In Foggia, capital of the Tavoliere and city where the Holy Roman Emperor loved to pass the colder months of the year, all that remains of Federick II of Swabia's Royal Residence and which managed to survive both the devastating earthquake of 1731 and the second world war bombing raids, is an arch of acanthus flowers supported by two eagle shaped capitals, now visible on the perimeter wall of the city's Civic Museum. A few steps from the museum we find the 17th century Epitaph, which recalls the area's pastoral traditions and the transumanza (the seasonal passage of sheep).
Symbol of Barletta, city situated on the coast half way between Bari and Foggia, is its magnificent Swabian Castle, built during the reign of Frederick II and significantly altered by Charles V, responsible for the four corner lancet embankments. Recent subject of an extensive restoration project, the castle now houses the city's library, a collection of works by the famous Barletta-born impressionist pianter, Giuseppe De Nittis, a series of ancient and medieval tombstones, and a bust of Frederick II in the guise of ancient roman emperor. In addition to its castle, the city of the disfida (or the Barletta Challenge as the famous battle fought between the Italian and French troops is also known), charms the visitor with its medieval historic center, home to a wealth of beautiful churches and elegant Baroque town houses, including the stunning Palazzo della Marra.
Heading inland, Andria is perhaps the city most strongly associated with the emperor, who declared it Fidelis and built his Castel del Monte in the vicinity. Now a UNESCO world heritage site which attracts thousands of visitors each year, this massif octagonal shaped edifice dates back to the 13th century. With its eight towers, also octagonal, the castle is the subject of a spectacular game of light and shade. Each year, between late August and early September, the castle provides one of the venues for Andria's Castel dei Mondi International Festival.
In order to reach the city of Trani, we turn back towards the coast. The historic center and, in particular, the seafront promenade, brims with elegant shops, street cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Like the other cities in the area, Trani too conserves the traces of Frederick II's influence on the region: just a short distance from the city's splendid Romanesque Cathedral, lies the Swabian Castle, built directly overlooking the sea. This is where the marriage between King Manfred and Princess Helena was celebrated, an historic event reenacted in the first half of August each year. Trani is home to more than twenty churches, some of which dating back as far as the 11th and 12th century, and numerous patrician town houses, such as Palazzo Valenzano, Palazzo Palumbo, Palazzo Torres and Palazzo Arcivescovile.
