This unique medieval manor house stands on top of a hill in the Apulian Murgia, 540 metres above sea level and 18 kms from Andria. Castel del Monte was built in the first half of 1200 for Frederick II of Swabia, Roman Emperor  and King of Sicily and Apulia, to serve as a manor house and hunting lodge. Various architectural elements and styles are harmoniously brought together in this one building: Classical, Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic and Arabic. The monument reflects Frederick's cultural background; he was educated in Palermo where at the time three streams of culture flowed together: Roman, Arabic and Norman, permeated with italic influences. Castel del Monte ( named after the Benedictine church of Santa Maria del Monte which actually exists in that area) has a rich and varied history belonging to the period of the Reign of Naples. The castle, along with the town of Andria, was a part of the Royal State under the Swabians (1240-1266), the Angevins (1266-1443) and the Aragonese (1443-1503) who succeeded each other to the throne of Naples. The Castle and the town of Andria also became the vassals of the Del Balzos (1348-1502), the Cordovas (1503-1552) and the Carafas(1552-1799). It was from the latter that the Italian State managed to acquire the castle in 1876, declaring it a national monument.