Monopoli City Walk Tour

The tour begins in Piazza Garibaldi and includes the visit of famous monuments such as the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, a rupestrian settlement and the castle of Charles V, perched over the sea. The tour goes on walking along whitewashed medieval alleys, admiring divine baroque decorations and picturesque inlets by the sea. While taking memorable pictures, taste delicious local products. The tour ends with a stroll along the ancient walls and the breathtaking tiny harbor which has made the town famous all over the world.

1. 1

   Centro Storico di Monopoli

   1 hour

   Walking through the archway, which leads off the Banchina Solfatara into Piazza Garibaldi, starts a journey that ventures into the Old town. Something which immediately catches the eye is Palazzo Rendella. Following Via Amalfitana, you pass the Church of St Maria degli Amalfitani, the only religious building in the urban fabric which bears traces of important Romanesque sculpture and architecture. Crossing Vico Gesuti which flanks its namesake building, you come to via Garibaldi the former via dei Mecanti, which terminates in Largo Plebiscito, in front of the church of St. Fracis of Assisi and the former convent annex which is now the seat of the Town Hall. Largo Plebiscito merges with Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly known as "il Borgo" by the local Monopolitans.

2. 2

   Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia

   15 min

   Via Cattedrale leads to the charming Baroque setting in which the Cathedral dedicated to Madonna della Madia, the Saint protector of Monopoli stands out. The icon of Madonna della Madia landed to the seaport miraculously at the sunrise of December the 16th in 117. The poignant event of landing is commemorated every year in the same day with a huge community involvement. The Feast Day is commemorated with solemn celebrations on August the 15th with illuminations and fireworks. The original building built up in 1107 above a previous Romanesque church was completed ten years later with wooden timbers - still preserved- of the raft that carried on the precious icon of the town.

3. 3

   Castello di Carlo V

   15 min

   The castle of Monopoli, built on the strip of land more advanced than the sea, was part of the coastal fortification system, wanted by Charles V in Apulia. The Castle is a cultural center managed by the City as well as the municipal center to celebrate weddings with the civil rite. The Municipality of Monopoli, within the scope of its statutory powers and objectives aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage, promotes and encourages the protection, conservation and use of Charles V Castle of Monopoli, in order to ensure a regular right of access to the community. We are not able to grantee the entrance during the tour. Its complete visit would require much more time. However, your guide will show you the castle from the outside ensuring the best view and providing you with the history of it.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.