On the hill behind Andria, the perfect octagon of Castel del Monte — UNESCO-listed since 1996 and printed on Italy's one-cent coin — has guarded Frederick II's riddles for eight centuries: neither fortress nor palace, perhaps an observatory, certainly a masterpiece. The town below was among the emperor's favourites; two of his wives lie buried in its cathedral.
Today Andria is farming royalty: burrata cheese was invented here in the early twentieth century, and the oil of its coratina olives ranks among Italy's most awarded. Almonds, vines and the Murgia plateau complete the picture.
Near Andria
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
