Exploring the Charm of Puglia with My Love

Whispers of the Past

Today, Hans and I embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets of a medieval masterpiece. Away from the familiar shores of the Seychelles, I found myself drawn to the stark beauty of a structure steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. Nestled atop a hill in the heart of Puglia, it beckoned us with promises of untold stories and architectural marvels.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Le Stanzie. The restaurant is located in Lecce, Italy, where traditional and modern culinary art come together. Known for its commitment to organic farming, every ingredient is fresh, seasonal and sourced from local producers. I enjoyed homemade pasta drizzled with rich sauces and fresh vegetables picked straight from the garden. Hans and I were able to explore the lush gardens surrounding the restaurant, which serve as both a source of inspiration for the chefs and a beautiful backdrop for outdoor dining experiences.

Discover authentic Apulian cuisine at Le Stanzie, where organic farming meets traditional Italian flavors in a charming countryside setting.
Fueled and ready, we set off towards Castel del Monte. As we drove through the rolling hills, the landscape transformed into a tapestry of olive groves and vineyards, bathed in the warm October sun. Autumn in Puglia is truly magical; the air is crisp, and the colors are vibrant, reminding me of the sunsets back home in Anse Boileau, though perhaps with a touch more gold and amber.

Before heading to Castel del Monte, we stopped briefly at Puglia Village, hoping to find some unique souvenirs. While the architecture was reminiscent of Apulia, we found the discounts weren't quite what we expected. It was a pleasant experience nonetheless, and we enjoyed the regional ambiance.

Experience the ultimate shopping destination at Puglia Village, where fashion meets discounts in the heart of Molfetta, Italy.
Finally, Castel del Monte came into view, its octagonal form silhouetted against the azure sky. The closer we got, the more imposing it became, a testament to the vision of its creator, Emperor Frederick II. The castle exists at 540 meters above sea level in Puglia. The structure demonstrates exceptional qualities of medieval military architecture because it seamlessly unites Classical, Islamic, and Northern European styles within its geometric design.

Discover the architectural wonder of Castel del Monte, a 13th-century castle blending cultures and offering stunning Apulian views.
Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The interior, though stripped of its original marble walls, echoed with the whispers of centuries past. Information boards are primarily in Italian. We walked around the exterior and took in the glorious views of the Puglia countryside. Each room, each window, seemed to hold a secret, a piece of the puzzle that was Frederick II's grand design. The sides of the castle are eight, eight halls of the ground and first floor and eight are the majestic towers, also with an octagonal plan, arranged on the corners of the structure.
The building was completed around 1240 AD. UNESCO recognizes the site as a World Heritage Site. The castle stands 24 meters (79 feet) tall. It has an octagonal castle with eight octagonal towers. Approximately 250,000 visitors come to the castle annually.
As we wandered through the castle's two floors, I couldn't help but marvel at the blend of architectural styles. Classical, Islamic, and Northern European influences seamlessly intertwined, reflecting Frederick II's cosmopolitan spirit and his keen interest in science and knowledge. The design blends medieval military architecture with influences from different cultures. The castle lacks traditional defensive elements such as a moat or drawbridge as well as military designs.
The builders of Castel del Monte adopted superior building methods that exceeded the typical construction knowledge of the 13th century. The builders applied advanced cutting methods to shape their pieces of limestone before joining the components together with minor amounts of mortar. The foundation was built to carry weight evenly over the hilltop disposition. Distinct geometric patterns appeared in the sophisticated spiral staircases that builders integrated into the eight towers while constructing them.

A building is not just a place to be, but a way to be.

It's amazing to think that Castel del Monte has served many purposes over the centuries. Built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, it initially served as a possible hunting lodge. In the 14th century, under Charles I of Anjou, it transitioned into a state prison. The castle experienced a decline in the 18th century as marbles and ornaments were removed, contributing to the depletion of its interior décor.
Standing on the ramparts, gazing out at the vast expanse of Puglia, I felt a connection to the past, a sense of awe at the ingenuity and vision of those who came before us. The castle stands on an altitude of the Murge, from which you can enjoy a wide view. It has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1996. It became the permanent seat of the court of Frederick II, who became just three years the emperor of the Kingdom of Sicily.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Castel del Monte is its octagonal shape, a recurring motif throughout the structure. The sides of the castle are eight, eight halls of the ground and first floor and eight are the majestic towers, also with an octagonal plan, arranged on the corners of the structure. From the octagonal courtyard to the eight towers, the number eight seems to hold a special significance, perhaps a symbol of perfection or a reflection of Frederick II's fascination with mathematics and astronomy.
The castle's unique design, an octagonal plan with octagonal towers at each angle, represents a search for perfection. Interior features reflect Eastern influences, such as the innovative hydraulic installation used by Frederick II for bathing in accord to the typical Arabic customs. The site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape, we reluctantly bid farewell to Castel del Monte. Its secrets may never be fully revealed, but its beauty and mystery will forever be etched in my memory. In the evening, we had dinner at L'Antica Locanda. Pasquale Fatalino welcomes guests to his restaurant L'Antica Locanda, home of the Apulian food and wine tradition.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at L'Antica Locanda in Noci - where tradition meets taste.
Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area, a different kind of beauty, but no less captivating. I'm looking forward to seeing what natural wonders Puglia has in store for us. I wonder what treasures tomorrow holds for Hans and I?

Back in Bonn, I often miss the warmth of the Seychellois sun and the taste of Creole cuisine. But experiences like today remind me that beauty and wonder can be found in every corner of the world, waiting to be discovered with an open heart and a curious mind. I'm grateful for these moments with Hans, sharing these experiences together, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.