This architectural curiosity stands on a hilltop 20km south of Andria. Its geometric layout is quite unlike most Italian castles: it’s perfectly octagonal, and lacks defensive features such as a moat, drawbridge or arrow slits.
Its location is also a conundrum, since it does not seem to have been built for any strategic purpose — there are no important towns or crossroads near by. It was most likely built as a hunting lodge or folly by Frederick II, but some scholars claim the castle may be an architectural symbol of Frederick’s religious devotion; during the middle ages, the octagon was seen as a sacred shape, combining the circle (symbolising the divine or infinite) and the square (symbolising the human, or finite world).
Whether you're drawn to the romance of cobbled streets, the architectural marvels of centuries-old buildings, or the vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, Europe's cities stand as a testament to its rich heritage.
