Inside the Alta Murgia National Park (which houses the last example of the Mediterranean steppe present in Italy), the dry stone buildings which, during the transhumance, served as a shelter for animals, stand out among the greenery. Powerful and majestic, the farms, some fortified like real castles, were the vital centers of the local agricultural economy from the 15th century. The pride of the Park is Castel del Monte, the mysterious manor built by the "stupor mundi" Frederick II as a hunting residence once animated by falconers and game.

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Cantarelli Stefano

October 11, 2021

Hiking

Castel del Monte is a 13th century fortress built by Frederick II of Swabia, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Sicily, on the top of a hill 540 meters above sea level in the western Murge plateau in Puglia. It is located in the homonymous fraction of the Italian municipality of Andria (BT), located 17 km from the city, near the town of Santa Maria del Monte.

Inserted in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996

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Matto

March 23, 2022

Hiking

The well-known hunting lodge of Emperor Friedrich II is the most impressive medieval building in southern Italy and has been well preserved in its original form to this day. The fort is located high up on a hill and can be seen from afar. Frederick II

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Castel del Monte

riders

#1.

Castel del Monte and Alta Murgia Aqueduct Loop

75.6km

05:11

670m

This difficult 47.0-mile touring cycling loop explores the Alta Murgia National Park, featuring Castel del Monte and the Apulian Aqueduct.

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Hard

#2.

A lunar adventure — Puglia by bike

111km

08:09

1,210m

860m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

#3.

The most remote Alta Murgia from Canosa di Puglia – loop tour

87.9km

06:07

920m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 530 m

Weather

Monday 23 March

13°C

4°C

-- %

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Take Me There

Location: Andria, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Apulia, Italy

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Bosco Finizio

Bosco di Scoparella

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Pulicchio di Gravina

Sentiero Italia in Parco Nazionale dell'Alta Murgia

Panorama of Bosco Acquatetta

Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Pugliese

Posta di Grotte Piccola

Acquedotto Pugliese Cycle Path

Ruined Trulli Along the Path

Path to the Castle

View of Gargano from Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte

#1.

Castel del Monte and Alta Murgia Aqueduct Loop

#2.

A lunar adventure — Puglia by bike

#3.

The most remote Alta Murgia from Canosa di Puglia – loop tour

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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