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- Bypass queues and explore the 13th-century castle and citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a fascinating composition of mathematical precision.
- Admire the geometry and symmetry of an octagonal courtyard surrounded by 8 massive octagonal towers with 16 trapezoidal rooms, 8 on each floor.
- Wonder at the mixture of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world, and classical antiquity, reflected in the castle architecture.
- Find two corbels carved in the form of human figures in the Falconer’s Tower and the fragment of a floor mosaic in the 8th room on the ground floor.
- Opt for audio-guided tours in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German to learn about how Emperor Frederick applied his artistic vision to create the unique design of the castle.
- Bypass queues and explore the 13th-century castle and citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a fascinating composition of mathematical precision.
- Admire the geometry and symmetry of an octagonal courtyard surrounded by 8 massive octagonal towers with 16 trapezoidal rooms, 8 on each floor.
- Wonder at the mixture of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world, and classical antiquity, reflected in the castle architecture.
- Find two corbels carved in the form of human figures in the Falconer’s Tower and the fragment of a floor mosaic in the 8th room on the ground floor.
- Opt for audio-guided tours in English, Italian, French, Spanish, or German to learn about how Emperor Frederick applied his artistic vision to create the unique design of the castle.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Castel del Monte
- Audio guides in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German (optional)
- Tip: Visit the castle in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat and for the best light to photograph the views from the castle.
- Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.
- Small pets are allowed only in carriers.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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What our guests say
Thomas
Jun 2024Verified booking
Booked online with audio - uncomplicated and the lady at the ticket office was very friendly - Impressive castle with a very impressive history!!! Must see!!!
View original review in German
Heinz
May 2024Verified booking
The fast track entry was really great. We would choose this access route again and again. Especially if you are part of the first group to visit when the castle opens. This way you can start your photo safari quickly and easily without the rooms being overcrowded with people. Any time again.
View original review in German
Arianna
May 2024Verified booking
I purchased tickets to visit castel del monte with headout. There was a significant delay in receiving the tickets, but customer service was very helpful and willing to resolve the problem.
View original review in Italian
Roberto
May 2024Verified booking
A very impressive visit,too bad we could not access the terrace,the staff kind and efficient,too bad x the error on the small map of the audio guide,the room with the small mosaic on the floor was indicated in the upper floor
View original review in Italian
Rose
May 2024Verified booking
Castel del Monte was amazing!! The audio tour was well done and thoroughly explained the history of Frederick and the building. One thing that that could have been improved was rhe "skip the line" - everyone was lined up in the same place -there needs to be separate distinct lines. We ended up waiting behind people who did not have tickets yet and did not get our headsets until we were near the start of the line.
Charmet
May 2024Verified booking
Le passage à la billetterie est aisée. La récupération des audio guide aussi. Par contre le château par lui-même n'est vraiment pas génial. Le voir de l'extérieur suffit. C'est très cher pour ce que l'on voit et les explications qui sont donnés
Ester
Apr 2024Verified booking
Il sito è davvero bellissimo, la sua storia misteriosa e affascinante merita davvero una visita, andare in Puglia e non vedere Castel del Monte non è proprio possibile. Potrebbe essere migliorato con racconti immersivi che renderebbero il sito assolutamente impareggiabile😍😍😍😍😍
Virginio
Apr 2024Verified booking
The structure is fascinatingly imposing and high-tech, artifacts of such kind are almost impractical today especially for the cost of construction. Online ticket purchase can be convenient, in my case and of other visiators it was not needed, there is not such a large influx to stay in the queue, even as I saw the entry was continuous without respecting the time stated on the site. The thing however that screams vengeance is to see the filth around the artifact so much beauty on one side and so much filth on the other.
View original review in Italian
Nazzareno
Apr 2024Verified booking
The idea of the skip-the-line ticket is interesting and very useful Too bad the audioguide was not up to the same standard Basically audio guide to be redone
View original review in Italian
Daniele
Apr 2024Verified booking
All very simple and well organized , all very clean, to refresh the various information columns outside the castle, also adding more information points.
View original review in Italian
Wolfgang
Apr 2024Verified booking
The entry went very well. Everything was done very quickly and efficiently. Castel del Monte is impressive, with understated elegance and looks majestic yet simple. The location on the mountain is unique.
View original review in German
Lioba
Nov 2024Verified booking
Well arranged! Special experience!
View original review in Dutch
Dr
Oct 2024Verified booking
Castel del Monte is a legend, a myth! One of Puglias highlights.
Anabel
Oct 2024Verified booking
The architecture, strategic location and views !
View original review in Spanish
Greindl
Oct 2024Verified booking
Beautiful view and restauration!
MARUSCA
Aug 2024Verified booking
Super what a marvelous place!
Rose
Aug 2024Verified booking
Great experienced!!! Beautiful place
Diana
Aug 2024Verified booking
Everything. The Castel ist great!
Jeanne
Aug 2024Verified booking
Had to stand in Line, did not see any skip the Line options. Besidde that everyting worked fine
Marie
Aug 2024Verified booking
Magnificent castle in a wonderful location Interesting audio guides A must-see
View original review in French
GUIDOTTI
Aug 2024Verified booking
Esperienza da ripetere ! Tutto andato ok
Inès
Jun 2024Verified booking
Château magnifique the French translation... Finally! Nature, silence, birds A moment of relaxation
View original review in French
Zaccaro
May 2024Verified booking
Professionalism, hospitality and speed. Everything went well ....thanks
View original review in Italian
Andreu
May 2024Verified booking
Es un castillo muy especial por su forma. El lugar es muy bonito con un paisaje fantastico.
Ivana
May 2024Verified booking
The castle is beautiful and the guide was comprehensive, clear, pleasant
View original review in Italian
- Delve into the history of Castel del Monte on a 1-hour guided tour with a small group, ensuring you get personalized attention from the experts.
- This 13th-century castle's most distinctive feature is its octagonal shape, which is unusual for medieval castles. Find out why from your guide.
- Check out the Great Hall on the second floor with its 8 unique vaults and a center column. Roam around the chapel known for its simple yet elegant design.
- Your tour, your choice. Personalize your tour according to your language preference with English or Italian-speaking guide options.
- Delve into the history of Castel del Monte on a 1-hour guided tour with a small group, ensuring you get personalized attention from the experts.
- This 13th-century castle's most distinctive feature is its octagonal shape, which is unusual for medieval castles. Find out why from your guide.
- Check out the Great Hall on the second floor with its 8 unique vaults and a center column. Roam around the chapel known for its simple yet elegant design.
- Your tour, your choice. Personalize your tour according to your language preference with English or Italian-speaking guide options.
Inclusions
- 1-hour guided tour of Castel del Monte
- English or Italian-speaking guide (based on option selected)
- Entry to Castel del Monte
- Tip: Pay close attention to the symbolic 8 in the castle's design. Each angle holds historical and mathematical meaning.
- Guests with mobility issues can participate in the visit to the ground floor and courtyard.
- Children aged 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Why visit Castel del Monte?
- Unique architectural structure: Castel del Monte stands out for its exceptional precision. With 8 towers emerging from 8 corners, blending Islamic, Gothic, and Romanesque influences, the castle's unique shape fuses elements of both circles and squares.
- Inconclusive purpose: The castle's original purpose remains a mystery, lacking clear indicators of a fortress, such as moats or enclosing walls. Notably, its interior stairs defy the conventional clockwise direction. Some believe that it was a hunting lodge. Perhaps you could be your mystery to solve!
- Polychromatic finish: Colour is a symbol of luxury, and Frederick II indulged in the finest marble for the castle’s interiors. Special limestone and coral breccia give the castle a polychromatic appearance.
- Frederick’s legacy: Emperor Frederick was a learned man in mathematics, philosophy, history and religion. This exceptional project mirrors his diverse passions, fusing cultural and religious elements with scientific precision.
- Most visited monument in Puglia: Castel del Monte draws the maximum number of visitors in the Puglia region. Its popularity skyrocketed when it was later embossed on the Italian 1 cent Euro coin.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Owing to its outstanding architectural genius, fairly intact structure and superior conservation efforts, UNESCO has recognised it as a heritage site in 1996.
Which Castel del Monte ticket is best for you?
If you're short on time
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Optional audioguide
- Get priority entry and bypass long queues to delve right into this octagonal marvel.
- With an optional audioguide in English, Italian, Spanish, French or German, learn about the intriguing legacy and history of the castle.
Recommended ticket
If you're looking for an intimate experience
Go for: Small-group guided tours
Duration: 1 hour
Guide: Available
- Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of an English or Italian guide as they walk you through the castle and its unique history.
- Don't miss the Great Hall on the second floor. Look out for its 8 vaults and centre column.
Recommended ticket
Castel del Monte Highlights
Strict octagonalism
Castel del Monte is a precise paper blueprint that achieved perfection in stone. This rigid octagonal design was perhaps meant to heighten the interplay of light and shadow during the solstices.
Courtyard
Located in the middle of the castle, the courtyard is also octagonal. The main tank that collected rainwater was located below the courtyard.
Rooms and towers
The 16 rooms (8 on the ground floor and 8 on the first floor) have vaulted ceilings and are trapezoid in layout. Although much of its ornate decor has been vandalized or stolen over the centuries, you can still see a lot of the castle’s intricate marble carving on doors and frames.
Towers
Some of the towers have staircases connecting the two floors of the castle. Of note is the Falconer’s Tower, as Frederick II was deeply influenced by the Arab tradition of falconry. View the humanoid figures carved into this tower.
Columns
The columns inside Castel del Monte are made of two different types of stone: coral crushed stone on the ground floor and trilobite marble on the first floor. The coral crushed stone columns are semi-columns, while the trilobite marble columns are pillars.
Advanced hydraulic engineering
Frederick II’s penchant for innovation is showcased in his use of hydraulic toilets and baths that harvested rainwater. He was inspired by Arab engineering, and Castel del Monte was thought to be one of the first European castles to have toilet flushes.
Throne Room
The 5th room was the seat of the throne. Although the actual throne is no longer there, you can sit on the steps leading up to it and take a picture.
Remnants of a fireplace
The hollow that was once a blazing fireplace has now caved into the wall. This was where game from royal hunts was slow-roasted.
Plan your visit to Castel del Monte
Timings
Location
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
April 1 to September 30: 10 AM to 6:45 PM.
October 1 to March 31: 9 AM to 5:45 PM.
Last admission: 45 minutes before closing time.
Closed: December 25 and January 1.
Visit duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Maximum 120 people at a time (including children) and 30 members per tour group (including children)
Best time to visit
As Puglia can get quite hot and crowded during the summers, the best time to visit would be between September and March, ideally as soon as the castle opens.
Address: Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale 170, 76123 Andria BT, Italy
Getting there
- By bus: No 6 from Andria (only plies from April 1 to November 1). From November 1 onwards, the bus runs only on Saturday and Sunday.
Nearest stop: Castel del Monte - By train: Ferrovie Nord Barese train from Bari to Andria
Nearest stop: Andria - By car: Take the Motorway A14 (Bologna-Taranto) or motorway A16 (Bari-Napoli) and exit at Andria-Barletta S.S 170. The castle is roughly 18 km from Andria.
Car parking: On the castle premises for €5. The castle is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Visits are not permitted without making a prior reservation, so choose a time slot that works best for you.
- Do note that the site is not wheelchair navigable as it is a medieval structure with cobbled and uneven flooring.
- If you’re bringing a pet, it must be brought in a special carrier.
- Castel del Monte is believed to have been aligned with solstices and equinoxes. You can try to spot these astronomical alignments yourself by paying attention to the sun's position in the sky.
- Try to arrive using private transport as Castel del Monte is located away from Andria proper, and there is infrequent bus connectivity.
- At the end of your visit, purchase an Italian 1-cent euro coin as a keepsake since it has Castel del Monte on one side.
- La Locanda dei Duchi: For home-made pasta and melt-in-your-mouth Burrata cheese, head to La Locanda dei Duchi.
- Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli: Set in the lush agricultural landscape of the Bari region, enjoy good wine and fresh olives at Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli.
- Torre Sansanello: For a unique farm experience amidst animals and nature, Torre Sansanello serves local Apulian cuisine using the choicest seasonal produce. Enjoy a great view of Castel del Monte from here.
- Budget: Albergo Tripoli, Hotel Salsello
- Mid-range: B&B L’Antica Quercia, Tenuta Vigna del Noce
- Luxury: Otto Apulia House, Masseria Torre de Nebbia
- Sassi di Matera: Carved into the limestone cliffs of Matera, the ancient cave dwellings at Sassi di Matera form one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, dating back thousands of years.
- Swabian Castle of Bari: Built by the Norman King Roger II in the 12th century and later expanded by the Swabian rulers, this castle served as a formidable stronghold against foreign invaders and rival powers vying for control of the region.
- Swabian Castle of Trani: Discover the castle's enduring connection to Trani's maritime legacy, with its strategic location along one of Italy's most important sea routes. As a key hub of trade and commerce in the Mediterranean, Trani attracted merchants, sailors and travelers from far and wide.
Frequently asked questions about Castel del Monte tickets
How much is a ticket to Castel del Monte?
A skip-the-line ticket to Castel del Monte is priced at €10. Bypass the long queues and enter straight into the attraction.
How do I book tickets to Castel del Monte?
Booking tickets online in advance is a must before visiting Castel del Monte. Buying skip-the-line tickets online gives you the additional bonus of avoiding long wait times.
Why should I book Castel del Monte tickets online?
-Guaranteed entry: Buying tickets online guarantees your entry into this attraction at the chosen time slot.
-Avoid long lines: With skip-the-line tickets, especially, you can dive right into the attraction without having to wait.
-Dedicated customer support: from the time of ticket purchase till the time you visit the attraction, you can expect prompt and readily available customer service.
What do Castel del Monte tickets include?
Castel del Monte tickets include skip-the-line access to the attraction.
Are there discounted Castel del Monte tickets?
EU citizens between the ages of 18-25 get reduced tickets. Children below the age of 18 (any nationality), EU journalists, disabled persons with their companions, and university students and teachers in the literature, arts and culture disciplines get free entry upon the presentation of a valid ID.
Can I get skip-the-line tickets to Castel del Monte?
Yes, purchasing skip-the-line tickets helps you make the most of your experience by entering straightaway into the castle and exploring it within the chosen timeframe.
What is the cancelation policy of Castel del Monte tickets?
Tickets, once booked, cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
What are Castel del Monte opening hours?
From April 1 to September 30, the timings are from 10 AM to 6:45 PM. From October 1 to March 31, the castle is open from 9 AM to 5:45 PM. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.
How long does a visit to Castel del Monte take?
A typical visit to Castel del Monte usually lasts around 45 minutes. This duration allows visitors to explore the castle, admire its architecture, and learn about its historical significance. However, the actual time spent can vary based on individual interest, pace, and the crowds present during the visit.