The World's First Skyscraper Was a Medieval Castle - Apparently.
The 13th-century Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy, features a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with a octagonal design and nine identical rooms on each floor. Built in 1290 for Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, it is considered the world's first true skyscraper, with a height of 60 meters (197 feet). The castle's innovative design was ahead of its time, and it remains one of the most fascinating examples of medieval architecture.