History, power, and spirituality

Monastery of Saint Benedict

A millenary monastery led for centuries by abbesses with extraordinary powers

The Monastery of San Benedetto is one of the most fascinating and symbolic places in Conversano. Nestled in the historic center, this sacred building tells a millenary story that combines architecture, spirituality, and an extraordinary tale of women’s emancipation.

A unique monastery, between sacred history and female power

Founded in the distant year 889, it was initially inhabited by Benedictine monks. A pivotal change occurred in 1267, when the monastery was entrusted to Dameta Paleologo, a woman from the Peloponnese who arrived in Conversano along with a group of Cistercian nuns.

In 1271, thanks to the recognition of Pope Gregory X, Dameta was proclaimed the first abbess of Conversano, receiving the miter and pastoral staff, symbols of episcopal power.

From that moment, the abbesses became figures of great authority, exercising power comparable to that of counts and bishops, described as almost “monstrous.” The clergy of Castellana even had to pay them homage with the hand-kissing ritual.

Over the centuries, the monastery became known as the “Monastery of Women” and its uniqueness became legendary.

This power lasted for about five centuries, until 1810, when the suppression decree of G. Murat put an end to this singular institution, which was called “Monstrum Apuliae” – the wonder of Apulia – partly because of its unique nature and partly due to the opposition of the era to female power.

The Baroque Bell Tower and the Symbols of Power

Among the most recognizable elements of the monastery stands its Baroque bell tower, built in 1655, with a lively color contrast between red and white.

The entrance is surmounted by three important heraldic coats of arms:

  • At the center: the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VII.
  • On the right: the coat of arms of the Counts Acquaviva of Aragon together with that of Isabella Filomarino, who exercised the right of patronage over the appointment of the abbesses.
  • On the left: the coat of arms of Count Goffredo Altavilla, founder of the county, to which the pastoral staff was added, symbol of female spiritual power.

The original covering of the bell tower was made of polychrome majolica tiles, later replaced with bricks in shades of yellow and blue.

The dome of the building does not go unnoticed, rising harmoniously above the monastic complex. Its structure, sober yet elegant, adds further vertical momentum to the profile of the monastery, completing the balance between the Romanesque and Baroque elements that characterize the entire complex.

The Archaeological Museum of Conversano

Today, the monastery’s rooms also house the Archaeological Museum of Conversano, guardian of a precious collection of artifacts that narrate the history of the territory from its prehistoric origins to the medieval era.

The museum is an essential stop for those who wish to deeply understand the identity and historical evolution of the city.

ℹ️ Info and Visiting Hours

📍Via San Benedetto, 20, Conversano (BA)

🕰 Orari di apertura Chiesa di San Benedetto:

  • 10.00-12.00
  • 17.00-20.00

For updates on opening hours and guided tours, 📞 contact the Info Point: +39 080 495 6517.

📞 +39 080 495 6517
✉️ Email: iat@comune.conversano.ba.it

* N.B. The Church of San Benedetto remains closed on Wednesdays.

Perché visitarla

The Monastery of San Benedetto is much more than a monument: it is a symbol of strength, culture, and spirituality. Its walls tell an exceptional story of female figures who knew how to exercise power, protect the community, and leave an indelible mark on the history of Apulia.

Visiting this place means immersing yourself in a timeless dimension, among noble coats of arms, Baroque architecture, silent domes, and the charm of a past that still has much to tell.

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