Oriental marbles in Castel del Monte in Andria (Puglia, Italy)

Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andria, Italy, is revealed as a monumental reuse of ancient Mediterranean marbles, primarily from Roman-era spolia. These materials, sourced from nearby archaeological sites like Luceria and Sypontum, were strategically repurposed by medieval rulers—Charles I of Anjou and Frederick II—to convey prestige and imperial symbolism. The study highlights that the preservation and placement of these spoils reflect deliberate functional and symbolic criteria, reinforcing the political and cultural significance of the structure. This approach underscores the continuity of marble reuse across classical to medieval periods, with implications for understanding architectural heritage and material culture in the Mediterranean.

Delli Santi, M. (2026). Oriental marbles in Castel del Monte in Andria (Puglia, Italy). PROCEEDINGS of the International Conference on Fortifications of the Mediterranean Coast FORTMED 2026. Vol. 22. https://doi.org/10.4995/fortmed2026.2026.21356