Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a 13th century castle located in the town of Andria in the Italian region of Puglia. Built by Frederick II, the castle is a World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. The castle's architectural style is a mix of different styles, including Arab and Byzantine, which makes it an exceptional example of medieval architecture. The building is octagonal in shape and its eight angled corner walls have eight towers at the corners which add to its already impressive structure. It's octagonal layout was apparently chosen to correspond with the 8 Beatitudes and symbols of the holy number 8, considered to be the number of perfection. Behind the castle, visitors can marvel at the scenic views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful vistas of the Adriatic Sea which serves as a breathtaking backdrop. Tourists are welcome to explore the castle grounds and hike around the manicured gardens, while admiring the various pieces of artwork, stone carvings, and other decorations around the site.