Andria

Andria, Puglia (Apulia), Italy

Today a thriving agricultural center on the Murge hills, it was a town dear to Frederick II, where his son Conrad was born, and his two wives Iolanda of Brienne and Isabel of England were buried.

Info

Altitude: 151 a.s.l -- Population: ca. 90,000 inhabitants -- Zip/postal code: 70031 -- Phone Area Code: 0883

spazio
spazio
andria coatofarms
Where to stay

4-star Hotels
3-star Hotels
2-star Hotels
Agritourisms
Bed & Breakfast

History

In the early Middle Ages it was a "casale" depending from Trani; then in the 11th century the Normans fortified the settlement, and later on under the Angevines Andria became a Duchy. In 1431 its feudal lord was Francesco II Del Balzo, who found the body of San Riccardo, the patron saint, and established the Fair of Andria which is still held in the week 23-30 April. In 1552 it was sold by the Spanish to Fabrizio Carafa, whose family ruled until 1799, when the French suppressed feudalism.

What to see

The Cathedral, built in the 12th century over a crypt of the 9th century, hosting inside one thorn of Christ's crown, and tombs of Frederick's wives
The Palazzo Ducale, a fortified medieval mansion
The Porta Sant'Andrea, with at top an inscription probably dictated by Frederick II reading: "Andria fidelis nostris afficta medullis"
Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, 2 miles outside the town
The monument of the Barletta Challenge, built in 1583 on the spot of the celebrated fight, 4 miles to the south.

Events

September: "Corteo Storico Federiciano", historical re-enactment with parade of characters in costume