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Andria
From: Barletta-Andria-Trani Province, Puglia
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Castel del Monte
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Agricultural Andria, one of the three capital cities of the province and the most populous, is well-known because of Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen's famous Castel del Monte, which has been a UNESCO site since 1996. The white limestone castle, said to be designed by the emperor, is located atop a high limestone plateau in the heart of the Murge, in complete harmony with its surroundings. It is said that a Lombard tower originally stood there, which Robert Guiscard tore down to build a castle. It is believed that Frederick destroyed Robert Guiscard's castle to build his masterpiece. A legend surrounds the building of the castle: "Frederick, having appointed one of the best architects of the day to erect Castle del Monte, sent one of his courtiers to bring him a report of the work. The messenger set out but lingered in Melfi under the attractions of a beautiful damsel, till he was summoned to return. Believing that the Emperor would never have time to visit the castle, and unable to describe it, he denounced it as a total Allure, both as to beauty and utility. The Emperor, enraged at the account, dispatched guards to the castle to bring the architect to his presence, but he killed himself and his whole family in his terror upon receiving the summons. Horrified by the news of this catastrophe, Frederick hurried there, and finding his beautiful castle unfinished and his best architect lost through the lies of his messenger, dragged the offender by the hair to the top of the highest tower, and personally hurled him from the battlements."1 Originally conceived as a hunting lodge, it was used as a feast hall, wedding hall and even a prison by Charles of Anjou, who imprisoned Manfred's widow and children there. Over the centuries the castle was stripped of its beautiful mosaics and marbles (some are in the cathedral in Andria), and in 1876 the Italian government purchased the castle from the Carafa family. From the castle there are panoramic views of the Murge, the Tavoliere, the Gargano peninsula and the Luca Apennines. A festival is held at the castle each September. Andria was settled in pre-historical times and was referred to as "loco Andre" in 9th century documents. Andria became an independent city in 1046; before that it was dependent upon Trani. During the 14th century it became an Angevin Duchy; during the same century it was besieged by Hungarian troops and the armies of Queen Joan of Naples. In the 15th century it was ruled by the Aragons and then to Naples King Frederick IV before being sold in 1552 to the
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Andria Cattedrale
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Carafa family, who ruled Andria until 1799. The 11th century Porta di S. Andrea is also called "The Arch of Frederick II". On it is a plaque dated 1230 which tells all that Andrea is a "faithful" city: "Fridericus ad Andrianos - Andria fidelis nostris affixa medullis". Indeed, Frederick loved Andria and it is there that in 1228 he announced the birth of his second son, Corrado. Corrado's mother, sixteen-year-old Empress Iolanda of Brienne (daughter of Walter de Brienne, King of Jerusalem), died during, the childbirth, and some of her clothing is displayed in Andria's Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Frederick's third wife, Isabel of England (daughter of King Henry III), was also buried in the town. Unfortunately, the Angevins destroyed both tombs and only fragments remain. Andria is known for its prized DOC extra-virgin olive oil, as well as its mozzarella and orecchiette. The town also hosts an international Young Chefs Competition and the Fair of Andria each April. The Sagra della Burrata is held each September, honoring Andria's wonderful cheese.2 At the same time there is the corteo storico, a parade in medieval costume.
1Journal of a Landscape Painter, Lear.
2Burrata is an excellent cheese that was introduced about 80 years ago and is only made in Puglia. Made from cow's milk, burrata is a small, fat flask of compact cheese enclosing a dollop of fresh cream. Since freshness is its main prerogative, the cheese is not easily exported and is best tasted on the spot. (Excerpted from Italy Magazine, Oct. 1994, Pg. 39)
Next Page: Barletta
Comunes of Italy, Issue 71, Nov.-Dec. 2009
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