The Norman castle of Castel Del Monte, has always fascinated me. The mystery that lingers in its geometry makes it even more charming and attractive. The castle is surrounded by the National Park of Alta Murgia. The area I wish to discuss is the northern part of Puglia, the region that the National Geographic has called one of the most beautiful regions of the world.
Puglia is quite easy to reach from all parts of Europe. The international airport of Bari and Brindisi, in fact, are growing strongly and are served by major low cost airlines.
Once in Bari, I recommend hiring a car to get to the park. Be forewarned that the roads in Puglia are not the best. The streets aren’t always well marked and well maintained … but a good GPS will solve all problems.
I just landed in Bari went immediately into an bakery to take a “Focaccia Barese” … a delight. The people of Bari are “disappointed” if someone describes their flat bread like a pizza. The appearance looks the same, but the ingredients and flavor are indeed different. You have to try it, but buy it in a bakery ì, it is the best.
After leaving Bari, with a full stomach, in less than 50 minute by car you reach Castel Del Monte. Leave the car in the convenient parking at the bottom of the hill. The entrance of the castle can be reached by foot through a gentle slope surrounded by olive groves.
The castle is visible from almost all over the park. It is on top of a rocky bank and its grandeur can be seen from several kilometers away. The castle is of unique beauty and UNESCO declared it world heritage. I suggest to buy a ticket with a guided tour. All the secrets and characteristics that distinguish the castle are not visible without a guide help. What one surely can perceive is the perfection of the forms and proportions. Everything follows “the golden ratio”.
The castle, built about 1240 by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, is well known for its octagonal shape. Eight octagonal towers are inserted on each of the eight corners. The the whole building is characterised by the chromatic contrast between the colors of the used materials: crushed coral stone, limestone and marbles.
There are sixteen halls inside, eight on each floor. All communicating in a ring route. The two floors are linked up by three winding staircases inserted in as many towers .Some of the towers Contain the tanks for collecting rainwater partly conveyed to the large tank sunk into the rock, under the central courtyard.
There are the toilets too! They are furnished of lavatory and washbasin and placed side by side by little rooms probably used as changing rooms or appointed for housing bathtubs for the ablutions
Frederick II and his court used to have a great care for their body according to functional the typical custom of the Arab cultures, so beloved by the King..
The tour takes about an hour, but of course you are free to stand and admire this superb architecture as long as you want.
After visiting the castle, I headed to the resort that I had booked for the night. The Masseria Torre di Nebbia did not disappoint me. The Masseria is a collection of old rural buildings. Over the years these beautiful farm houses were refurbished to become hospitable and elegant houses. The Masseria Torre di Nebbia is just a collection of houses that have been converted into B&B and restaurant. The care and the style, which have been restored these environments, are considerable.
Not only that, the messeria has a restaurant too where you can tast excellent local food and local wines. About wine, I drank excellent red wine the “Castel del Monte Riserva” of Torrevento Winery. The food in Puglia is a certainty, all good. I remained in the “local tradition” so I ate the typical local pasta: orecchiette with broccoli.
The Alta Murgia National Park offers many activities such as bike trails and hiking. Both proposals allow you to spend a day in the middle of untouched nature. But I recommend not forget the map, the maze of country lanes can easily brings you in a wrong way.
For those who want to continue learning about the world of Frederick II, I suggest to visit the city of Andria. The city, famous for his loyalty to Frederick II, is rich in history. Visit the Ducal Palace (a fortified residence renovated in the 16th century) and the 12th-century cathedral, which has an 7th-century crypt.
If you have time before resuming the flight back from Bari, go and spend half a day in Trani. The town is worth a visit just for its Cathedral, which stands on the sea. This building, very slender in height, seems to really occur on the water. The white stones (white murble) with which it was built make it shine in the sun.
The city i also known as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. It is tourists destination. The city is rich in artistic and architectural treasures, churches of every age and stately buildings, reminders of its glorious past. In Trani probabily has been promulgated the first maritime code of the Western World: Ordinamenta et consuetudo Maris (dated 1063 a.C).
The tour can be done easily in three / four days. For those who want to stay more days, They can also visit the town of Barletta and Bisceglie or, in the summer season, relax themselves in one of the many beaches of this beautiful area.
Useful Information
Nearest Airport: Bari International Airport – BRI ( 50 km far from Castel del Monte)
Low Cost Airlines operating on these Airport: Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Airberlin, Vueling, Freebird, Transavia, Albastar, Volotea, Eurowings
Tourist Information: Alta Murgia National Park
Route Map.
Other places of interest near Castel Del Monte: Andria, Corato, Trani, Barletta, Bisceglie.
