Between spirituality, art, and legends in the rural landscape of Conversano

Church and Convent of Saint Mary of the Island

A fascinating monastic complex immersed in the quiet of the countryside, between faith and memory

Just 1.5 km from the historic center of Conversano, on the road to Rutigliano, lies one of the most evocative sites in the area: the Church and Convent of Santa Maria dell’Isola. Surrounded by rural tranquility, the monastic complex preserves centuries of spirituality, art, and oral tradition.

A place of faith, history, and apparitions

According to popular tradition, in 1462 the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, indicating the exact spot where one of her frescoes was hidden inside a natural cave.

This miraculous episode led to the construction of the church, which still preserves that sacred site, open to visitors, where wall paintings from various periods have emerged, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century and depicts the Madonna and Child.

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

Architecture, cloisters, and noble heritage

On the outside, the church presents simple and sober lines, but upon entering, one discovers a richness of historical elements layered over time. The façade is dominated by a late Gothic pointed-arch portal, topped by remnants of a 17th-century fresco.

The complex includes 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, houses a well with an 18th-century wrought-iron grille, enhancing its charm and artistic value.

In 1523, the complex was enriched with an important 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 preserved in the choir of the church.

This masterpiece of the late Renaissance consists of three superimposed levels, adorned with the cardinal and theological Virtues, saints, putti, and the figures of the Acquaviva spouses reclining in Franciscan attire.

In 1530, the Franciscans expanded the structure, adding a second nave on the northeast side, as evidenced by a date engraved on one of the vaults.

ℹ️ Info

📍Via Santa Rita, 7, 70014 Conversano BA

🕰 Visiting Hours

For guided tours and up-to-date information on access and opening hours, you can contact the Pro Loco of Conversano.

For any information, contact the Info Point.

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

Perché visitarla

Visiting the Church and Convent of Santa Maria dell’Isola means immersing yourself in a world suspended between history and legend. Every stone, every fresco, every cloister tells a story of faith, power, and art that has spanned the centuries.

The beauty of the site lies not only in its architecture or artworks, but also in the powerful suggestion of the surrounding landscape, in the spirituality of the miraculous cave, and in the living presence of collective memory.

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

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