Castel del Monte: excursion in the Alta Murgia National Park

Immersed in the Alta Murgia National Park, walking here one has the sensation of being in a large open space in which one can wander with one's gaze towards infinite horizons characterized by the pungent smells of mint and wild thyme in the intense green of the wheat fields or rocky pastures among the evident yellow of the ferula, meeting orchids and birds of prey. In this land, emperors, peasants, shepherds, woodsmen, together with the climate, have made the landscape and its culture unique. On the way we will meet stupendous farmhouses, we will cross oak woods, along the ancient sheep tracks of transhumance we will discover jazzi and post offices, we will travel along panoramic mule tracks and among the wheat fields we will admire large haystacks and ancient cisterns. On the hills, flocks of sheep will blend in with the characteristic sharp rocks that give this area its name. We will reach the octagonal stone crown isolated on a hill at 540 meters above sea level. from where a vast panorama is dominated.

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   Castel del Monte

   1 hour

   An octagonal stone crown. Fascinating and mysterious. Isolated on a hill in the Murge, 540 meters above sea level from where a vast panorama is dominated. The gaze sweeps west to the highest peaks of the entire karst plateau, and east to the Cathedral of Trani, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and a little further on, the Gargano promontory. Commissioned in 1240 by the Swabian Emperor Frederick II. Subsequently, the building took on the roles of prison and ducal residence. Passed through various dominations and properties of different lords, for a long time, after repeated looting and plundering, it was a refuge for shepherds and robbers (especially in the 18th century). Purchased as a ruin by the Italian state in 1876 for 25,000 lire, it has since undergone continuous restorations; the most recent have recovered its ancient splendor. Since 1996, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.