The garden covers a large, well-tended area, adorned with centuries-old trees, geometric hedges, stone benches, ornamental fountains and a harmonious layout that is reminiscent of a classic Italian garden.

Along its avenues, numerous marble busts commemorate figures from Italian culture and history, turning the villa into a small open-air museum.

The villa’s panoramic and slightly elevated position offers enchanting views of the surrounding countryside and the old town, providing a relaxing and visually striking visitor experience.

A place of meeting and culture

Thanks to its central location and ease of access, it is visited every day by families, students, sports enthusiasts and tourists, making it a focal point of city life. The tranquillity of the surroundings, the well-maintained green spaces and the abundance of shaded areas make it the ideal spot for a break whilst visiting Conversano – whether to read a book or simply to enjoy the peace and quiet amidst nature.

Villa Garibaldi is not just a place for relaxation, but also a vibrant, community-driven space where nature, history and the local community come together. During the warmer months, the villa comes alive with open-air concerts, craft markets, theatre performances and cultural events that engage both adults and children.

Info

Piazza Castello, 10, 70014 Conversano BA

For any information, contact the Info Point.

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

Why visit the Villa

Villa Garibaldi is the perfect place for a refreshing break in the heart of Conversano. It is an ideal destination for those seeking beautiful scenery, well-maintained green spaces, outdoor art and a relaxed atmosphere, just a short walk from the town’s main monuments.

Strolling along its avenues, sitting on a bench in the shade of the trees, admiring the busts and panoramic views: every moment spent in this green space enriches the traveller's experience. An oasis of peace and culture, which combines historical memory with daily life.

L'articolo Villa Garibaldi a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

According to popular tradition, in 1462 the Virgin Mary appeared to a young woman, pointing out the exact spot where a fresco of her was hidden inside a natural cave.

This miraculous event led to the construction of the church, which still preserves that sacred site today; it is open to visitors, and features wall paintings from various periods, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century and depicts the Madonna and Child.

According to local legend, a secret passage once linked this convent to Conversano Castle, providing the nobles with a safe escape route in the event of danger: a mystery that still fascinates scholars and visitors alike today.

Architecture, cloisters and noble memory

From the outside, the church appears simple and understated, but upon entering, one discovers a wealth of historical features that have accumulated over time. The façade is dominated by a late-Gothic pointed-arch portal, surmounted by the remains of a 17th-century fresco.

The complex comprises two cloisters:

• The small cloister, to the south, is the oldest part, dating back to the time of the original construction;
• The large cloister, adjacent to the church, features a well with an 18th-century wrought-iron wellhead, which adds to its charm and artistic value.

In 1523, the complex was enhanced with a significant funerary monument dedicated to Giulio Antonio Acquaviva d’Aragona, a valiant count who fell in battle against the Turks. The work, commissioned by his son Andrea Matteo III, was created by the sculptor Nuzzo Barba in painted stone and is now housed in the church’s choir.

This late Renaissance masterpiece consists of three superimposed orders, adorned with the cardinal and theological virtues, saints, cherubs and the figures of the Acquaviva couple reclining in Franciscan robes.

In 1530, the Franciscans extended the building, adding a second nave on the north-east side, as evidenced by a date engraved on one of the vaults.

Info

Via Santa Rita, 7, 70014 Conversano BA

Opening hours:

For guided tours and up-to-date information on admission and opening hours, please contact the Pro Loco in Conversano.

For any information, contact the Info Point.

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

Why visit

A visit to the Church and Convent of Santa Maria dell’Isola is like stepping into a world suspended between history and legend. Every stone, every fresco and every cloister tells a story of faith, power and art that has spanned the centuries.

The beauty of this place lies not only in its architecture or its works of art, but also in the powerful allure of the surrounding landscape, in the spirituality of the miraculous cave, and in the living presence of collective memory.

A place to experience through the eyes of faith and historical curiosity, perfect for those who wish to discover the hidden soul of Conversano.

L'articolo Chiesa e Convento di Santa Maria dell’Isola a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

This small sacred building, nestled in the tranquillity of the countryside, is striking for its four-lobed plan – an architectural form that is extremely rare in Puglia and reminiscent of Byzantine-inspired designs, with four semicircular apses set at the corners.

A harmonious blend of Apulian Romanesque and Oriental styles that makes it a unique place.

Mysterious origins and local legends

The origins of the church remain shrouded in mystery and are the subject of two main hypotheses:

• Some scholars believe that it was built around the mid-11th century, a period when the veneration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria also spread to Apulia.
  
  
• Others link it to Count Giulio Antonio Acquaviva, who is said to have commissioned the building after 1456 as a tribute to his wife, Caterina Orsini Del Balzo.

Both theories add to the charm of the church, which is steeped in history and devotion.

An essential interior full of meaning

The interior of the Church of St Catherine is simple yet imbued with spirituality. The bare walls and the absence of ornate decorations create an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for meditation.

Among the few decorative elements, the following stand out:

• Two paintings of great symbolic significance: one depicting Saint Catherine and the other the Madonna della Fonte, patron saint of Conversano;
  
• A simple stone altar.

Info

Via Santa Rita, 7, 70014 Conversano BA

Orari di apertura: la chiesa è generalmente aperta su appuntamento. Per organizzare una visita, è consigliabile contattare la Pro Loco di Conversano.

For any information, contact the Info Point.

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

Why visit

The Church of St Catherine is a hidden gem of the local religious heritage. Perfect for those who love art, spirituality and rural landscapes, it offers an authentic and intimate experience, far from the more popular tourist destinations.

A visit to this church offers the chance to experience rare architectural features, the tranquillity of the Apulian countryside and a history spanning the centuries, rooted in faith, devotion and local identity.

An ideal stop for anyone wishing to discover the deepest, most intimate side of Conversano.

L'articolo Chiesa di Santa Caterina a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

Situated in the heart of the historic centre, it stands out for its understated yet elegant façade, adorned with two finely carved portals, a central rose window and architectural details that bear witness to the craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

Every element of the structure tells stories of faith, art, and the daily lives of the communities that have frequented it over the centuries.

As you step through the doorway, you are enveloped by an intimate and cosy atmosphere, where time seems to slow down. The walls are adorned with centuries-old frescoes, which depict scenes from the lives of Saint Clare and Saint Francis of Assisi with vivid intensity.

The images, rendered with great expressive delicacy, guide visitors on a profound spiritual journey, amidst silence and contemplation, allowing the full power of medieval faith to emerge. It is a place where every stone preserves and conveys emotions, values and traditions that still manage to touch the heart today.

A sacred museum in the heart of the city

Today, in addition to its religious function, the Church of Santa Chiara is home to the Diocesan Art Gallery, an exhibition space that houses and showcases a rich heritage of statues, paintings and works of sacred art dating from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. The works, which come from various churches within the diocese, recount centuries of spirituality and bear witness to the evolution of popular piety through art.

The galleries of the art museum, skilfully integrated with the church’s original architecture, offer an immersive experience that creates a constant dialogue between past and present, faith and beauty, art and devotion. Walking through the naves of Santa Chiara is like embarking on a journey through the finest expressions of local religious culture: every work of art, every sculpture, every painting is the guardian of a memory that spans the centuries. In this place, visitors can truly sense the presence of the sacred.

Info e orari di visita

Via Porta Antica della Città, 16, 70014 Conversano BA

Opening hours:

• 10.00-12.00
• 17.00-20.00

For updates on opening hours and guided tours, please contact the Info Point.

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

* Please note: The Church of Santa Chiara is closed on Fridays in December, on Mondays in January and February, on Tuesdays in March, on Wednesdays in April, and on Fridays in May. 

Why visit

The Church of Santa Chiara is much more than just a religious building: it is a place of the soul, a silent guardian of centuries of history, where art and spirituality blend into a symphony of stone and colour. It is the ideal place for anyone seeking inner peace, artistic inspiration or simply a moment of contemplation.

Walking through its naves, observing the frescoes and admiring the works housed in the art gallery is to immerse oneself in an intense and authentic experience. The refined Romanesque architecture, the richness of the decorative elements, the sacredness of the spaces and the profound tranquillity that envelops every corner of the church make this place an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to discover the very essence of Conversano. A journey into the soul of the village.

L'articolo Chiesa di Santa Chiara a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

The present building was constructed in the 1630s at the behest of Count Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d’Aragona, known as ’the One-Eyed Man of Puglia’, and his wife Isabella Filomarino, both of whom were deeply devoted to the patron saints.

The project involved transforming the ancient Romanesque church of San Matteo into a new building inspired by the Neapolitan Baroque style. Paolo Finoglio, one of the leading painters of the time, was commissioned to oversee the work.

Although his untimely death in 1645 prevented him from completing the work, his pupils carried on with the project, leaving behind an artistic legacy of great value.

From the outside, the church has a simple façade, built of solid limestone, which is reminiscent of Romanesque architecture.

But it is only upon crossing the threshold that one is overwhelmed by the Baroque splendour: vaults adorned with gilded stucco, vibrant frescoes, monumental altarpieces and a strong presence of Finoglio’s paintings.

Organisation, crests and symbols of history

In the past, stone coats of arms could be seen above the entrances to the church and the convent; these were symbols of the nobility’s power and of the Acquaviva family’s influence on the religious life of the village. These heraldic emblems reinforced the link between faith and political authority, but were removed following the abolition of feudalism in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, to mark the end of that rule and the beginning of a new era for the Acquaviva family.

The complex, which is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural life of the community, remains a centre of popular devotion to this day, particularly during the festivities dedicated to the Holy Doctors.

Info e orari di visita

Via San Benedetto, 20

Opening hours:

• 10.00-12.00
• 17.00-20.00

For updates on opening hours and guided tours, please contact the Info Point.

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

* Please note: The Church of San Cosma is closed on Tuesdays.

Why visit

This church is not merely a place of worship, but a true Baroque gem that preserves the artistic and spiritual heritage of Conversano.

Stepping inside the Church of the Holy Doctors is like taking a journey through time, amidst frescoed vaults, gilded decorations and symbols steeped in meaning. Every corner of the building bears witness to the community’s deep devotion, the influence of the Acquaviva family and the talent of artists such as Paolo Finoglio.

It is an experience to be savoured with keen eyes and an open heart, where faith blends with art, and every detail — from the stucco work to the frescoes, from the heraldic symbols to the historic organs — offers a glimpse into the culture of 17th-century Apulia.

L'articolo Chiesa e Convento dei Santi Medici a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

From that moment on, the abbesses became figures of great authority, exercising a power comparable to that of counts and bishops – a power described as almost “monstrous“. The clergy of Castellana were even required to pay them homage by kissing their hands.

Over the centuries, the monastery became known as the “Women’s Monastery” and its uniqueness became the stuff of legend.

This power lasted for around five centuries, until 1810, when G. Murat’s decree of suppression brought an end to this unique institution, which was described as the “Monstrum Apuliae” – the wonder of Apulia – , partly because of its unique nature and partly because of the prevailing opposition at the time to women’s power.

The Baroque Bell Tower and the Coats of Arms of Power

One of the monastery’s most recognisable features is its Baroque bell tower, built in 1655, with a striking colour contrast between red and white.

The entrance is surmounted by three impressive coats of arms:

• In the centre: the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VII.
• On the right: the coat of arms of the Counts of Acquaviva d’Aragona alongside that of Isabella Filomarino, who exercised the right of patronage over the appointment of abbesses.
• On the left: the coat of arms of Count Goffredo Altavilla, founder of the county, to which the crosier – a symbol of female spiritual authority – was added.

The bell tower’s original roof was clad in polychrome majolica tiles, which were later replaced by bricks in shades of yellow and blue.

The building’s dome, which rises harmoniously above the monastic complex, certainly does not go unnoticed. Its simple yet elegant structure lends further vertical height to the monastery’s silhouette, completing the balance between the Romanesque and Baroque elements that characterise the entire complex.

The Archaeological Museum of Conversano

Today, the monastery buildings also house the Conversano Archaeological Museum, which holds a valuable collection of artefacts that trace the history of the area from prehistoric times through to the Middle Ages.

The museum is a fundamental stop for anyone wishing to gain a deep understanding of the city's identity and historical evolution.

Info e orari di visita

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, please contact the Info Point.

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

* Please note: The Church of St Benedict is closed on Wednesdays. 

Why visit

The Monastery of San Benedetto is much more than a monument: it is a symbol of strength, culture and spirituality. Its walls tell an extraordinary story of women who were able to exercise power, protect the community and leave an indelible mark on the history of Puglia.

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

L'articolo Monastero di San Benedetto a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

Built in the 12th century on the ruins of an ancient early Christian church, the cathedral was commissioned by Bishop Leone and is notable for its majestic Apulian Romanesque architecture.

In the following centuries, it was expanded and enriched with Baroque elements, including side chapels adorned with stucco and gilded friezes.

A dramatic event marks the history of the building: on the night of 10–11 July 1911, a violent fire completely destroyed its interior. The side walls and façades remained intact.

.

Only two sacred objects were miraculously saved: the icon of the Madonna della Fonte, patron saint of Conversano, and a large wooden crucifix.

After reconstruction, the cathedral returned to its original appearance, while retaining Gothic and Byzantine elements that make it a rare example of stylistic contamination.

The facade and the three monumental doors

The façade is simple yet elegant, with an imposing gabled structure dominated by a large central rose window dating from the 14th century.

On the sides, two smaller rose windows and three portals adorned with symbols and sculptures:

Porta Magna: il portale principale, ornato da motivi bizantini, leoni stilofori, l’iconografia mariana e raffigurazioni allegoriche del peccato.

Porta dei Pellegrini: laterale, con San Giorgio che uccide il drago, simbolo di protezione e fede.

An interior full of spirituality

The interior of the cathedral captivates with its austerity. The imposing masonry and bare walls, combined with the changing play of light throughout the day, evoke an atmosphere of solemn silence, typical of medieval religious life.

The Latin cross plan is divided into three naves, supported by large cruciform pillars, which in turn support a 14th-century women’s gallery. Numerous chapels line the side aisles, housing precious works of art.

Two trapdoors in the chancel lead down to the underground chambers of the early Christian basilica: here, geometric frescoes and an ancient catacomb, probably intended for the bishops, can be seen.

Info e orari di visita

Via Monsignore Lamberti, 3

Opening hours:

• 10.00-12.00
• 17.00-20.00

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

* Please note: The Cathedral Basilica is closed on Mondays in December, on Tuesdays and Thursdays in January, on Mondays in February, on Tuesdays and Fridays in March, and on Tuesdays in April and May. 

Why visit the Cathedral

Walking through the naves of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is like experiencing centuries of art, history and spirituality first-hand.

Every detail, from the carved stone to the symbolism of the doors, speaks of a vibrant and faithful community that has managed to rebuild and preserve its greatest treasure. A place where architecture becomes prayer and beauty is transformed into an inner experience.

L'articolo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta a Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

Norba and the origins of Conversano

Conversano traces its origins back to the Iron Age, between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, when it was known as Norba. The name means ’settlement enclosed within a circular hollow“, a direct reference to its urban layout, which was protected by walls. Thanks to its strategic position between the coast and the hills, Norba soon became an important cultural and commercial centre, as evidenced by the artefacts housed in the Archaeological Museum of Conversano.

The megalithic walls: protection and identity

In the 6th century BC, at the height of its splendour, Norba was fortified with a majestic set of walls built from large blocks of hewn stone, using the Cyclopean technique. These megalithic walls remain one of the city’s oldest and most fascinating landmarks to this day.

Several sections of the walls are still visible in the historic centre, integrated into the current urban landscape:

Near the Porta del Lauro (or Tarantina), where the historical stratification is clearly visible: the medieval walls are built upon the older megalithic structures

In Vico IV Martucci, a narrow alleyway in the village where stones protrude from between the houses;

Beneath the Norman Tower of the Aragonese Castle, a testament to architectural continuity through the centuries;

In Piazza XX Settembre, beneath the belvedere, where the old and the new meet.

These ancient stones are not merely archaeological remains: they bear witness to the city’s origins, and can still be seen today by those who know how to look.

Ancient City Gate: the entrance that no longer exists

Until the early nineteenth century, the oldest of the city gates stood between the Acquaviva d’Aragona Castle and the city walls: the Porta Maggiore, also known as the Porta del Castello. It was the main entrance to the town, adorned with two symbols of its identity: the coat of arms of Conversano and a high relief of the Archangel Michael, who served as the protector of the town’s gateway.

In 1828, with the construction of the new “Mediterranea” road, the gate was demolished to facilitate the link with Rutigliano and Castellana. However, to ensure that the memory of this important gateway was not lost, the coat of arms and the high relief were preserved and displayed on the wall of the building opposite the castle, where they can still be seen today.

Today, the Porta Antica no longer exists, but its memory lives on in the stones and decorations that tell its story: a vanished gateway that continues to shape the urban identity of Conversano.

Why visit these testimonials

The megalithic walls and the Porta Antica are tangible reminders of Conversano’s long and complex history. Strolling amongst these ruins is like entering into a dialogue with over two thousand years of history, where every stone tells the story of an era, a purpose and a meaning.

They are not just places to look at: they are spaces to rediscover, where the past meets the present in the heart of the village.

It will be a journey through ancient silences and memories of stone, to be experienced with curious eyes and an open mind.

L'articolo Mura Megalitiche e Porta Antica di Conversano proviene da ViviConversano.

A Norman origin, steeped in stone and memory

The castle’s origins date back to the 11th century, around 1054, when it was built by the Normans as a military fortress. Its commanding position is no coincidence: the entire structure was built upon the ancient megalithic walls of Norba, a pre-Roman city dating from the 6th to 4th centuries BC. Even today, one can admire these cyclopean blocks at the base of the Torre Maestra, the only surviving Norman tower, which stands approximately 25 metres tall and is built from regular limestone blocks.

Architecture and towers: the defensive castle that became a stately home

The Aragonese Castle has a trapezium-shaped layout, with its four corners aligned with the cardinal points, each occupied by a tower with its own unique features.

Torre Maestra

Built by the first Norman Count of Conversano, Goffredo Altavilla, it forms the original defensive core of the castle. Massive and austere, it represents a direct link to the Norman era.

Torre con belvedere gotico

Situated on the corner opposite the Torre Maestra, it features elegant pointed-arch windows and a picturesque panoramic terrace with arches: a rare example of the transition from the military to the refined.

Torre cilindrica

Built in the 15th century by Giulio Antonio Acquaviva, it replaced a square tower. With its rounded shape and upper battlements, it is one of Conversano’s most recognisable landmarks. It was also restored at a later date, a testament to the architectural value it has always held.

Torre poligonale

Commissioned by Andrea Matteo Acquaviva, son of Giulio Antonio, it has a “sloping” structure, with inclined walls designed to withstand artillery fire. It features narrow loopholes and battlements designed for the use of cannons. Once surrounded by a defensive moat, it is now partially buried.

Monumental entrance

The current entrance to the Aragonese Castle is situated on the south-west side of the building and is now one of the most striking features of the entire complex. This entrance, built at a later date than the original structure, replaces the ancient drawbridge that once allowed access across the defensive moat, which is no longer visible as it has been filled in.

The noble transformation: the Acquaviva d’Aragona

In the 15th century, the castle gradually ceased to be merely a military fortress and became the stately residence of the powerful Acquaviva d’Aragona family. It was they who transformed the building into an elegant Renaissance residence, extending its spaces and embellishing it with frescoed rooms and state rooms, whilst retaining some of its defensive features.

Culture, art and exhibitions: the castle today

Today, the Aragonese Castle is a thriving cultural centre and museum, home to important permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Inside, it houses:

• The Municipal
  Art Gallery. It houses the famous 17th-century series of paintings entitled *La Gerusalemme Liberata* by Paolo Finoglio, court painter to Guercio di Puglia. The large canvases depict epic scenes drawn from Torquato Tasso’s poem, celebrating chivalrous and spiritual virtues.
• The Francesco Netti
  Art Gallery, dedicated to the 19th-century artist from Santeramo in Colle, offers an insight into Apulian painting, spanning the Realist and Romantic periods.
• Temporary
  exhibition spaces The castle frequently hosts exhibitions of national and international significance, helping to make Conversano a dynamic and vibrant centre within the contemporary art scene as well.

Visita e informazioni utili

The Aragonese Castle is open to visitors all year round. Entry is via the south-west section of the complex and includes the inner courtyard, the museum galleries, the towers and the exhibition spaces.

Per orari, visite guidate e biglietti:
contatta l’Info Point: +39 080 495 6517

Why visit

The Aragonese Castle in Conversano is much more than just a monument: it is a place where you can feel history at every turn. Its towers tell the story of different eras, from its Norman origins to the Renaissance, whilst its interior rooms house artistic masterpieces such as Paolo Finoglio’s series of paintings.

As you stroll through the courtyards, terraces and museum galleries, you discover the city’s noble and cultural side, in an evocative atmosphere that combines strength, elegance and history.

It is a must-see for anyone who wants to really get to know Conversano, through a tour that combines architecture, art and landscape into a single, fascinating experience.

Let yourself be captivated by one of Puglia's most fascinating fortresses.

L'articolo Castello Aragonese: il cuore fortificato della città proviene da ViviConversano.