Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Charles I of Anjou

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy. Its metropolitan area has a population of more than 3 million. Founded by Greek settlers before 900 BC, Napoli was an important part of Magna Graecia and played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire Napoli was shortly ruled by the Ostrogoths. Byzantine troops captured the city in 536m but after the Byzantine exarchate Ravenna fell a Duchy of Naples was created. Over centuries the Duchy´s relations to Rome or Byzanz were hard-fought. In 836 Napoli could repel a siege of Lombard troops with the help of the Saracens, what did not prevent Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas in the 850s loot Napoli. In the 11th century, the Duchy hired Norman mercenaries and about 1140 it came under Norman control under Roger II, then King of Sicily. In 1228 Emperor Frederick II founded the first university in Europe here, making Napoli the intellectual centre of the kingdom. The conflict between the House of Hohenstaufen and the Papacy led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning the Angevin duke Charles I King of Sicily. Charles officially moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli. In 1282 after the "Sicilian Vespers", a successful rebellion on the island of Sicily against the rule of King Charles I, the Kingdom of Sicily was divided into two. The Angevin Kingdom of Naples included the southern part of the Italian peninsula, while the island of Sicily became the Aragonese Kingdom of Sicily. By the 17th century, Naples had become Europe's second-largest city – second only to Paris – with around 250000 inhabitants. Executions were carried out on this square from 1268 to 1800. The first to be beheaded here on October 29, 1268 was 14-year-old Konrad III. (a.k.a. "Conrad the Boy", a.k.a. "Conradin"), the last direct heir to the House of Hohenstaufen. After assuming the title of King of Jerusalem and Sicily, Conradin took possession of the Duchy of Swabia in 1262. The Guelphs urged him to take up arms against Manfred, who had been crowned King of Sicily in 1258 due to a false rumor of Conradin's death. In 1266 Charles I of Anjou, appointed by the new Pope Clement IV, defeated and killed Manfred near Benevento and conquered southern Italy. Envoys from the Ghibelline cities urged Conradin to come and liberate Italy. Conradin mortgaged his lands, crossed the Alps, and issued a manifesto in Verona setting out his claim to Sicily. His supporters, including Prince Henry of Castile, proclaimed him King of Sicily and took up arms in both northern and southern Italy. The young king was welcomed in Pavia, Pisa and Siena. In September 1267, a Spanish fleet landed in the Sicilian city of Sciacca, and most of the island rebelled against Angevin rule. The uprising spread to Calabria and Apulia. In November of the same year, the Pope excommunicated Conradin. In July 1268 Conradin entered Rome for a large and popular reception. He then marched towards Lucera to join the Saracen troops who had been there since the time of his grandfather, Frederick II. On August 23, 1268, his multinational army of Italian, Spanish, Roman, Arab, and German troops met that of Charles at Tagliacozzo in a hilly area of central Italy. The zeal of Conradin's forces, particularly the Spanish knights, seemed at first to have secured victory. But Charles' cunning to hide the elite of his army, the veteran French knights, behind a hill resulted in Conradin's defeat. Conradin fled the battlefield and reached Rome, went to Astura to try to sail to Sicily. Arriving at his destination, however, he was arrested and handed over to Charles, who imprisoned him with his friend Friedrich von Baden. On October 29, 1268, Conradin and Friedrich were beheaded.

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy. Its metropolitan area has a population of more than 3 million. Founded by Greek settlers before 900 BC, Napoli was an important part of Magna Graecia and played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire Napoli was shortly ruled by the Ostrogoths. Byzantine troops captured the city in 536m but after the Byzantine exarchate Ravenna fell a Duchy of Naples was created. Over centuries the Duchy´s relations to Rome or Byzanz were hard-fought. In 836 Napoli could repel a siege of Lombard troops with the help of the Saracens, what did not prevent Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas in the 850s loot Napoli. In the 11th century, the Duchy hired Norman mercenaries and about 1140 it came under Norman control under Roger II, then King of Sicily. In 1228 Emperor Frederick II founded the first university in Europe here, making Napoli the intellectual centre of the kingdom. The conflict between the House of Hohenstaufen and the Papacy led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning the Angevin duke Charles I King of Sicily. Charles officially moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli. In 1282 after the "Sicilian Vespers", a successful rebellion on the island of Sicily against the rule of King Charles I, the Kingdom of Sicily was divided into two. The Angevin Kingdom of Naples included the southern part of the Italian peninsula, while the island of Sicily became the Aragonese Kingdom of Sicily. By the 17th century, Naples had become Europe's second-largest city – second only to Paris – with around 250000 inhabitants. The present cathedral stands on the foundations of two early Christian basilicas. One of these dates back to the first decades of the 4th century it was partially preserved. The cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou. Construction continued during the reign of his successor, Charles II (1285-1309) and was completed in the early 14th century under Robert of Anjou. Over the centuries the cathedral was repeatedly expanded and changed in different styles. The facade and the campanile collapsed during the 1349-earthquake. They were rebuilt in the 15th century, but in 1456, another earthquake caused damage to the nave. In the years 1526 to 1527, Napoli endured a siege by the French, a resurgence of the plague, and a volcanic eruption by Vesuvius. The Neapolitans pledged to erect a chapel to their patron saint San Gennaro (St. Januarius). The "Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro" was completed in 1646. On the first Saturday in May and on September 19, the ceremony of the blood miracle of San Gennaro takes place here, at the centre of which is a vial of the saint's blood, which in the meantime changes from a solid to a liquid state. If no liquefaction takes place, this is considered a very bad omen. San Gennaro

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy. Its metropolitan area has a population of more than 3 million. Founded by Greek settlers before 900 BC, Napoli was an important part of Magna Graecia and played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire Napoli was shortly ruled by the Ostrogoths. Byzantine troops captured the city in 536m but after the Byzantine exarchate Ravenna fell a Duchy of Naples was created. Over centuries the Duchy´s relations to Rome or Byzanz were hard-fought. In 836 Napoli could repel a siege of Lombard troops with the help of the Saracens, what did not prevent Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas in the 850s loot Napoli. In the 11th century, the Duchy hired Norman mercenaries and about 1140 it came under Norman control under Roger II, then King of Sicily. In 1228 Emperor Frederick II founded the first university in Europe here, making Napoli the intellectual centre of the kingdom. The conflict between the House of Hohenstaufen and the Papacy led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning the Angevin duke Charles I King of Sicily. Charles officially moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli. In 1282 after the "Sicilian Vespers", a successful rebellion on the island of Sicily against the rule of King Charles I, the Kingdom of Sicily was divided into two. The Angevin Kingdom of Naples included the southern part of the Italian peninsula, while the island of Sicily became the Aragonese Kingdom of Sicily. By the 17th century, Naples had become Europe's second-largest city – second only to Paris – with around 250000 inhabitants. The present cathedral stands on the foundations of two early Christian basilicas. One of these dates back to the first decades of the 4th century it was partially preserved. The cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou. Construction continued during the reign of his successor, Charles II (1285-1309) and was completed in the early 14th century under Robert of Anjou. Over the centuries the cathedral was repeatedly expanded and changed in different styles. The facade and the campanile collapsed during the 1349-earthquake. They were rebuilt in the 15th century, but in 1456, another earthquake caused damage to the nave. In the years 1526 to 1527, Napoli endured a siege by the French, a resurgence of the plague, and a volcanic eruption by Vesuvius. The Neapolitans pledged to erect a chapel to their patron saint San Gennaro (St. Januarius). The "Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro" was completed in 1646. The dome of the chapel. The frescoes were done by Giovanni Lanfranco, one of the masters of the Italian Baroque period. On the first Saturday in May and on September 19, the ceremony of the blood miracle of San Gennaro takes place here, at the centre of which is a vial of the saint's blood, which in the meantime changes from a solid to a liquid state. If no liquefaction takes place, this is considered a very bad omen.

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy. Its metropolitan area has a population of more than 3 million. Founded by Greek settlers before 900 BC, Napoli was an important part of Magna Graecia and played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire Napoli was shortly ruled by the Ostrogoths. Byzantine troops captured the city in 536m but after the Byzantine exarchate Ravenna fell a Duchy of Naples was created. Over centuries the Duchy´s relations to Rome or Byzanz were hard-fought. In 836 Napoli could repel a siege of Lombard troops with the help of the Saracens, what did not prevent Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas in the 850s loot Napoli. In the 11th century, the Duchy hired Norman mercenaries and about 1140 it came under Norman control under Roger II, then King of Sicily. In 1228 Emperor Frederick II founded the first university in Europe here, making Napoli the intellectual centre of the kingdom. The conflict between the House of Hohenstaufen and the Papacy led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning the Angevin duke Charles I King of Sicily. Charles officially moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli. In 1282 after the "Sicilian Vespers", a successful rebellion on the island of Sicily against the rule of King Charles I, the Kingdom of Sicily was divided into two. The Angevin Kingdom of Naples included the southern part of the Italian peninsula, while the island of Sicily became the Aragonese Kingdom of Sicily. By the 17th century, Naples had become Europe's second-largest city – second only to Paris – with around 250000 inhabitants. The present cathedral stands on the foundations of two early Christian basilicas. One of these dates back to the first decades of the 4th century it was partially preserved. The cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou. Construction continued during the reign of his successor, Charles II (1285-1309) and was completed in the early 14th century under Robert of Anjou. Over the centuries the cathedral was repeatedly expanded and changed in different styles. The facade and the campanile collapsed during the 1349-earthquake. They were rebuilt in the 15th century, but in 1456, another earthquake caused damage to the nave. In the years 1526 to 1527, Napoli endured a siege by the French, a resurgence of the plague, and a volcanic eruption by Vesuvius. The Neapolitans pledged to erect a chapel to their patron saint San Gennaro (St. Januarius). The "Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro" was completed in 1646. On the first Saturday in May and on September 19, the ceremony of the blood miracle of San Gennaro takes place here, at the centre of which is a vial of the saint's blood, which in the meantime changes from a solid to a liquid state. If no liquefaction takes place, this is considered a very bad omen.

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy. Its metropolitan area has a population of more than 3 million. Founded by Greek settlers before 900 BC, Napoli was an important part of Magna Graecia and played a major role in the merging of Greek and Roman society. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire Napoli was shortly ruled by the Ostrogoths. Byzantine troops captured the city in 536m but after the Byzantine exarchate Ravenna fell a Duchy of Naples was created. Over centuries the Duchy´s relations to Rome or Byzanz were hard-fought. In 836 Napoli could repel a siege of Lombard troops with the help of the Saracens, what did not prevent Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas in the 850s loot Napoli. In the 11th century, the Duchy hired Norman mercenaries and about 1140 it came under Norman control under Roger II, then King of Sicily. In 1228 Emperor Frederick II founded the first university in Europe here, making Napoli the intellectual centre of the kingdom. The conflict between the House of Hohenstaufen and the Papacy led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning the Angevin duke Charles I King of Sicily. Charles officially moved the capital from Palermo to Napoli. In 1282 after the "Sicilian Vespers", a successful rebellion on the island of Sicily against the rule of King Charles I, the Kingdom of Sicily was divided into two. The Angevin Kingdom of Naples included the southern part of the Italian peninsula, while the island of Sicily became the Aragonese Kingdom of Sicily. By the 17th century, Naples had become Europe's second-largest city – second only to Paris – with around 250000 inhabitants. The present cathedral stands on the foundations of two early Christian basilicas. One of these dates back to the first decades of the 4th century it was partially preserved. The cathedral was commissioned by King Charles I of Anjou. Construction continued during the reign of his successor, Charles II (1285-1309) and was completed in the early 14th century under Robert of Anjou. Over the centuries the cathedral was repeatedly expanded and changed in different styles. The facade and the campanile collapsed during the 1349-earthquake. They were rebuilt in the 15th century, but in 1456, another earthquake caused damage to the nave. The crypt "Cappella del Succorpo" was created from 1497 to 1506 on behalf of Cardinal Oliviero Carafa. He had brought the relics of San Gennaro to Napoli. Cardinal Oliviero Carafa´s statue is in the foreground, the relics of San Gennaro are seen in the back.

The name of the town derives from ancient Greek and translates to "beautiful city". The Greek inhabitants sided with Pyrrhus and Taranto against ancient Rome but after the defeat in 265 BC it became a Roman colony. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was sacked by the Vandals and the Goths and was under Ostrogothic rule until 538, when it was conquered by the Byzantines. Gallipoli got rebuilt and experienced a period of commercial prosperity. After numerous incursions, the Arabs finally conquered it in 915 and remained here until 945. Reconquered by the Byzantines the first major restructuring and strengthening of the castle went underway. In 1055 it was unsuccessfully sieged by the army of Roberto il Guiscardo who had to retire defeated in 1056. In 1132, after a year of siege, it was occupied by the Normans. In 1268, it was besieged by Charles I of Anjou´s troops. As many inhabitants were able to flee the city during the siege, the city was repopulated around 1300. Gallipoli today is divided into two parts, the modern city ("borgo") and the old city (centro storico). The old town is located on an island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century. The "Duomo di Gallipoli" (aka "Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata vergine e martire") is located on the highest point of the island, on an area that was a sacred place probably since antiquity. The bishopric see existed since the end of the 6th century. A cathedral, originally dedicated to (Byzantine!) John Chrysostom, got replaced in 1126 by a new one, dedicated to Agatha of Sicily. This cathedral got destroyed (or at least severely damaged) when in 1284 Charles I of Anjou occupied the city and had it razed to the ground. The cathedral was probably rebuilt together with the rest of the city around 1314. End of the 15th century the King of Naples, Ferdinand of Aragón, was asked for support, as the cathedral was in dire need of repair. In 1497 a wing of the cathedral had collapsed and the most necessary repairs were made. But the crumbling continued and in the beginning of the 17th century, it was decided to tear it down and build a new church. The erection started in 1629 and continued with many interruptions until the beginning of the 18th century.

The name of the town derives from ancient Greek and translates to "beautiful city". The Greek inhabitants sided with Pyrrhus and Taranto against ancient Rome but after the defeat in 265 BC it became a Roman colony. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was sacked by the Vandals and the Goths and was under Ostrogothic rule until 538, when it was conquered by the Byzantines. Gallipoli got rebuilt and experienced a period of commercial prosperity. After numerous incursions, the Arabs finally conquered it in 915 and remained here until 945. Reconquered by the Byzantines the first major restructuring and strengthening of the castle went underway. In 1055 it was unsuccessfully sieged by the army of Roberto il Guiscardo who had to retire defeated in 1056. In 1132, after a year of siege, it was occupied by the Normans. In 1268, it was besieged by Charles I of Anjou´s troops. As many inhabitants were able to flee the city during the siege, the city was repopulated around 1300. Gallipoli today is divided into two parts, the modern city ("borgo") and the old city (centro storico). The old town is located on an island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century. The "Duomo di Gallipoli" (aka "Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata vergine e martire") is located on the highest point of the island, on an area that was a sacred place probably since antiquity. The bishopric see existed since the end of the 6th century. A cathedral, originally dedicated to (Byzantine!) John Chrysostom, got replaced in 1126 by a new one, dedicated to Agatha of Sicily. This cathedral got destroyed (or at least severely damaged) when in 1284 Charles I of Anjou occupied the city and had it razed to the ground. The cathedral was probably rebuilt together with the rest of the city around 1314. End of the 15th century the King of Naples, Ferdinand of Aragón, was asked for support, as the cathedral was in dire need of repair. In 1497 a wing of the cathedral had collapsed and the most necessary repairs were made. But the crumbling continued and in the beginning of the 17th century, it was decided to tear it down and build a new church. The erection started in 1629 and continued with many interruptions until the beginning of the 18th century. The façade is a masterpiece in the Lecce Baroque style, but unfortunately, it can only be seen from close up due to the narrow buildings in the area. It bears the date of its completion “A.D. 1696 "

The name of the town derives from ancient Greek and translates to "beautiful city". The Greek inhabitants sided with Pyrrhus and Taranto against ancient Rome but after the defeat in 265 BC it became a Roman colony. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was sacked by the Vandals and the Goths and was under Ostrogothic rule until 538, when it was conquered by the Byzantines. Gallipoli got rebuilt and experienced a period of commercial prosperity. After numerous incursions, the Arabs finally conquered it in 915 and remained here until 945. Reconquered by the Byzantines the first major restructuring and strengthening of the castle went underway. In 1055 it was unsuccessfully sieged by the army of Roberto il Guiscardo who had to retire defeated in 1056. In 1132, after a year of siege, it was occupied by the Normans. In 1268, it was besieged by Charles I of Anjou´s troops. As many inhabitants were able to flee the city during the siege, the city was repopulated around 1300. Gallipoli today is divided into two parts, the modern city ("borgo") and the old city (centro storico). The old town is located on an island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century. The "Duomo di Gallipoli" (aka "Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata vergine e martire") is located on the highest point of the island, on an area that was a sacred place probably since antiquity. The bishopric see existed since the end of the 6th century. A cathedral, originally dedicated to (Byzantine!) John Chrysostom, got replaced in 1126 by a new one, dedicated to Agatha of Sicily. This cathedral got destroyed (or at least severely damaged) when in 1284 Charles I of Anjou occupied the city and had it razed to the ground. The cathedral was probably rebuilt together with the rest of the city around 1314. End of the 15th century the King of Naples, Ferdinand of Aragón, was asked for support, as the cathedral was in dire need of repair. In 1497 a wing of the cathedral had collapsed and the most necessary repairs were made. But the crumbling continued and in the beginning of the 17th century, it was decided to tear it down and build a new church. The erection started in 1629 and continued with many interruptions until the beginning of the 18th century. The façade is a masterpiece in the Lecce Baroque style, but unfortunately, it can only be seen from close up due to the narrow buildings in the area. It bears the date of its completion “A.D. 1696 "

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. "Tourism" started mid/end of the 18th century, when young English aristocrats did a detour, to visit Castel del Monte, during their "Grand Tour". With the publications of the 19th centuries the abandoned castle got more and more attractive to tourists. Many of them carved their names into the walls.

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. The original state of construction was reproduced with modern materials, so in the end, the exterior of the castle was "like new" again. In 1996 Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. The original state of construction was reproduced with modern materials, so in the end, the exterior of the castle was "like new" again. In 1996 Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. The original state of construction was reproduced with modern materials, so in the end, the exterior of the castle was "like new" again. In 1996 Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. The original state of construction was reproduced with modern materials, so in the end, the exterior of the castle was "like new" again. In 1996 Castel del Monte was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and today it attracts thousands of tourists every day.

The castle was built from 1240 to around 1250, but probably never completed and there is no proof, that Emperor Frederick II has ever used Castel del Monte. The castle has an octagonal footprint. At each of the corners there is a tower, also with an octagonal floor plan. The main octagon is 25 meters high, the towers are 26 meters, there have been 5 metres higher originally. The length of the sides of the main octagon is 16.50 meters, that of the towers each 3.10 meters. So the castle is is an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. There are no trenches, or loopholes that suggest it was used as a fortress. Instead, the building was decorated on the main portal. The function of the castle has been discussed by scholars over and over, Frederick II was responsible for the construction of many castles in Apulia, but Castel del Monte's geometric design is unique. The octagonal floor plan inspired fantastic thoughts. Most now see the castle as a hunting lodge. Some follow the theory that the octagon is a symbol between a square (representing the earth) and a circle (representing the sky). Frederick II may have been inspired by either the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or by the Palatine Chapel of Aachen Cathedral. For German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen Castel del Monte was the "Stone Crown of Apulia", a symbol of Frederick II`s power. It is known that it was used occasionally by Frederick´s (illegitime) son Manfred of Sicily. Manfred´s death in the Battle of Benevento (1266) ended the Hohenstaufen rule in Italy. The castle was turned into a state prison by Charles I of Anjou. Manfred´s sons Azzo and Enzo were kept as prisoner for many years. Later the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle's marble and other ornamentation were looted. Castel del Monte was purchased in 1876 for the sum of 25,000 lire by the Italian State. The restoration process started and was carried out in accordance with the taste of the time. The original state of construction was reproduced with modern materials, so in the end, the exterior of the castle was "like new" again.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - "San Pietro in Consavia" is also named "Complex of the baptistery of San Pietro" as it is consisting of four buildings dating from the 12th century to the 14th century. The "Rotonda del Santo Sepolcro" was planned already around 1000 as a copy of the "Church of the Holy Sepulchre" in Jerusalem for those who could not travel to Palestine and could therefore follow a local pilgrimage. It was completed in the 12th century - and unfortunalety was locked, when I visited.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - The "Torre Rosso" ("Red Tower") is probably the oldest still existing building in Asti. It was erected in different ages. The red part was made in 1st century, while the highest part was built with tuff in 11th century. It was probably one of the two towers of a city gate of Roman period. The church behind is the Baroque Santa Caterina.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - A predecessor of the cathedral collapsed following a fire set off by Adelaide di Susa in her conflict with the Bishops of Asti. The cathedral erected after the collapse was consecrated in 1095 by Pope Urban II, who passed through Asti on his way to Clermont, where he preached the first cruisade. This cathedral was Romanesque, that got altered about a century later, when it had to be enlarged. Little by little the whole church was rebuilt. According to local tradition it was begun under Bishop Guido di Valperga in office from 1295 to 1327. The three-nave cathedral is done in a Gothic style with pointed arches, obviously influenced by the Angevin architectural experiences of southern France. To the left is the Pelletta portal, named after the Palletta-family, who financed it. The bell tower is Romanesque.

A city named "Hasta" evolved from a Roman camp and received the status of a "municipium" in 49BC. After the fall of the Western Empire and the invasion of the Visigoths, the importance of the city declined. In 774 the Franks conquered Northern Italy and in the late Carolingian age Asti was ruled directly by the bishops, who were the main landlords of the area. The bishopric of Asti remained a powerful entity well into the 11th century, when Pietro II received privileges by emperor Henry II. In the second half of the century, Bishop Otto tried to resist the aims of the powerful countess Adelaide of Susa, who damaged the city several times. During Otto's reign, a commune and the consul magistrates are mentioned for the first time (1095) and make this City-State the first republic of Europe. In 1140 Asti received the right to mint coins of its own by Conrad II. As the commune, however, had begun to erode the lands of the bishop, he sued for help to Frederick Barbarossa, who arrived with a huge army in February 1155. After a short siege, Asti was stormed and burnt. Subsequently, in 1169 Asti adhered to the Lombard League against the Barbarossa, but was again defeated in 1174. The following century Asti saw the peak of economic and cultural splendour, trying to gain control over the trade routes leading northwards from the Ligurian ports. This period resulted in conflicts between Guelph and Ghibelline supporters. During the wars led by Emperor Frederick II the city chose his side. Asti was defeated by the Guelphs, but thanks to Genoese help, it recovered easily. After Frederick's death, the struggle against the Ghibelline House of Savoy became fierce, what after the "Battle of Montebruno" (1255) led to the intervention of Charles I of Anjou, then King of Naples and the most powerful man in Italy. Asti and its allies were victorious over the Angevins at the Battle of Roccavione (1275), ending Charles' attempt to expand in Piedmont. - A predecessor of the cathedral collapsed following a fire set off by Adelaide di Susa in her conflict with the Bishops of Asti. The cathedral erected after the collapse was consecrated in 1095 by Pope Urban II, who passed through Asti on his way to Clermont, where he preached the first cruisade. This cathedral was Romanesque, that got altered about a century later, when it had to be enlarged. Little by little the whole church was rebuilt. According to local tradition it was begun under Bishop Guido di Valperga in office from 1295 to 1327. The three-nave cathedral is done in a Gothic style with pointed arches, obviously influenced by the Angevin architectural experiences of southern France. The facade has three rose windows surmounted by two oculi and a cross window.