Its iconic and mysterious octagonal structure has made it one of the most famous monuments in the world, so much so that it has been printed on the back of 1 euro cent coins for several years.

“Castel del Monte possesses exceptional universal value due to the perfection of its forms, harmony and fusion of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. It is a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanism of its founder, Frederick II of Swabia”.

With this motivation, in 1996, the UNESCO Committee, meeting in Merida (Mexico), placed the castle, built by Frederick II of Swabia around 1240, on the World Heritage list.