ANDRIA

According to some historians it was founded by Diomedes, according to others, its foundation dates from the evangelization of the region by St. Andrew. In 1064 Peter I the Norman founded a "civitas" (city) and provided it with fortified walls. In 1200 Andria became loyal to Frederick II Hohenstaufen of Suevian. Passed to the House of Anjou, it became Contea (county) under Francesco I and took the title of Ducato (Dukedom). Under the Spanish Government Andria was assigned to Captain Consalvo da Cordova and in 1552 it was sold with Castel del Monte to Fabrizio Carafa, Count of Ruvo, whose son Antonio was awarded the title of Duke of Andria. At the end of 1700 Andria became Royal city and in 1806 came under the government of Giuseppe Bonaparte and then of Murat. The city is also famous for his participation in the Expedition of the Thousand (Spedizione dei Mille) led by Garibaldi, providing nearly one hundred men.

Near the town it stands Castel del Monte, named a World Heritage by Unesco, built by Frederick II of Suevian. The Cathedral has a chapel dedicated to St. Richard (San Riccardo), known as "cappellone" (big Chapel), rich in bas-reliefs and panels depicting the life and actions of the Saint; the chapel is dedicated to the Holy Thorn of the Crown of Christ and the crypt, ancient early Christian church with two aisles and cross vaults, which houses the remains of the wives of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Finally we mention Santuario di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, characterized by the coexistence of three overlapping churches whose main altars are at right angles.

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