Focus on the Puglia region
The heel of the Italian boot juts out into the Adriatic and Ionian Seas with waters of stunning beauty, sometimes translucent emerald, sometimes matte pastel blue.
Open to the sea, Puglia retains the traces of numerous foreign dominations, while preserving its personality. Let your imagination run wild in the middle of the trulli, these conical houses that dot the Itria Valley, or in front of the Castel del Monte, the octagonal castle designed by Emperor Frederick II; lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets of Bari Vecchia or Monopoli; immerse yourself in Baroque exuberance in Lecce.
Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte, located in the commune of Andria, rises on a rocky outcrop dominating the surrounding landscape of the Murges region in southern Italy on the Adriatic coast. A unique medieval architectural work, the castle was completed in 1240. The location of the castle, its perfect octagonal shape and the mathematical and astronomical precision of its plan reflect the perfect education and broad cultural vision of its founder, Emperor Frederick II. of Hohenstaufen.
Castel del Monte is a magnificent masterpiece of Italian history and absolutely deserving of its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A little corner of paradise...
Listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO for seven years
Between Earth and sea
UNESCO classified site – Land of Bari
