Andria and Castel Del Monte by bike

Once at the station of Andria you can use your bike to explore the city and continue towards the goal, Castel del Monte. Description All the itineraries comprise the various qualities that this type of natural tourism may be expected to provide. The entire network is accessible by mountain bike. Many parts of the network are also accessible to normal road touring bicycles. In particular, the two routes connecting the railway stations of Ruvo di Puglia and Corato are asphalted public roads with a low traffic intensity and are easily accessible to all types of bicycle. Other sections of the network run along unpaved country roads and paths, which are suitable both for walking and for horse riding.
All sections which lie outside the general indications are described by : difficulty, time required, distance, inclination, departure point and directions on how to arrive there, the type of surfaces along the route and the percentage of non-asphalted road surface. The following pages show a map of the network and the identification of each route together with the altitudes above seal level.

Before arriving in the city contact Bike rental service for 3 days helmet included. Bike model may vary based on availability

Of Norman origin, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was rebuilt from the fifteenth century. Heavily altered in the seventeenth-eighteenth centuries and in the mid-nineteenth century, with the construction of the neoclassical porch, after the last restoration in 1965 the church looks like a combination of architectural styles. Do not miss the chapel dedicated to the Holy Thorn, relic of the Crown of Christ donated by Beatrice of Anjou in 1308 and the chapel of San Riccardo, called Cappellone, which houses the relics of the patron saint. Not to be missed Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Altomare Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli

Continue through the streets of the city center without car traffic up to the historic church of Andria, you will be enchanted by its beauty

Absolutely not to be missed, just outside the town, in the heart of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles of Andria, hides the fascinating crypt dedicated to Santa Margherita, the oldest in the city, discovered in the late sixteenth century.

Bar/restaurant with a fantastic view of the castle. A short walk from the Castel del Monte. Montegusto on the other hand is authentic, with friendly service and good enough food that even locals go there to enjoy themselves. Cheap. Two bottles of rose, two baguettes, a salad and some appetizers just over 50 euros. Highly recommended.

Pedaling towards the streets of Castel Del Monte, the fortress appears on the horizon until you reach its feet and admire its majestic austerity.
Castel del Monte, located in the municipality of Andria, rises on a rocky hill dominating the surrounding countryside of the Murgia region in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. A unique piece of medieval architecture, it was completed in 1240. The castle’s location, its perfect octagonal shape, as well as the mathematical and astronomical precision of its layout all reflect the broad education and cultural vision of its founder, Emperor Frederick II.
As a leader of modern humanism, the Germanic Emperor brought scholars together in his court from throughout the Mediterranean, combining Eastern and Western traditions. The castle’s unique design, an octagonal plan with octagonal towers at each angle, represents a search for perfection. Interior features reflect Eastern influences, such as the innovative hydraulic installation used by Frederick II for bathing in accord to the typical Arabic customs.
The site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanist ideas of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.

The Association Puglia Federiciana is active in the cultural tourism slow and green. It is the promoter of the project Cammino Federiciano, which stems from the awareness of the enormous heritage represented by the historic streets of Europe that are becoming a real attraction for the community of European travelers.
Puglia Federiciana proposes a walk on the places of Federico II: an opportunity to rediscover the historical road system that crosses the Mediterranean territory, from the ancient Appia Traiana road to the impervious medieval paths, up to the tracts of transhumance. Via di Imperatori e guerrieri of Roman age and pilgrims in Christian age, was also crossed by Byzantines and Normans, Swabians and Angevins on their way from Rome to the Holy Land starting from the most important ports of Apulia.
We decided to create this hiking route that starts from the Alta Murgia and reaches the Adriatic Sea via Castel del Monte, a UNESCO site, a major tourist attraction, the main focus of our project and one of the symbols of the Swabian emperor.

For dinner and sleep go to the Agriturismo Sei Carri, a rustic place in the middle of the green, simple and home cooking. Offers a fixed menu of seasonal and so far all good.