Comune in Apulia, Italy
Photo: Giuseppe A. Ramirez, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Monopoli is a town of 48,000 people (2020) in the province of Bari. Monopoli is an old fishing village with several very picturesque beaches. In comparison to the western side of Italy it retains its Italian old town feel and is relatively untouched by tourism. You are more likely to meet other Italians on holiday here rather than English or Germans.
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18th century, minor basilica
Finished in 1525, it has a pentagonal plan. It is on a promontory which was separated from the medieval city. It was restored and enlarged in the 17th century. Starting from the early 19th century, it was used as a jail, a status it kept until 1969. It is the seat of an art exhibition and cultural events.
Coastal castle of St. Stephen, built by the Norman lord Godfrey of Conversano in 1086. It was later turned into a Benedictine monastery.
Ospedale Gerosolimitano
founded in 1350 by the Hospitallers
18th century Palazzo
Porto Antico di Monopoli is the historic old harbour of Monopoli, framed by whitewashed buildings, small fishing boats, and defensive sea walls that reflect the town’s long maritime tradition. Once a key trading and fishing port in the Adriatic, it remains active today, with local fishermen still working alongside leisure craft. The surrounding lanes and waterfront create a picturesque setting, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the harbour is at its most atmospheric.
Taste of Apulia in the quiet atmosphere of the old city.
Near Castellana Grotte, Zoosafari and Alberobello
Bed & Breakfast with 2 main rooms, a bedroom, a small kitchen with a fridge, and a small bathroom.
B&B.
Monopoli can be easily reached by car or train. Bari is the closest airport/train interchange. Bari Airport to Bari Train station takes about 30 minutes and the train from Bari to Monopoli takes approximately 30 minutes.
Read in the guideWalking is without any doubt the best way of visiting the old city and its tightened and tangled roads. Although a car could be necessary if you're going to visit the coast or the countryside.
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Bari · International · BRI
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