Monopoli, a charming town on the Adriatic

 Monopoli is a picturesque town nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Puglia, in southern Italy.
It is known for its labyrinth of narrow alleys in the old town, the medieval port, churches and captivating corners decorated with flowers.

Monopoli offers visitors the authentic spirit of Puglia, like the nearby Alberobello or Polignano a Mare.

 

 

P.S.🌸Flowers are just for looking, it is a shame on those who steal them.
(Italian: Le piante sono solo da guardare. Vergogna per chi le ruba).

 

📌 How to get to Monopoli

Monopoli is located in Southern Italy, in the region of Puglia, and it lies on the Adriatic Sea. Administratively, it belongs to the Metropolitan City of Bari.

By car:
The best way to reach Monopoli is by car. If you are already in Puglia, follow the SS16 coastal highway directly to Monopoli.
By the way, the road distance from Monopoli to Bari is 45 km, to Polignano a Mare is about 10 km, to Alberobello is 22 km, to Martina Franca is 33 km, and to Ostuni is about 42 km. There is a parking lot close to the old town.

By bus and train:
Monopoli is connected with bus lines to the nearby towns. Check the schedule of the public service Ferrovie del Sud Est e Servizi Automobilistici S.r.l., for buses and trains.
Another option is organised excursions by bus with local agencies.

We visited it with the Mayak Tours travel agency from Belgrade during our Puglia tour in June 2025.

By air:
The nearest airports are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (about 50 km away) and Brindisi (about 75 km away). From airports, you can rent a car or take regional buses and trains. By the way, Bari and Brindisi are very important seaports, which means that you can come there by various ferry lines.

 

 

📅 Best time to visit

As in many destinations, the best time for a visit is late spring to early autumn: May, June, and September.
In the summer, it can be very crowded. There are various events, concerts and festivals, perfect to feel the vibrant atmosphere of the town. Check the program of Monopoli events here.

 

A few words about the history of Monopoli 

The area around Monopoli dates back to prehistoric times. The first permanent settlement was founded by Greeks in about 500 BC. It was a fortified Messapian city. Greeks named the town the “Monos Polis”, which means “only city” because of its strategic position.

The history of the town was very turbulent. In 266, it was conquered by the Romans. By the way, the Roman Emperor Trajan ordered the construction of the Via Traiana between 108 and 110 AD. It was one of the most important Roman roads of the Empire, and Monopoli had the longest stretch of this road.

After the Romans, it was under the rule of the Goths, Byzantines, Normans, and Swabians. Later, it was ruled by the feudal families of Angevin and Aragonese.
From the 15th century, the Venetians occupied the town. In the following century, Monopoli became a prosperous town and maritime port. Because of frequent attacks by Muslim pirates, strong fortifications were built in 1529. Then, the town was ruled by the Spanish and Charles V, but with a free city status. During the Middle Ages, Monopoli became an important commercial centre.

Monopoli became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Today, Monopoli is home to around 50,000 inhabitants. It became a popular tourist destination, as well as an agricultural and industrial centre.

 

What to see in Monopoli

 

 

Explore the Old Town (Centro Storico)

Strolling around the streets of Monopoli looks like you’re stepping into history. Cobbled alleys, stone houses and churches, palaces and a seaport with fishermen’s boats are interwined with small boutique hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.

We started our Monopoli tour by walking through the public park Villa Comunale Cala Fontanelle.
The park was constructed between 1915 and 1919. In the middle of the park, there is the first city fountain, built in 1926.

 

We passed by the church, Chiesa di San Francesco Assisi, and the square Largo Plebiscito, with beautiful buildings.
On its right side, there is a spacious and main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, with a fountain.

 

Also, the red-painted building of Monopoly Municipality is located in the Largo Plebiscito square.

 

From the Largo Plebiscito, we came to the street Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, a tourist pedestrian zone. It was a pleasant walk along the white stone houses with green window shutters, bars, restaurants, and various shops with local products and souvenirs.

 

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Torre civica

Like in many towns in Italy, the main square got its name after the famous Italian general and revolutionary, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The square dates back to the 11th century, when the Normans came. Once, it was Piazza delle Mercanzie (public marketplace).

Today, this charming square is filled with cafes, restaurants, and gelateries. In a word, it is a perfect spot to take a break, relax, and enjoy Italian coffee, delicious gelato or Aperol Spritz.

A few important buildings can be seen even today, such as Palazzo Rendella, built in the 1840s. Once, it was a Spanish prison, then a theatre until 1956, and today it is the municipal library. And the former Palazzo dei Gesuiti is now a residential building.

 

The landmark of the square is the Clock Tower (Torre Civica). Besides the clock, there is the coat of arms of Monopoli (three white roses on a red background) and a statue of San Gennaro (St Januarius).

Also, the part of the tower is a stone pillar, “Colonna infame” or “Infamous Column”, which dates back to 1552. It was used as a column where wrongdoers were publicly punished.

 

Close to the Piazza Garibaldi, there is another important building, the Palazzo Palmieri, on the square of the same name. This baroque palace of one of the most powerful noble families Palmieri, was built in the 18th century. The palace stayed in their ownership until 1921, and today, it houses various events and exhibitions.

 

L’Arco del Porto, Porto Antico and city walls

Walking along the Porto street, you will find L’Arco del Porto, an iconic archway from the 15th century. It marks the entrance to the old harbour. 

 

The Porto Antico (Old Port) is one of the most photographed spots in Monopoli.

 

The picturesque old port is surrounded by stone buildings and walls. The beautiful Palazzo Martinelli – Meo Evoli Palace will certainly grab your attention. It was built in the 18^th century. The white loggia has eight arches and it overlooks the sea.

A blue sky is in perfect harmony with blue gozzi, traditional fishermen’s boats.

 

Even today, the port with its vibrant waterfront is the heart of Monopoli’s old town and a popular tourist spot.

 

Castello Carlo V (Castle of Charles V)

Impressive Monopoli Castle, also known as the Castle of Charles V, is located on a promontory near the old port, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

The castle was constructed in 1552 under the directive of Emperor Charles V, as part of a coastal defence system, to protect the town from pirates and the Ottoman fleets. It has a pentagonal form (typical for Spanish fortresses) with two main floors and a mid-level, used for storage.

The castle was used for various purposes, such as a military garrison and a prison, until 1969. Since the last renovation in 1998, it has hosted various cultural events and art exhibitions. From the castle, there is a beautiful panoramic view of the sea and town.

 

Take a walk along Lungomare Santa Maria. It is a seafront promenade which stretches from the castle and along the 16th-century fortified walls of the old town. You can find several cafes and restaurants there, as well as the Bastion of Santa Maria and the Church of San Salvatore.

 

⛪ Churches in Monopoli

Monopoli is known for its medieval churches.
There are 19 churches in the old town, but the most beautiful among them is the Monopoli Cathedral.

 

The Monopoli Cathedral – Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia 

In a word, this cathedral takes your breath away with its impressive Baroque façade and interior. The bell tower is fantastically carved, and it is visible from various points in the old town.

Entrance to the cathedral is free. Opening hours are from 8.30 AM to 12 PM, and from 4 PM to 8 PM.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Since 1986, it has had the status of a co-cathedral in the Diocese of Conversano-Monopoli.

 

Next to the church, you can see a huge wall adorned with a clock and ten statues of Saints.

 

Near the cathedral, you can visit the Diocesan Museum, which contains sacred vestments, religious artefacts, and historical documents.

 

Maria Santissima della Madia, the Saint-protector of Monopoli

According to the legend, the construction of the first church started to be built in 1107, near the former Roman temple. The building was stopped because of the lack of money. But a miracle happened on the night of 16th December in 1117. A barge with 31 massive timber logs appeared in the harbour, together with the wooden icon of the Madia. These raft beams were used to finish the cathedral roof, and the icon was brought to the cathedral.

Later, the old church was demolished, and the new church was built between 1742 and 1772.

 

 The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated, from top to bottom, in marble in hues of red, green and yellow.

 

You can access the first floor by stairs, which is also decorated with marble and features various paintings.

 

There, you can see the chapel with a sacred icon and the altar of Maria Santissima della Madia.
The icon was crowned with a decree from Pope Clement XIII in 1770.

 

By the way, inside the cathedral, we saw several restored canvases made by Michelangelo Signorile, a painter from Bari. They were commissioned by the Bishop in 1732 and paid 30 ducats each. These oil canvases illustrate the local legend of the arrival of a Byzantine icon.

 

Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio

Close to the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, there is the church Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio.
It is also known as the Church of Purgatory, and it was built in the 17th century.

The wooden entrance door looks a little bit unusual because of the two carved skulls and skeletons on it. In a word, the church is dedicated to the passage from life to death, symbolising mortality and the need for spiritual reflection.

Inside the church, there is a small room with eight mummies dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. They were the founding members of the church and local administrators. You can see them in the glass display cases, dressed in black robes.

Opening times: Monday-Sunday, from 5 PM to 9 PM.

 

Church Chiesa di Santo Vitus Martyr

The Church is a small private chapel of the Del Lago family, built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Surrounded by plants and flowers, it looks like time has stopped there.

 

The Church of St Francis of Assisi – Chiesa di San Francesco Assisi

This church is located on the square, Largo Plebiscito. It was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style, on the place of the former small church.

 

The church was designed by the architect Michele Colangiuli of Acquaviva, and it was completed around 1749.  The interior is beautiful, painted in white and light blue colours.

 

The marble altar is impressive, as well as the six side chapels with sculptures and altars.

 

A few interesting churches in the old town…

◊ Chiesa Santa Maria Amalfitana
According to legend, this small church was founded by sailors from Amalfi in the 12th century. They found refuge in a cave after they survived a storm and a shipwreck. The church is located at the square Largo Amalfitana.

♦ The 18th-century Chiesa di Santa Teresa and the Chiesa di San Pietro, which dates back to the 12th century, are located at the Palmieri Square, close to the Palazzo Palmieri.

◊ Chiesetta di San Giovanni is located in Largo San Giovanni. This chapel dates back to the 15th century, and it belonged to the Hospitallers of Jerusalem (the Knights of Malta). It was rebuilt in 1707.

♦ Chiesa di San Salvatore is one of the oldest churches in Monopoli, dating back to 313 AD. It is located in Lungomare Santa Maria, overlooking the sea.

 

🏖️ Beaches near Monopoli

There are many beaches around Monopoli, and several small beaches close to the old town of Monopoli, as well. Depending on your available time, you can combine sightseeing and some time on the beach.

Cala Porta Vecchia is the most popular beach, located beside the old city walls. It is a small beach and usually, very crowded during the summer.
In a short distance, there are Cala Porto Rosso, Cala Paradiso, and Cala Porto Nero. Lido Santo Stefano is located near the medieval Abbey of Santo Stefano. It is a sandy and well-organised beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, a restaurant and various facilities.

 

🍕 Where to eat: Restaurants and Cafés

There are many bars, cafes and restaurants with delicious Puglian dishes around Monopoli.

Some of the popular restaurants are: La Locanda sul Porto (fish and local specialities), Coppino Monopoli, My Wine Il Piacere del Palato, Almerea-Osteria di mare, Ristorante Piazza Palmieri, Osteria Perricci, and Garibaldi Steakhouse.
Try grilled seafood, octopus, fish, orecchiette alle cime di rapa (pasta with turnip tops), focaccia barese, pizza, or panzerotti.

If you don’t have a lot of time, grab various sandwiches from Gustavo Salumeria (Via Porto, 2) or Manunpasta (Via Comes, angle with Via Porto). They are so delicious and the prices are affordable.

Take a break for a cappuccino, an Aperol Spritz or gelato at the Piazza Garibaldi, or somewhere in the old town.
And enjoy in tastes of Fuglia!

 

🛍️ Shopping and Souvenirs

Walking along Monopoli’s old town, you can find small artisan shops with various items, handmade ceramics, linen clothes or jewellery.
And of course, the bottle of Puglia wine, local olive oil or cheese are perfect gifts for your beloved or for yourself 🙂

 

🏨 Where to Stay in Monopoli

👉 Monopoli has various options. Many traditional houses in the old town have been turned into boutique hotels and guesthouses.

Some of the most popular hotels are: Don Ferrante, Palazzo Indelli (in the heart of Piazza Garibaldi), Santa Maria 24, Secret Suite, etc.
Take a look and find the best solution for you.

 

 

 

📌 What to visit close to Monopoli

Well, if you’re dreaming of visiting an authentic Puglia, Monopoli is one of its towns.

Whitewashed houses, blue Adriatic Sea, medieval churches, and the delicious food and wines… All of that, you can see in one place.
 Just wear comfortable sneakers or shoes (the cobbled streets can be slippery), and enjoy your visit to Monopoli.

Take a look at what you can see more in the stunning region of Puglia.

◊ Alberobello, you can read more here 👉Alberobello, a fairy-tale town in Puglia.
♦ Locorotondo, you can read more here👉 Locorotondo, an amazing “round place” in Puglia.
◊ Ostuni, one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia.
♦ Polignano a Mare, an amazing small town with white houses on the dramatic cliffs.
◊ Acquapark Egnazia, the largest aquapark in Puglia, is located about 14 km from Monopoli.