The Castel of Lagopesole

Only the memory remains of the hanging lake from which the town took its name; rather, there is a sign of Federico II’s presence, who unfortunately died  before the fortification and extended works of the castle were completed, works wanted by him in order to convert the castle into a place dedicated to the imperial family’s entertainment. The castle (link),fortunately, was completed by the son of Manfredi, and it is there now to welcome tourists and curious people with its ghosts and legends. It is advisable to visit the fortress on the night of the full moon because it is said that during the harvest moon night the Frederician manor is populated by strange presences: a lady, dressed in white, with a lamp in her hand wanders around the castle looking for her beloved husband  who, at the same time, riding his horse, wanders in the underlying woods hoping to meet her. But in the dark, though, you have to pay attention: there are also stories about deadly traps placed in the fortification by Federico II’s grandfather to avoid the discovery of one his terrible secrets. If you want to visit the castle when the sun shines in the sky, instead, observe the capitals and shelves in the residential rooms looking out over the big courtyard: you will be  introduced to the art of hunting, favourite hobby of the Swabian prince, who wrote an essay on it.