Andria

Andria extends halfway between the Apulian coast and the Murge plateau, right where the plateau begins to rise, framed by almond trees, olive trees and an irregular chessboard of cultivated fields. People have always lived primarily by agriculture here: this was already the case in the Middle Ages, at the time of Frederick II of Swabia, who had a special relationship with Andria. He was the one who honoured Andria with the nickname of "fedele" ("faithful"), as recalled by an inscription in Latin on the gate of S. Andrea, and in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Assumption, founded in the XII century, rest Yolande of Brienne and Isabella of England, two of his wives. The Church of St. Augustine, founded by the Templars, also dates back to the time of the emperor. Above all, Frederick II gave Andria the wonder of Castel del Monte: the famous octagonal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in fact located in the municipal territory, on a hill that is just 15 km as the crow flies from the town to the south. There are also even older shrines and hermitage sites located around the city, frequented by Basilian monks in Byzantine times.

Today, Andria is also known for the delights of a very rich and diverse gastronomic tradition. A few kilometres from the beaches overlooking the Adriatic, gourmets from all over Italy can enjoy mozzarella and butter, wine and oil guaranteed by the Castel del Monte PDO brand and also excellent confetti ("confectionary"), to which the city even dedicates a museum, the Museo del Confetto Giovanni Mucci, set up in a beautiful liberty-period building.