Andria
ItalyCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
"Castel del Monte, corona di Puglia | Castel del Monte, crown of Apulia"
Why visit
Castel del Monte alone justifies the trip, a mathematically perfect octagon-of-octagons crowning a low ridge 18 km south of town, plus the cathedral crypt with the tomb of Frederick II's queens. Visit April through June or September to October when the olive groves and stone walls glow in soft light. Pair with Trani's seaside cathedral.
When to avoid
July to August are searingly hot and shadeless on the Murge plateau, 35°C+ days. The downtown is utilitarian. The appeal is in the surrounding countryside. Sundays many shops and trattorias close, plan meals ahead. Use Andria with opening days and distances confirmed before the plan hardens. For Andria, a nearby substitute is useful when closures, holidays, traffic, or transit interfere.
