Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1996 for its formal perfection, its harmonious blending of cultural and decorative elements, Castel del Monte is a medieval monument of incredible historical and artistic interest, built by Federico II of Swabia around the 1240.
The purpose of its construction is still unknown: it is located in a secluded position, about 18 km far away from the city of Andria, on the top of a 540 metres hill, and it is presumably part of the system of fortification ordered from the king, during the reorganization of the Kingdom of Sicily.
So, this is a military fortress even if is lacking in components of protection such as machicolations, moat and draw bridge; it was also a residential palace immersed in the green woods which were very appreciated by Federico II.
It’s not possible to assign just one designated use because Castel del Monte had a defensive, symbolic, political and representative role of the emperor’s power, that makes it unique.
The theory based on the design as initiatory temple is rich in symbolism connected to the 8 as guiding number, which is repeated so many times in the architecture of the castle: it has an octagonal plan with 8 octagonal towers, 8 octagonal rooms on the ground floor as well as 8 octagonal rooms on the first floor, with an octagonal courtyard.
The number 8 is symbol of infinity, the octagon is an intermediate shape between the circle (representing the sky) and the square (representing the earth), so it could be a meeting place and conciliation between the sky and the earth. In effect, if you think about to the baptisteries, usually octagonal, where baptism is celebrated, you can match the fusion of the infinite God and finite person.
It was robbed over the centuries, therefore there’s not much left of the rich and elegant decorations; there are no remains of the beautiful mosaics, majolica and paintings that covered the interior; capitals with acanthus leaves, some medieval sculptures and fragments of the precious marble pavement are still visible.
The chromatic contrast of the 3 used materials is very interesting: the beige limestone which turns into a pink tint at dawn and sunset; the coral crushed stone, originating in Gargano, emphasized the setting with its reddish coloured; the white and veined marbles that embellished interiors.
Federico II was a man of extraordinary culture, famous for his tolerance between different people and religions, clever leader, art and literature lover, nicknamed “Stupor Mundi”, had an intense love for Puglia and Castel del Monte is definitely his excellent masterpiece.
viaggieitinerari... in Puglia by Valeria Dicarlo 