Del Monte Castle Model Kit

• Del Monte Castle Reproduction Kit.
• Made from real ceramic pieces which simulate stone..
• Includes all the necessary materials to build a high quality model..
• Approximate number of pieces: 9300. Assembled Size: 15.7" X 15.7" X 8.3". Scale: 1/150.
• Located in Andria - Italia. Built in the XII century..

The monument and its history: The Castel del Monte is in the district of Andria, less than 20 km from the town, in the Province of Bari (Puglia), Italy. It is situated on the summit of a hill at 540 metres altitude, visible from a large part of the Province of Bari. We do not know whether the construction of the Castel del Monte was completed before the death, in 1250, of its founder, Emperor Frederick II, since the only document conserved dates from 1240: a decree dated the 28th of January 1240 sent by the selfsame Frederick II to Riccardo di Montefuscolo who he ordered to supply construction material for the 'castrum' that was being built close to the 'Sancta Maria de Monte' (Bendictine abbey and church, today disappeared) near Andria. In the Castel del Monte the uniqueness of Swabian architecture can be admired, in which one comes across diverse styles: the classicism of the arch that imitates a Roman triumphal arch, Cistercian Gothic style of the structures and decorative elements, and the influence of Romanesque and Arab architecture. Everything blends together in an unrepeatable 'unicum'. The richness of the inside of the castle makes it probable that it was only used as an imperial residence. It has often been remarked, given the lack of defensive elements and the peculiar architectural characteristics, that Castel del Monte was designed as a place for entertainment, where the Emperor could practice falconry and devote himself to observing the stars with his astronomer guests, but it is more likely that it was conceived as a temple for meditation and for the spreading of knowledge, a place to bring together the wise men and neophytes of various religions. Whoever designed this monument wanted to leave a message to ity, including in it all the knowledge of the era.