andria BT, Italy
Getting there
- By bus: No 6 from Andria (only plies from April 1 to November 1). From November 1 onwards, the bus runs only on Saturday and Sunday.
Nearest stop: Castel del Monte - By train: Ferrovie Nord Barese train from Bari to Andria
Nearest stop: Andria - By car: Take the Motorway A14 (Bologna-Taranto) or motorway A16 (Bari-Napoli) and exit at Andria-Barletta S.S 170. The castle is roughly 18 km from Andria.
Car parking: On the castle premises for €5. The castle is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Visits are not permitted without making a prior reservation, so choose a time slot that works best for you.
- Do note that the site is not wheelchair navigable as it is a medieval structure with cobbled and uneven flooring.
- If you’re bringing a pet, it must be brought in a special carrier.
- Castel del Monte is believed to have been aligned with solstices and equinoxes. You can try to spot these astronomical alignments yourself by paying attention to the sun's position in the sky.
- Try to arrive using private transport as Castel del Monte is located away from Andria proper, and there is infrequent bus connectivity.
- At the end of your visit, purchase an Italian 1-cent euro coin as a keepsake since it has Castel del Monte on one side.
- La Locanda dei Duchi: For home-made pasta and melt-in-your-mouth Burrata cheese, head to La Locanda dei Duchi.
- Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli: Set in the lush agricultural landscape of the Bari region, enjoy good wine and fresh olives at Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli.
- Torre Sansanello: For a unique farm experience amidst animals and nature, Torre Sansanello serves local Apulian cuisine using the choicest seasonal produce. Enjoy a great view of Castel del Monte from here.
- Budget: Albergo Tripoli, Hotel Salsello
- Mid-range: B&B L’Antica Quercia, Tenuta Vigna del Noce
- Luxury: Otto Apulia House, Masseria Torre de Nebbia
- Sassi di Matera: Carved into the limestone cliffs of Matera, the ancient cave dwellings at Sassi di Matera form one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, dating back thousands of years.
- Swabian Castle of Bari: Built by the Norman King Roger II in the 12th century and later expanded by the Swabian rulers, this castle served as a formidable stronghold against foreign invaders and rival powers vying for control of the region.
- Swabian Castle of Trani: Discover the castle's enduring connection to Trani's maritime legacy, with its strategic location along one of Italy's most important sea routes. As a key hub of trade and commerce in the Mediterranean, Trani attracted merchants, sailors and travelers from far and wide.
Frequently asked questions about Castel del Monte tickets
A skip-the-line ticket to Castel del Monte is priced at €10. Bypass the long queues and enter straight into the attraction.
Booking tickets online in advance is a must before visiting Castel del Monte. Buying skip-the-line tickets online gives you the additional bonus of avoiding long wait times.
-Guaranteed entry: Buying tickets online guarantees your entry into this attraction at the chosen time slot.
-Avoid long lines: With skip-the-line tickets, especially, you can dive right into the attraction without having to wait.
-Dedicated customer support: from the time of ticket purchase till the time you visit the attraction, you can expect prompt and readily available customer service.
Castel del Monte tickets include skip-the-line access to the attraction.
EU citizens between the ages of 18-25 get reduced tickets. Children below the age of 18 (any nationality), EU journalists, disabled persons with their companions, and university students and teachers in the literature, arts and culture disciplines get free entry upon the presentation of a valid ID.
Yes, purchasing skip-the-line tickets helps you make the most of your experience by entering straightaway into the castle and exploring it within the chosen timeframe.
Tickets, once booked, cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
From April 1 to September 30, the timings are from 10 AM to 6:45 PM. From October 1 to March 31, the castle is open from 9 AM to 5:45 PM. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.
A typical visit to Castel del Monte usually lasts around 45 minutes. This duration allows visitors to explore the castle, admire its architecture, and learn about its historical significance. However, the actual time spent can vary based on individual interest, pace, and the crowds present during the visit.
