Conversano

Conversano

Southern Italy

Apulia

Bari (province)

Conversano Conversano (Italian: Conversano ) is in the province of Bari in .

It is 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of the city
Bari .

Conversano's historic center is compact and easily walkable, with the castle, cathedral, and monastery all within a few minutes' walk of each other. Parking is available in Piazza della Repubblica and along the perimeter of the old town.

Conversano's main attraction is the medieval castle , which dates from the period of Norman-Hohenstaufen rule in the Kingdom of Sicily. The castle is located on a hill overlooking the city, and probably dates from the Gothic Wars (6th century), although it was rebuilt from the 11th century. It has a single round tower that was added by Giulio Antonio Acquaviva. The Romanesque cathedral is the see of the diocese of Conversano-Monopoli. It was built in the 11th century but received new decor in the 14th and, in Baroque style, in the 17th centuries. The exterior is in Romanesque style with a large 15th-century rose window and three portals, the middle one having sculpted decoration. The floor plan is T-shaped with two eastbound apses; the aisles are characterized by matronea and, in the left one, a 15th-century fresco from the Pisan school. The church houses the icon of the Madonna della Fonte, protector of the city. The Benedictine Monastery , founded, according to tradition, in the 6th century, was once one of the most powerful in Apulia. In 1266, the Benedictines were replaced by a group of Cistercian nuns from Greece. It was the only convent in western Europe that allowed nuns to wear male religious symbols, such as the mitre. The church has maintained part of the 11th-century structure, while the decorated side entrance is from 1658. The interior has a nave and two aisles, with Baroque decor, and two canvasses by Paolo Finoglio. The crypt, dedicated to San Mauro, is from the 11th century. The bell tower rises higher than that of the cathedral, to symbolize the superior status of the nuns over the local bishop. Other landmarks include the megalithic walls (6th century BC) erected by the Pelasgi, the Baroque church of SS. Cosma e Damiano , the church of St. Francis (1289), and, 1 km outside the city, the church of St. Catherine (c. 12th century). In the neighbourhood are the church of Santa Maria dell'Isola (1462, enlarged in 1530), the Castle of Marchione (an 18th-century country residence of the Acquaviva), and the ruins of Castiglione (13th-16th centuries).

Explore the medieval castle and the Romanesque cathedral with its 15th-century rose window. Visit the Benedictine Monastery, once one of the most powerful in Apulia. Walk the megalithic walls (6th century BC) erected by the Pelasgi. In summer, the town hosts cultural events and concerts in the castle courtyard.

Conversano has several trattorias serving traditional Apulian cuisine. Local dishes include orecchiette with turnip tops, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. The surrounding countryside produces excellent olive oil and vegetables that feature prominently in the local cooking.

Conversano is surrounded by vineyards producing DOC wines of the Murgia area. Local wine bars and cafes in the central piazzas offer glasses of Primitivo, Negroamaro, and the local Moscato di Trani. The ancient wine cellars of the historic palazzos occasionally host tastings.

Mid-range Hotel Palazzo D'Erchia , Via Acquaviva d'Aragona, 116, Conversano 70014, tel. +39 080.4950350 fax. +39 080.4950350. . Hotel Palazzo d'Erchia welcomes guests with old world charm, 30 km from Bari and 9 from Polignano a Mare, in the historic heart of Conversano.

Conversano's shops offer local Apulian products including olive oil, wine, and ceramics. The weekly market is held on Saturday mornings. Look for the local Extra Virgin Olive Oil DOP from the Alto Salento area, and handcrafted pottery.

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