Introduction: Frederick II of Hohenstaufen — a towering cultural reformer of medieval Europe, lover of art and knowledge, as well as a bold statesman, legislator, polyglot… and legendary heartbreaker.
A few years before his earthly journey ended, returning from the Holy Land, he commissioned the construction of a castle that would forever embody the spirit of his power: an octagonal crown carved into a hill, visible for miles around. Since 1996, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castel del Monte is a unique and mysterious piece of architecture: you enter with a hundred questions… and leave with a thousand more! What was the castle’s purpose? What role do astronomy, the choice of materials and architectural styles, the emperor’s love for nature, and the many cultural influences from his travels play?
Our visit will be an opportunity to unravel these mysteries and to get to know Frederick II better — a man caught between the fascination for knowledge and an unquenchable thirst for power.
Tour route: Well, the itinerary doesn’t leave much to the imagination, as it focuses on a single monument. After an external overview (or a walk through the surrounding woods, if the guests feel like it), we enter the castle to explore some of the trapezoidal rooms spanning the ground and upper floors, several towers, and the central courtyard.
Price: € 150 – Recommended group size for an optimal experience: 15 visitors.
Maximum group size: 20 visitors (for larger groups, an additional guide is required).

Additional costs:

• Entrance ticket: €10 (full price), to be purchased on-site. For groups, online booking is recommended to avoid hourly capacity restrictions.
• Parking: The road leading up to the castle is closed to vehicle access. It’s best to park at the C.A.T. Basile / Ristorante l’Imperatore parking lot — €5 per car for the whole day — which offers a bar, self-service restaurant, souvenir shop, restrooms, and shuttle stop.
• Shuttle ticket: €2 round-trip per person, purchased at C.A.T. Basile, for those who prefer not to walk from the parking lot. The walk lasts about 20 minutes, with the last 5–6 minutes passing through a pleasant woodland path.