Italy; region Apulia; city of Andria: Grafitti of 1897 right hand of the main entrance of Castel del Monte ("Castle of the Mountain"); built 1240 to 1250 by order of Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen; UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996; The castle and citadel Castel del Monte is situated on a 540 m high hill next to the old monastery church Santa Maria del Monte; near city of Andria. It overlooks the Murge highlands and is also titled "crown of Apulia" (Latin: corona Apuliae). On 29th of January; 1240; Frederick II Hohenstaufen (Italian: Federico II Hohenstaufen) ordered Riccardo da Montefuscolo; chief judge of Capitanata area; to built this castle. It is supposed to be the most marvellous castle of Frederick II who is also literally known as "puer Apuliae" ("Son of Apulia") and "stupor mundi" ("the astonishing of the world"). The octagonal shaped building was part of the military defense system of Frederick II; served as well as hunting lodge and was used also as party place; in 1246; when Violante; natural daughter of Frederick II and Bianca Lancia; married the Duke of Caserta; Riccardo Sanseverino; here. Until 1463; the official name of the castle was Castrum Sancta Maria de Monte; Italian also Castello di Santa Maria del Monte. After 1253; the castle was used as well as a prison; where the sons of Manfredi and further nobles were imprisoned. In 1528; Castel del Monte was bombed by French troops; in 1552; it was sold to the Duke of nearby city of Ruvo di Puglia; Fabrizio Carafa; and was used; as well; as bakery; and prison. Huge parts of the marble and columns disappeared; in 18th century. In 1879; the state of Italy bought the castle and restored it. Castel del Monte is also shown on the 1 Euro Cent coin of Italy and has repeatedly been used as film location; ultimately; in 2016; for Hollywood film "Wonder Woman". Italy; region Apulia; city of Andria: Grafitti of 1897 right hand of the main entrance of Castel del Monte ("Castle of the Mountain"); built 1240 to 1250 by order of Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen; UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996; The castle and citadel Castel del Monte is situated on a 540 m high hill next to the old monastery church Santa Maria del Monte; near city of Andria. It overlooks the Murge highlands and is also titled "crown of Apulia" (Latin: corona Apuliae). On 29th of January; 1240; Frederick II Hohenstaufen (Italian: Federico II Hohenstaufen) ordered Riccardo da Montefuscolo; chief judge of Capitanata area; to built this castle. It is supposed to be the most marvellous castle of Frederick II who is also literally known as "puer Apuliae" ("Son of Apulia") and "stupor mundi" ("the astonishing of the world"). The octagonal shaped building was part of the military defense system of Frederick II; served as well as hunting lodge and was used also as party place; in 1246; when Violante; natural daughter of Frederick II and Bianca Lancia; married the Duke of Caserta; Riccardo Sanseverino; here. Until 1463; the official name of the castle was Castrum Sancta Maria de Monte; Italian also Castello di Santa Maria del Monte. After 1253; the castle was used as well as a prison; where the sons of Manfredi and further nobles were imprisoned. In 1528; Castel del Monte was bombed by French troops; in 1552; it was sold to the Duke of nearby city of Ruvo di Puglia; Fabrizio Carafa; and was used; as well; as bakery; and prison. Huge parts of the marble and columns disappeared; in 18th century. In 1879; the state of Italy bought the castle and restored it. Castel del Monte is also shown on the 1 Euro Cent coin of Italy and has repeatedly been used as film location; ultimately; in 2016; for Hollywood film "Wonder Woman".