Things to see in Monopoli

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.

Monopoli Cathedral. 18th century. Castle of Charles V. Finished in 1525. 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. Castle of Santo Stefano. Coastal castle of St. Stephen, built by the Norman lord Godfrey of Conversano in 1086. It was later turned into a Benedictine monastery. Jerusalem Hospital. Palazzo Palmieri. 18th century Palazzo. Church of S. Domenico. Porto Antico. 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.

Monte San Nicola (Mount St. Nicholas) faunal reserve.