Andria, the city faithful to the Emperor

With a population of around 96 thousand inhabitants, the capital city of the province of BAT (Barletta-Andria-Trani) is renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage.

The origins of Andria are rooted in the Neolithic. During the Bronze Age, the inhabitants of Andria settled in cylindrical structures with conical roofs, similar to the trulli we know today. Archaeological finds, including numerous burial mounds, have been discovered in the areas of Contrada S. Barbara, S. Lucia and Castel del Monte.

Around 1000 BC, the Iapygians settled in the region of Puglia, followed in the 8th century BC by the Peucetii. The birth of a first urban agglomeration is attributed to the arrival of the Hellenes, who founded Netium, a Greek city mentioned by Strabo in his “Universal Geography”. Netium became a refuge for refugees fleeing the devastation of Cannae in 216 BC, during the Second Punic War. Some of its inhabitants moved south, where they founded a new city, Juve-Netium, which today we know as Giovinazzo.

In 44 AD, the apostle Peter, during his journey to Rome, evangelized Andria, which around 492 AD became a bishopric under Pope Gelasius I. In 1046, Andria was taken from Byzantine rule by Peter the Norman, who, together with Trani and other centers such as Barletta and Bisceglie, transformed it into a fortified city.

In the 13th century, Andria remained faithful to the Swabian dominion and became the residence of Frederick II, who built the famous Castel del Monte, today a World Heritage Site. Returning from the sixth crusade, Frederick II had a celebration of the city's loyalty engraved on the Sant'Andrea gate, thus expressing his bond with Andria.

Frederick II had a son, Corrado IV, born in Andria in 1228, from his marriage to Yolanda of Brienne, Queen of Jerusalem, who died very young.

Andria is a fascinating labyrinth of streets and alleys, which house monuments and architecture of great value. Among the places of interest, there is the Medieval Cloister of San Francesco, an example of religious architecture that reflects the monastic history of the city. The Palazzo Comunale, originally a Franciscan convent, was renovated to become the seat of the municipality after the sixth crusade, at the behest of Emperor Frederick II himself. The Porta Sant’Andrea (Arch of Frederick II) built in the 11th century, this gate was adorned with epigraphs dedicated to the loyalty of the city.

The Clock Tower, built during the reign of Francesco II del Balzo and the Ducal Palace, an imposing fortified residence that has undergone several modifications over the centuries.

The jewel in the crown of Andria’s artistic heritage is the 12th-century Cathedral, which houses the relics of San Riccardo and other important relics, including the Holy Thorn of Jesus. The bell tower was built on a 7th-century Lombard tower. The Church of San Domenico, with a Renaissance portal and a Baroque bell tower, houses the bust of Duke Francesco II del Balzo, attributed to Francesco Laurana. The Church of Sant’Agostino (13th century), originally built by the Knights Templar, underwent several renovations over the centuries. An important place of worship is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, an architectural complex developed on three levels, with frescoes and decorations of great value.

The jewel in the crown of Andria's artistic heritage is the 12th-century Cathedral, which houses the relics of San Riccardo and other important relics, including the Holy Thorn of Jesus. The bell tower was erected on a 7th-century Lombard tower. The Church of San Domenico, with a Renaissance portal and a Baroque bell tower, houses the bust of Duke Francesco II del Balzo, attributed to Francesco Laurana. The Church of Sant'Agostino (13th century), originally built by the Knights Templar, underwent several renovations over the centuries. An important place of worship is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, an architectural complex developed on three levels, with frescoes and decorations of great value.

For those visiting Andria, a visit to the Villa Comunale “Giuseppe Marano” is a must, one of the main green lungs of Andria, extending over an area of ​​70,000 square meters. Inaugurated in 1959, the villa offers an important oasis of relaxation and leisure for citizens and visitors, thus completing the cultural and historical offer of the city.