Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Emperor Frederick II

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.

Approaching Emperor Frederick II´s Castel del Monte.

Udine is the historical capital of Friuli. Based on an old legend, Attila the leader of the Huns, had his winter quarters here, when besieging nearby Aquileia. In 983 Udine was mentioned, when Empereor Otto II donated a castle to the Patriarchs of Aquileia. When Berthold V. von Andechs (1180-1251), brother of French queen consort Agnes of Merania, Hungarian queen consort Gertrude of Merania, Saint Hedwig of Silesia and strong supporter of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, in 1238 became Patriarch of Aquileia, he moved the capital of the ecclesiastical state from Cividale to Udine, where he gave orders to erect a cathedral. The building process got interrupted by the "1348 Friuli earthquake", that caused severe damages. The "Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata" was finally completed in 1461, but underwent many alterations over the next centuries. The cathedral has a small octagonal bapstistery, like many towns and cities in Italy (eg. Pisa, Pistoia, Galliano, Parma, Firenze). Here it was used as a foundation, when the campanile got built with red bricks. The baptisterium today hosts the cathedral´s museum. The Annunciation, seen one of the baptistery´s outer walls. Archangel Gabriel on the left, the Virgin to the right of the window.

Udine is the historical capital of Friuli. Based on an old legend, Attila the leader of the Huns, had his winter quarters here, when besieging nearby Aquileia. In 983 Udine was mentioned, when Empereor Otto II donated a castle to the Patriarchs of Aquileia. When Berthold V. von Andechs (1180-1251), brother of French queen consort Agnes of Merania, Hungarian queen consort Gertrude of Merania, Saint Hedwig of Silesia and strong supporter of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, in 1238 became Patriarch of Aquileia, he moved the capital of the ecclesiastical state from Cividale to Udine, where he gave orders to erect a cathedral. The building process got interrupted by the "1348 Friuli earthquake", that caused severe damages. The "Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata" was finally completed in 1461, but underwent many alterations over the next centuries. The cathedral has a small octagonal bapstistery, like many towns and cities in Italy (eg. Pisa, Pistoia, Galliano, Parma, Firenze). Here it was used as a foundation, when the massive campanile got built with red bricks. The baptisterium today hosts the cathedral´s museum.

Udine is the historical capital of Friuli. Based on an old legend, Attila the leader of the Huns, had his winter quarters here, when besieging nearby Aquileia. In 983 Udine was mentioned for the first time, when Empereor Otto II donated a castle to the Patriarchs of Aquileia. When Berthold V. von Andechs (1180-1251), brother of French queen consort Agnes of Merania, Hungarian queen consort Gertrude of Merania, Saint Hedwig of Silesia and strong supporter of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, in 1238 became Patriarch of Aquileia, he moved the capital of the ecclesiastical state from Cividale to Udine, where he gave orders to erect a cathedral. The building process got interrupted by the "1348 Friuli earthquake", that caused severe damages. The "Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata" was finally completed in 1461, but underwent many alterations over the next centuries. Seen here is the nave.

Udine is the historical capital of Friuli. Based on an old legend, Attila the leader of the Huns, had his winter quarters here, when besieging nearby Aquileia. In 983 Udine was mentioned for the first time, when Empereor Otto II donated a castle to the Patriarchs of Aquileia. When Berthold V. von Andechs (1180-1251), brother of French queen consort Agnes of Merania, Hungarian queen consort Gertrude of Merania, Saint Hedwig of Silesia and strong supporter of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, in 1238 became Patriarch of Aquileia, he moved the capital of the ecclesiastical state from Cividale to Udine, where he gave orders to erect a cathedral. The building process got interrupted by the "1348 Friuli earthquake", that caused severe damages. The "Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata" was finally completed in 1461, but underwent many alterations over the next centuries.

"Santa Maria del Regno" was commissioned in the 11th century by Giorgia, sister of Gonnario Comita, judge of Torres and Arborea. The title "judge" actually meant politically "king" during medieval times on Sardinia. This was a "Palace Chapel", only some ruins of the palace, that was once annexed, can still be seen. The church built from black volcanic stones by a workshop led by an unknown Master from Pisa was consecrated in 1107. The late gothic altar seen at the end of the nave is 12metres high. In 1238 Enzo, the illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II, married Adelasia in this church. She was heir of "Giudicati" of Torres and Gallura, what made him to "Enzo of Sardinia". Maybe he had some happy days here. After the Battle of Fossalta in 1249 he was captured by the Guelphs. He remained imprisoned for 23 years, until his death in 1272.

"Santa Maria del Regno" was commissioned in the 11th century by Giorgia, sister of Gonnario Comita, judge of Torres and Arborea. The title "judge" actually meant politically "king" during medieval times on Sardinia. This was a "Palace Chapel", only some ruins of the palace, that was once annexed, can still be seen. The church built from black volcanic stones by a workshop led by an unknown Master from Pisa was consecrated in 1107. In 1238 Enzo, the illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II, married Adelasia in this church. She was heir of "Giudicati" of Torres and Gallura, what made him to "Enzo of Sardinia". Maybe he had some happy days here. After the Battle of Fossalta in 1249 he was captured by the Guelphs. He remained imprisoned for 23 years, until his death in 1272.

"Santa Maria del Regno" was commissioned in the 11th century by Giorgia, sister of Gonnario Comita, judge of Torres and Arborea. The title "judge" actually meant politically "king" during medieval times on Sardinia. This was a "Palace Chapel", only some ruins of the palace, that was once annexed, can still be seen. The church built from black volcanic stones by a workshop led by an unknown Master from Pisa was consecrated in 1107. In 1238 Enzo, the illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II, married Adelasia in this church. She was heir of "Giudicati" of Torres and Gallura, what made him to "Enzo of Sardinia". Maybe he had some happy days here. After the Battle of Fossalta in 1249 he was captured by the Guelphs. He remained imprisoned for 23 years, until his death in 1272.

"Santa Maria del Regno" was commissioned in the 11th century by Giorgia, sister of Gonnario Comita, judge of Torres and Arborea. The title "judge" actually meant politically "king" during medieval times on Sardinia. This was a "Palace Chapel", only some ruins of the palace, that was once annexed, can still be seen. The church built from black volcanic stones by a workshop led by an unknown Master from Pisa was consecrated in 1107. In 1238 Enzo, the illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II, married Adelasia in this church. She was heir of "Giudicati" of Torres and Gallura, what made him to "Enzo of Sardinia". Maybe he had some happy days here. After the Battle of Fossalta in 1249 he was captured by the Guelphs. He remained imprisoned for 23 years, until his death in 1272.