How many things can be hidden in the folds of your toga? Treasure all the anecdotes, curiosities and insights collected in this column, carry them "in your pocket" and, if necessary, take them out to amaze everyone with your knowledge!

In the Folds of the Toga

No rules, just one truth: art is for everyone! 
Join our art club and satiate your hunger for culture, (but be careful, it could cause Independence)!

Art Without Rules

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Hidden artworks in Disney classics

The city of extra virgin olive oil with its typical "Coratina", the city of the red wine of Nero di Troia grapes, and the city of the rosé wine of Bombino Nero grapes. Andria was a city loved by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. The remains of two of the Emperor's wives, Jolanda of Brienne and Isabella of England, reside in the Cathedral. Furthermore, in the Andria area, Federico II had the building built in 1240 that has now become a symbol of the entire Puglia region, visited every year by thousands of tourists and scholars from all over the world: Castel del Monte.



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What to see in Andria

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The result of a fruitful cultural syncretism, Castel del Monte is closely linked to the figure of its creator: Emperor Frederick II of Swabia.

The result of a fruitful cultural syncretism, Castel del Monte is closely linked to the figure of its creator: Emperor **Frederick II of Swabia**.


Visit it together with an **expert guide**, who will be able to show you the wonders of this place!


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Guided Tour Castel del Monte

Guided Tour

Castel del Monte stands out like a white gem in the lush landscape of the Andria hinterland, a symbol of Frederick II's artistic taste and his imperial vision.

**An enlightened ruler**

Located on the Western Murge upland, the Castle is **the outcome of a profitable cultural syncretism** where classical, Gothic and Arab elements come together to create the flagship of Apulia's architectural and artistic heritage. Unlike the Syracuse Maniace Castle
whose construction was entrusted to Riccardo Lentini, according to some sources, the architect of Castel del Monte was **Frederick II** himself: the sovereign was so clear in his mind about what the project should look like that he chose not to call on the court architect. 

Man with a complex personality and multiple interests, the humanistic spirit of Frederick II is still perceptible today in the series of works - architectural and literary - left in ininheritance.This man of great acumen, whose feats of war, politics and architecture earned him the title of Stupor Mundi, had in mind a building *sui generis* from the outset, opting for a **form and practical use different** from all the other castles in the Swabian network.

**Symbol of imperial power**

Although displaced from the city centre, the position and altitude of the castle made it a **focal point for communication among Frederick's castles**. Although it is called a castle, it does not have the same features as a medieval castle: the absence of a moat, or of machicolations and bridges excludes its use for warfare, while the architectural elements, the balance of forms and styles lead to a more symbolic interpretation of space. As it was unlikely to be used as a residence for the court as a whole due to its small size, more plausible hypotheses see it as a place of representation or a meeting point for the emperor's chosen few, as well as an **architectural, cultural and administrative symbol of imperial power**. 

**Recent history**

The Castle was acquired by the Italian State in 1876 and underwent a series of restorations: first in 1879 to waterproof and consolidate the structures, then in 1928 to clear away the rubble that was piled almost two metres high against the outer walls. In 1996, UNESCO included it in its **World Heritage List** for its being testimony of the humanism of its founder, while in more recent times it has turned up as a **location in numerous films**.

**A place of charm and symbolism**

Castel del Monte leaves a **profound impression** on its visitors. The octagonal layout and strategic position for controlling the territory (the castle is located on a hill 540 metres above sea level) also determine the importance given during the Middle Ages to the **relationship with the Sun**, also underlined by the position of the two lions at the entrance, facing right and left respectively to follow the direction in which the sun rises during the two solstices.
The **inherent symbolism** of the structure, centred on the number eight (symbol of cosmic balance) and the perfection of forms, has led numerous scholars to see the Castle as the physical representation and justification of Imperial Power.  


Castel del Monte

The artistic vision of Frederick II of Swabia


Castel del Monte stands out like a white gem in the lush landscape of the Andria hinterland, a symbol of Frederick II's artistic taste and his imperial vision. Ready to welcome all the visitors in its halls to accompany them in a journey through history. 


What to see in Andria

Andria

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