Castel del Monte commands one of the most imposing strategic sites in the Abruzzo. The Castles walls still largely intact areto be visibly seen and make an imposing sight.  It is situated in the heart of the Gran Sasso National Park and is panoramic at 1346m. The village itself  being fortified has a number of churches - well worth a visit and there is a museum there also. It has a long history and has passed though many hands - including at one point being owned by the Medici family of Florence.  Today it has some fine restaurants & is worthy of a visit - if not to stay a while and sample Abruzzian cuisine. More idetailed nformation can be found here: http://www.borghitalia.it/html/vedere...