Castel de Monte

Castel de Monte, octagonal in shape, was built by Fredrick II between 1229 and 1249. It was designed with astrological and algebraic calculations and its construction is quite amazing. . It is situated on a small hill at an altitude of 540 m giving it beautiful view over the valley in all directions.

It was used primarily as a hunting lodge by Frederick until his death in 1250. It was later turned into a prison, used as a refuge during a plague, and finally fell into disrepair. It originally had marble walls and columns, but all were stripped by vandals.