Holly'sWorld

November 3, 2022

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Il Castel del Monte, a very unusual, totally symmetrical octagonal castle built during the 1240s by King/Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II in Andria, Southern Italy.

The medieval dwelling is located 15 miles from Andria and 50 from Bari.
It’s possible the shape of the castle was inspired by the octagonal shape of the crown with which the emperor was crowned.
The number “8” occurs many times throughout the castle:
– it has eight towers and eight rooms
– there are eight clovers above its entrance
– there are eight leaves decorating each of the volutes topping all columns
– it said that eight symbolizes the infinite and the resurrection

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Some believe there is a connection between the castle and Cheops’ pyramid.
Two lions above the columns above the castles entrance point towards the rising sun on the summer and winter solstice.

The castle and the Holy Grail:
– according to some, the chalice is hidden somewhere
– some believe the octagonal shape could be a reminder or connection to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

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There is a lily, a flower which he loved, depicted in the sixth room
The number 56 often recurs throughout the castle measurements, which is also how old he was when he died.
The letter “F” can be found in some parts of the castle as well.

In 1996, the castle became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“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.”

source: italoamericano.org

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Frederick II, Holy Roman Emporer

Frederick II
– born December 26, 1194, Jesi, Ancona, Papal States [Italy]
– died December 13, 1250, Castel Fiorentino, Apulia, Kingdom of Sicily
– King of Sicily 1197–1250
– duke of Swabia (Germany) as Frederick VI, 1228–35
– German king 1212–50
–  Holy Roman emperor 1220–50
–  joined in the Sixth Crusade 1228–29, conquering several areas of the Holy Land, crowned himself king of Jerusalem, reigning from 1229–43

source: britannica.com

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