Discover location header imageDiscover location header image

Italy

Castel del Monte

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of Medieval engineering, combining Classic, Islamic, and Gothic architectural elements.

About

Built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, this freestanding castle has been a mystery for historians. Due to its location, it likely wasn’t built as a defensive structure, instead, its perfect octagonal shape, precise layout, and combination of architectural styles suggest this was a monument to mankind, reflecting cultural vision of its founder. Some theories suggest the octagon is the midpoint between the circle and square - the shapes that respectively represent God and Man. Inside, the emperor borrowed heavily from the East - installing hydraulic baths in typical Arabic fashion, as well as flushing toilets - likely the first in Europe. Today, a visit to the castle emphasises the unique design that earned it a spot on the UNESCO list - aside from the occasional art exhibit, the interior is left bare, allowing the for the guide to focus on the design’s highlights.

Practical

Italy
3:08 AM GMT+1
Discover route header image

Book today with Daytrip - risk free!

Make changes to your booking or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.

One way
One way
Drive with Daytrip
I am a travel agent