The castle itself is very impressive, but everything around it simply ruins the experience. Parking is paid, as is the shuttle. There's a con man standing by the free restroom trying to take money for admission. After parking and the shuttle, there's a ticket to the castle itself, which costs 10 euros for a tour inside the castle, which is actually quite small; it takes no more than 15 minutes to explore.

Amazing castle, stunning to look at, but not really much to see inside. Reachable only via rather questionable roads. Still a definite must see when you are in the area.

Amazing Swabian castle dating back to about 1290! It is surrounded by a forest and you only need a few hours to see everything. Bring some good hiking shoes, unless you are able to pay for parking close to the castle. We went during the week and it was not very busy. There are a few great videos inside the castle, which stays amazingly cool in the summer heat!!

We went in early November so it wasn’t too crowded. We parked in the nearby private lot for €5 but I think if you park in the lot ~2km away it’s free. The museum was great. Text panels in Italian and English and braille. Video and tactile exhibits. Audio guide in multiple languages available at an extra cost. Bathrooms on the premises. A restaurant nearby as well. Can be seen in its entirety in under an hour.

Super interesting octagonal castle from the 1240s built by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, Hohenstaufen of Swabia and King of Sicily. Example of Medieval architecture located on a hill some kilometers away from Andria overseeing a large plain. Castel del Monte is surely one of Apulia’s symbols: a medieval fortress erected in the 13th century on the western Murge plateau on the outskirts of the beautiful town Andria, along the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. Built on a hill 540 metres above sea level, the fortress of Castel del Monte in Andria is considered a brilliant example of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanistic culture and vast education of its founder, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily. The octagonal castle is surrounded by an octagonal tower at each corner. Mysterious and an almost inhumanly exact geometric shape, some theories claim that the octagon represented the union of the circle and the square. The octagonal layout gives Castel del Monte the configuration of an elegant stone crown, and is present in all the castle's rooms. There are eight rooms on the ground floor, and eight on the first floor. There are eight towers surrounding the building, all with an octagonal layout and each arranged on one of its eight corners. This obsessive recurrence of the number eight makes the fortress of Castel del Monte an esoteric place that has fascinated the best scholars for centuries. But the fortress has more mysteries for you to slowly discover during your visit. The building is accessed through the entrance portal, a large Arab-style arch with a Greco-Roman tympanum and Gothic double-arched windows. The light colour of the limestone and white marble façades also characterises the interior, now stripped of the decorations that once adorned it. The light illuminating the ground floor comes from eight single-arched windows located on each of the eight sides of the floor plan. The same number of windows can be found on the upper floor, with one small difference: seven windows are double arched, while only one, that facing Andria, is triple arched. You really cannot miss to visit it if you are in Apulia. #castle #fortress #apulia #italy #monument

Compared to other castles in Europe, this is rather lackluster and unimpressive. Unless you have nothing planned near Bari, I would skip a visit.

Take the local guide Maria Zingaro! She will guide you through the importance of this monument. What was ment to be and it's very important history for mankind, not only Italian. The details I leave for local guide

Really beautifull church.

(Translated by Google) Descending into the bowels of Mother Earth, savoring her silent breath, is always something fantastic. Even in this cave, dedicated to the greatest of Saints, the serenity and beauty in the half hour spent visiting it, was satisfying. The guide was excellent. (Original) Scendere nelle viscere di Madre Terra, assaporandone il silenzioso respiro , è sempre qualcosa di fantastico . Anche in questa grotta, in più dedicata al più grande dei Santi, la serenità e la bellezza nella mezz'ora passata per visitarla , è stata appagante . Ottima la guida .

(Translated by Google) I'm Portuguese, I'm visiting Italy, and Google told me today, September 21, 2025, that it was open, so I packed my backpack and went to visit, and to my disappointment, it's closed. This means that the information on Google is incorrect and wastes a person's time. Otherwise, I'm delighted with the people, the culture, everything is positive. My only regret is that it's closed, so we'll have to wait for another time. (Original) Sou Português estou a conhecer Itália e no Google me deu hoje dia 21/09/2025 que estava aberto então meti a mochila as costas e fui visitar e por desilusão está fechado. Isso quer dizer que as informações no Google estão incorrectas e levam uma pessoa a perder tempo. De resto estou encantado com as pessoas , cultura , tudo positivo só tenho pena de isto estar fechado, ficará para uma próxima

(Translated by Google) A magical place... Timeless... Anyone who loves Sam Michele cannot miss a stop here in this magical limestone cave carved in ancient times by a small river that has now disappeared... Absolutely moving. The cave is not always open so I recommend inquiring before going there... Access costs a small 2.50 per person but in return there is a guide who explains the history of the cave and how it has come to be today... Absolutely money well spent and then to maintain a structure with this historical value like this is the minimum ♥️ (Original) Posto magico.. Al di fuori di ogni tempo.. Chi ama Sam Michele non può non fare tappa qui in questa grotta magica calcarea scavata in antichità da un piccolo fiume ormai scomparso.. Assolutamente emozionante. La grotta non è sempre aperta quindi consiglio di informarsi prima di recarsi li... L'accesso ha un piccolo costo di 2.50 a persona ma in compenso c'è una guida che vi spiega la storia della grotta e come è giunta ai giorni nostri.. Assolutamente soldi ben spesi e poi per mantenere una struttura con questo valore storico così è il minino ♥️

(Translated by Google) A place of mystical notes, and visitable by reservation, a place of ancient worship shown to visitors by the skilled, competent and draconian guide Maria Teresa. (Original) Posto dalle note mistiche , e visitabile su prenotazione , luogo di antico culto mostrato ai visitatori dall'abile, competente e draconiana guida Maria Teresa.

(Translated by Google) To get there, you have to travel along a dirt road. Reservations are required, and the ticket costs €2.50. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit because the online reservations weren't indicated. When I arrived (Sunday), I found everything closed. What a shame. (Original) Per arrivarci bisogna percorrere un tratto di strada sterrata. È necessario prenotare e il costo del biglietto è di €2.50. Purtroppo non sono riuscita a visitarla perché su internet non veniva indicato l'obbligo di prenotazione. Arrivata sul posto( domenica)ho trovato tutto chiuso. Peccato.

(Translated by Google) A charming place beneath the Minervino Murge neighborhood. The facade is that of an unremarkable little church, but behind it lies a grotto dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It's a shame it wasn't open. If you're planning on coming, book a visit; it's worth it. (Original) Luogo suggestivo sotto l'isolato di Minervino Murge. La facciata è quella di un'anonima chiesetta ma dietro si nasconde la grotta grotta per la devozione dell'arcangelo Michele. Peccato non fosse aperta. Se pensate di venire prenotate la visita ne vale la pena

Very interest place which we were told about . The museum gives you samples of the different types of sweets that they produce. The machinery used was well explained and are on site. The smell of almonds is tempting to say the least.

Very interesting museum and a professional guide. There was also a tasting of Mucci products - I recommend visiting this museum while you plan to visit Andria (in the season it is better to book the exact time)

100/10 experience. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS BRIGHT GEM IN THE PUGLIAN CROWN!!! Our lovely tour guide (shout out Mariela!) was a delight and the tour was interesting, fun and filled with mind-blowingly good free samples of the chocolates and sweets. This was one of the highlights of our holiday and a must see attraction of Andria!

Very friendly staff. We came during lunch time so the museum was closed but the staff took us through a really quick tour. The chocolate (I think the traditional name is tenerelli?) was amazing and there were a lot of flavors. Definitely recommended as a side trip if you're driving.

We had a wonderful tour with Grazia today. The Museum smells like your childhood dreams of chocolate and cinnamon. The tour is entertaining, and short enough not to make a 5 y. o. bored. The tasting of the sweets on the way trough the Museum is a nice touch, and there is something both for kids and adults to enjoy (I mean liquor filled Candy) <3

Mucci is an historical laboratory of confetti, drangéer and sweets. They opened a museum in the old laboratory where they still work. On the top, there is the shop: the interior is all vintage from the 30s. When you enter, it seems like you're back in time. Their products are just the best in the area, I highly recommend them. Plus, all the staff in the shop is very nice and polite.

Voted the best chocolate in Italy, and for good reason. Quaint place with knowledgeable guides. Kids were in heaven.

Beautiful church, well worth a visit while in Andria.

Wow! 😍😍😍

Wonderful day with experience of the city and cathedral

Beautiful church with amazing crypt

Ok

(Translated by Google) The medieval cathedral of Andria, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, shines for its sober and sumptuous appearance at the same time. The church is the synthesis of several architectural styles, the result of various alterations and renovations that have taken place over the centuries. Both the facade and the interior stand out from the Romanesque-Pugliese, while other elements also present in the mighty bell tower recall the Gothic. Two things out of the ordinary that strike: the sacred thorn of the crown of Christ, and the asymmetry that can be seen between the naves. (Original) La medievale cattedrale di Andria, intitolata a santa Maria Assunta, risplende per l'aspetto sobrio e sontuoso allo stesso tempo. La chiesa è la sintesi di più stili architettonici, frutto dei vari rimaneggiamenti e ristrutturazioni avvenute nel corso dei secoli. Sia la facciata che l'interno risaltano del romanico-pugliese, mentre altri elementi presenti anche nel poderoso campanile richiamano al gotico. Due le cose fuori dal comune che colpiscono: la sacra spina della corona di Cristo, e l'asimmetria che si nota fra le navate.

(Translated by Google) A beautiful cathedral in the center of Andria. Very large, it's worth a visit. I recommend visiting outside of Mass hours, otherwise you'll be "invited" to remain seated on the pew, still and silent. (Original) Bella cattedrale nel centro di Andria. Molto grande, vale la pena visitarla. Consiglio di farlo fuori dall'orario della messa perché altrimenti verrete "invitati" a rimanere seduti sulla panca, immobili ed in silenzio.

Beautiful views, suitable for people or families who would be up to hike and explore nature.

I had the most scenic drive of my entire life here. Loved every minute of it and it's best to experience it in the spring time

It is a pity no information about the trails is available online, which makes it impossible to plan ahead. There is also no information about the exact location of visitor centers or their opening hours.

Great for hiking trails! Beautiful views and sunsets

Dirty, poor maintained and not traveler friendly. It's a beautiful place but as a National Park is one of the worst I've ever seen.

The beauty of the typical stone-made buildings and walls is what makes this place unique. Try the Altamura bread in a typical "Panificio" in Altamura.

Outstanding!!!!! Beautiful. Marvelous landscape. Friendly visitors center. A must to visit.

Was recommended by a local friend and he wasn't wrong! Luciano, the owner, ran through the menu and gave specific advice to my wife who has a gluten intolerance. The staff were attentive and the food was glorious!

Amazing experience, best choice of local wines and very tasty matching food. The service is warm and professional. We had a memorable evening, highly recommend!

we fell in love with this restaurant! our local friends from Andria booked it for dinner and we were blown away by the variety of the food and the love to details! for me the best restaurant in all Puglia after 20 days touring there. Mille grazie-will be back <3 my French husband loved the very elaborated wine selection and I was super happy with the tons of local veggies and really special dishes! a dopo spero!

We have been for a light aperitivo the 24th of December. It was absolutely cosy, tasty and careful! The owner is very attentive! I would recommend it 100%. Do not expect a huge portion though.

Our dining experience at this establishment was truly beyond compare, thanks to the unparalleled taste and warming experience from the owner and staff. The food was absolutely incredible, a delightful celebration of local ingredients, melded into dishes that delivered a taste unlike any we've encountered before. This experience was much more than eating and tasting food, but embarking on a journey of the flavors of Andria and Puglia broadly. What added even more color to our adventure was the owner's passion and meticulous attention to detail. He generously guided us through each dish, narrating the fascinating stories of food, wine, and the distinct olive oil of the Andria and Puglia region. This restaurant, with its captivating narrative and culinary excellence, has unequivocally become our favorite dining destination in all of Italy, a distinction not granted lightly considering our extensive gastronomic explorations throughout the country.

Always great. Wine list from all over Italy, food delicious and very tasty with a great attention to details. Quality of good outstanding. Service relaxed by a very knowledgeable team.

Great experience of food and wine. The hosts offer great local products, the quality is outstanding. You can feel their passion. Thanks for the great evening

We are very thankful to Michele to have explain to us the history behind the Wine “Nero di Troia”! A nice dry touch of Castel del Monte area! Torneremo!

Fantastic local food-wine, service and atmosphere.

Super

(Translated by Google) Excellent experience in this bistro a few steps from the central Piazza Catuma. I prefer the outdoor tables in the street at the entrance to the restaurant: welcoming and informal. We ate very well, a really interesting selection of starters (always ask if there are any off the menu, they are often really interesting!). The meats are also noteworthy. Not least the selection of wines, let yourself be advised by the staff and they will be able to show you the right choice. (Original) Ottima esperienza in questo bistrot a pochi passi dalla centrale piazza Catuma. I tavoli all'aperto nella stradina all'ingresso del locale li preferisco all'ambiente interno: accoglienti ed informali. Abbiamo mangiato molto bene, una selezione davvero interessante di antipasti (chiedete sempre se ci sono i fuori menu, spesso sono davvero interessanti!). Notevoli anche le carni. Non da meno la selezioni di vini, lasciatevi consigliare dal personale e sapranno indicarvi la giusta scelta.

(Translated by Google) Our Puglia needs businesses like this. Located in a classic Apulian setting, Est has all the makings of a pleasant experience. Aside from the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the food is far removed from the diverse commercial offerings we've become accustomed to. One of the best burgers I've tasted recently. Not to mention the wine: they offer labels (De Sanctis, Ceraudo, etc.) that you'll rarely find elsewhere in our region. (Original) La nostra Puglia ha bisogno di attività come questa. Situato in un classico contesto à la pugliese, Est presenta tutte le caratteristiche per un'esperienza gradevole. Oltre al personale affabile e preparato, il cibo risulta lontano dalle diverse proposte commerciali a cui siamo ormai abituati. Uno degli hamburger più buoni degustati di recente. Per non parlare del vino: sono presenti etichette (De Sanctis, Ceraudo, etc.) che raramente troverete altrove nella nostra Terra.

(Translated by Google) A place for true connoisseurs in the historic center of Andria where you can enjoy meat specialities, platters of fine cured meats and carpaccio as well as first courses prepared in a very original way. You can taste highly sought-after quality wines and furthermore "tasting" evenings are usually organized by wineries who present their wines accompanied by local dishes. All in an intimate and intimate atmosphere that makes you feel at home. (Original) Un posto per veri intenditori in pieno centro storico ad Andria dove poter gustare specialità di carne, taglieri di salumi pregiati e carpacci oltre a dei primi piatti preparati in maniera molto originale. Si possono gustare vini di qualità molto ricercati e inoltre vengono abitualmente organizzate serate "degustative" presentate da cantine che presentano i loro vini accompagnati da piatti locali. Il tutto in un clima intimo e raccolto che ti fa sentire a casa.

(Translated by Google) Quint'essenza in Andria city center. This gem is worth a visit for the quality of the food and, above all, for the owner's expertise, who always finds the perfect wine to accompany the excellent dishes. I recommend it to anyone in the area, even if you're coming from the highway. It's worth a visit. Location 6.8 Food Quality 8 Service 7.5 Bill 7.5 (Original) Quint' essenza ad Andria centro . Questa perla è da visitare per la qualità del cibo e soprattutto per la preparazione del titolare che trova sempre la soluzione giusta dei vini che accompagnano le ottime pietanze. Lo consiglio per chi si trova in zona anche dall' Autostrada ne vale la pena. Location 6.8 Qualità del cibo 8 Servizio 7.5 Conto 7.5

Very expensive + mediocre quality. 3 cups of cappuccino and 3 pieces of cake set us back almost 30 EUR, including coperto. Coffee was OK, cakes were quite testy although a bit stale. Anyway, not worth the price.

If you dont eat you cant sit outiside. At least we managed to cooperate with waiter to sit outside, but we had to pay 2 eur for coperto which we hadnt have. For 3 beers, 3 fantas and one latte machiato we payed 42 eur.

Dear owner of "taverna sforza 1910", maybe you feel entitled to charge a "coperto" for serving 2 cups of cappuccino. Maybe your practice is even legal in Italia. However, to me it bears all signs of a scam. I bet you know you can get away with it, because your customers will never feel the urge to return.

The kitchen was closed, but they managed to do lovely carppatio and bruschetta ❤️

Sadly very unfriendly staff. For all the people working there: Always be kind, for us as customers it is sad when you had good food and drinks in a nice location and can‘t enjoy it, because you always think you are not wanted at this place.

They charge for service 4 euro at table, even for an express and juice. 10,50 for coffee and juice 🤷‍♂️

Coffe ☕ is good... Rest i'm not so sure... They charge "coperto" even for the Cappuccino... Don't know if its legal...