Introduction: Three imposing bell towers keep watch over the city favored by Frederick II. Today, Andria is the fourth largest urban center in Puglia, with a strong agricultural and dairy tradition (burrata cheese is a true local celebrity) and a deeply rooted religious spirit, thanks especially to its patron saint, Saint Richard, and the revered Holy Thorn relic.
Tour route: We meet at the Bastion of Porta Castello, the perfect starting point to explore Andria’s urban development and understand how its walls and gates shaped the city’s layout.
From there, we head to Catuma Square, taking in the view of the two bell towers of the Cathedral and St. Francis’ Church, as well as the Ducal Palace. Here, you’ll hear stories and anecdotes that bring the square to life.
The walk continues with a look at the “Confetto” Museum — showcasing the art of making these sugar-coated almonds that are a staple at Italian weddings and baptisms, kind of like French dragées — before arriving at the Cathedral. If it’s open, we’ll visit the interior, including the Holy Thorn and the crypt housing the tombs of Yolanda and Isabella, wives of Frederick II.
We then venture deeper into the old town. We’ll pass through the 1st Alley of St. Bartholomeus, the narrowest street in the city, to reach St. Augustine’s Church, the ancient seat of the Teutonic Order, with its beautiful Gothic portal.
Continuing along the street that cuts through the old town — named after the Hohenstaufen rulers Frederick II, Manfred, and Conrad IV — we reach the third bell tower, that of St. Dominick, and St. Andrew’s Gate, which, according to tradition, Frederick II passed through on his return from the Crusades.
The tour concludes around the Town Hall / Catuma Square area, with a final recap and some tips on what not to miss once the guided visit ends.
Price: € 150 – Recommended group size for an optimal experience: 15 visitors.
Maximum group size: 20 visitors (for larger groups, an additional guide is required).