SAEDOO Grant-winning Tourist Package.
The day will be devoted to the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, an eclectic and brilliant man who left a huge artistic heritage, whose most tangible signs are the numerous castles scattered all over Apulia, a land he deeply loved. Accompanied by a certified hiking guide, your tour will start from the Castello Svevo in Trani, a defensive fortress on the coast built by the Emperor where his son Manfred married Helena Ducas in 1259. Then you will visit the impressive Cathedral which resembles a lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea for the height of its bell tower and the whiteness of its stones. It was built in the 13th century during the Norman domination and was dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim: it is a fine example of Apulian Romanesque. The bareness and harmony of its architectural features are emphasised by the contrast of light and shadow coming from the two rose windows, thus producing an atmosphere of deep spirituality. You will also see the remarkable crypt, the remains of the 9th century Paleo-Christian church and the hypogeum of San Leucio. Your walking tour will continue along the port. Passing through lively fish stalls and charming seafood restaurants you will reach the Church of Ognissanti where Knights Templar received one last blessing before embarking for the Holy Land. Leaving the sea behind, you will head by bus toward the hilly area of Parco Nazionale dell’Alta Murgia (Alta Murgia National Park) where Castel del Monte stands up like a crown dominating on its reign at a height of 500 meters. It is the most spectacular and mysterious masterpiece left by the Emperor Frederick II, who not surprisingly was dubbed “Stupor Mundi”. Internationally renowned for its distinctive octagonal shape, Castel del Monte is one of the main tourist destinations in Southern Italy. Built in 13th century as a castrum, that is a military fortress, it was used to control both via Appia and via Traiana. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, it represents a perfect synthesis of Frederick’s deep and varied knowledge. After the visit, in few minutes you will reach Agriturismo Sei Carri. This charming farmhouse at the foot of the castle is a typical example of rural architecture linked to transhumance, the old tradition of seasonal sheep herding. After a presentation by the chef of old Apulian gastronomic tradition recipes, you will taste a true peasant lunch with genuine flavours, accompanied by nero di troia, a fine red wine produced in the nearby vineyards. After a delicious fresh ricotta-based dessert, the atmosphere will be livened up by local folklore. A delightful professional dancer will perform Apulian folk dances and songs. The experience will end with a walk in the woodlands where Frederick II used to hunt in order to appreciate the biodiversity of the park and learn to recognize edible plants used in local cuisine.
