Castles in Italy
Castel del Monte, located in southeast Italy was completed in 1240 by Fredrick II of Hohenstaufen, successful ruler of the Holy Roman Empire.
Records indicate it was intended for peaceful use and some believe it was originally intended to be a hunting lodge, as it was poorly defended and had no moat. The castle is perfectly symmetrical, built in an octagonal prism, in a quest for architectural perfection. It acted as a stronghold and prison as well as a military base until the 19th century and is now a World Heritage Site.