Monday, December 3, 2018

IT-480523

Some people don't pay much attention to profiles/wishlists and send the first piece of paper they can find. Fortunately they are not so many !! On the other hand, some others make an extra effort to send that perfect postcard that will make very happy who receives it. Well, Theresa didn't know what to send me or she just couldn't decide on a single postcard, so she sent me 38 cards. An envelope filled with postcards from several countries, many churches, some castles, lighthouses, snow, etc. I would have been super happy with this postcard of Castel del Monte, a UNESCO missing site but maybe she wanted to send me a late birthday gift + early Christmas gift. How great, generous and lovely is this?? Many, many thanks Theresa. 

© Copyright by PLURIGRAF
IT-480523, sent by Theresa.
Castel del Monte, located in the municipality of Andria, rises on a rocky hill dominating the surrounding countryside of the Murgia region in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. A unique piece of medieval architecture, it was completed in 1240. The castle’s location, its perfect octagonal shape, as well as the mathematical and astronomical precision of its layout all reflect the broad education and cultural vision of its founder, Emperor Frederick II.
As a leader of modern humanism, the Germanic Emperor brought scholars together in his court from throughout the Mediterranean, combining Eastern and Western traditions. The castle’s unique design, an octagonal plan with octagonal towers at each angle, represents a search for perfection. Interior features reflect Eastern influences, such as the innovative hydraulic installation used by Frederick II for bathing in accord to the typical Arabic customs.
The site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanist ideas of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. - in: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/398

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