Guardian of the last example of Mediterranean steppe in Italy, the Alta Murgia National Park includes dry stone buildings, fortified farmhouses and the magic of Castel del Monte.

Stretching from the Adriatic coast to the Lucanian reliefs, the Alta Murgia National Park preserves the last example of Mediterranean steppe in Italy. Made up mainly of limestone rocks, tuffs and clay deposits, the entire plateau is rich in mushrooms, lampascioni, wild asparagus and cardoncelli. The dry stone buildings stand out in the greenery, which served as shelter for animals during the transhumance. The mighty and majestic farmhouses, some fortified like real castles, were the vital centers of the local agricultural economy from the 15th century. The jewel in the crown of the Park is Castel del Monte, the mysterious manor built by the “stupor mundi” Frederick II as a hunting lodge once animated by falconers and game.