Monopoli, a charming coastal town in Puglia, Italy, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its name, derived from the Greek “monos polis” (unique city), truly reflects its distinctive character.
Enjoy he Enchanting Old Town (Centro Storico) with whitewashed alleys and baroque details. Monopoli’s historic center is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, characterized by stunning whitewashed buildings that glow in the Puglian sun. These are often adorned with vibrant flowers and quaint balconies. Interspersed with this classic Mediterranean aesthetic are elegant Baroque architectural details, particularly on churches and noble palaces. As you wander, you’ll stumble upon charming, intimate piazzas (squares) and discover hidden churches seemingly piled on top of each other.
Unlike some overly touristy destinations, Monopoli’s old town still feels authentically lived in. Locals go about their daily lives, giving it a refreshing, non-touristy vibe with local shops, bakeries, and gelaterias. You’ll see traditional wooden fishing boats called “gozzi”, typically painted in vibrant red and blue, bobbing in the clear waters, and fishermen mending their nets.
What to do in Monopoli (10 Best Things)
1. Visit the anicient port. Porto Antico was crucial to Monopoli’s prosperity through the centuries, making it an important trading hub and a defensive stronghold. Enjoy Apertivo by the Sea in one of the most picturesque spots. You’ll see the iconic, brightly colored blue and red “gozzi” fishing boats bobbing in the water, a testament to the town’s strong seafaring heritage.
It’s even tied to a local legend of a miraculous icon arriving on a raft- and pieces of the raft being built into the Cathedral.
2. Visit The Cathedral Basilica Maria Santissima della Madia:
- Baroque Splendor: This grand cathedral is a must-see. While its origins date back to the 12th century, the current structure is a magnificent 18th-century Baroque masterpiece.
- Legend of the Madonna della Madia: The cathedral is dedicated to the Madonna della Madia, the city’s patron saint. Legend has it that her icon miraculously arrived in the harbor on a wooden raft, an event still celebrated annually with a suggestive procession in December.
- Stunning Interior: The interior is mind-blowing, with lavish frescoes, intricate marble work, and a sense of solemn grandeur. The icon of the Madonna on the raft is a revered relic within.
- Diocesan Museum and Crypt: Attached to the cathedral is the Diocesan Museum and an archaeological crypt, offering further insights into the city’s religious history and ancient past.
- Check out the Madonna della Madia Festival each August
3. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio (Purgatory Church)
The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio, also known as the Church of Purgatory, in Monopoli, Italy, was built in the late 17th century following a tragic bell tower collapse at a Monopoli Cathedral. The Confraternity of the Intercession for the Souls of Purgatory acquired land to construct a church in memory of the deceased. It serves as a place to pray for the souls in purgatory.
It may be best known for macabre imagery and mummified bodies of church members. The adult mummies from the 18th and 19th century were church members dressed in dark robes with the fiery flames of Purgatory at their edges. There is also the unusual effect of the child mummy ‘Plautilli Indelli’ dressed in a frilly white dress, with glass eyes, and what appears to be make-up. She is the only known child mummy in Puglia.
4. Enjoy Centro Storico
The Centro Storico, or old town, of Monopoli, Italy, is a place you’ll love because it offers an authentic, charming, and a very “lived-in” feel that combines history, stunning coastal views, and a vibrant local culture. The old town is a captivating labyrinth of narrow, winding streets paved with “chianche” (local stone), lined with whitewashed buildings, and decorated with green shutters and vibrant flowers. Getting lost here is part of the fun, as each alleyway leads to a new discovery.
5. Castello di Carlo V (Charles V Castle):
- Seaside Fortress: Perched on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic, this imposing 16th-century fortress was built by Emperor Charles V to defend against pirate attacks and invasions.
- Panoramic Views: Explore its sturdy walls and towers, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the old port and the sparkling sea. Today, it also hosts cultural events and art exhibitions.
6. Beautiful Beaches and Coastal Scenery:
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Monopoli’s coastline boasts numerous small, idyllic sandy coves and rocky stretches with crystal-clear, inviting waters.
- Cala Porta Vecchia: A popular and easily accessible small beach located right below the old town walls, perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring.
- Lungomare Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lungomare Santa Maria promenade, offering stunning views of the coastline, historic buildings, and the vibrant sea.
7. Rich and Layered History:
- “City of a Hundred Lands”: Monopoli is also known as the “city of a hundred lands” due to its numerous rural districts (contrade) dotted with fortified farms, country houses, and stone churches, showcasing a rich agricultural heritage.
- Ancient Origins: Its history dates back to ancient Messapian settlements around 500 BC, followed by Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Venetian influences, all of which left their mark on the town’s architecture and culture. You can even find remnants of the ancient Roman Via Traiana.
8. Delicious Apulian Cuisine:
- Fresh Seafood: Being a coastal town, Monopoli excels in fresh seafood dishes.
- Local Specialties: Indulge in traditional Apulian delights like orecchiette pasta with various sauces, focaccia barese, panzerotti, and local wines (Primitivo, Negroamaro, Susumaniello).
- Lively Culinary Scene: The old town is teeming with excellent restaurants, traditional taverns, and trendy bars where you can savor these flavors.
Monopoli offers a unique and authentic Puglian experience, blending its historical past with a vibrant present. It’s less crowded than some of its more famous neighbors, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed exploration of its charms.
9. LUZ Light Up Paddle Board Tour A guide takes takes you paddleboarding at night. You start with an aperitif admiring the sunset over the skyline of Monopoli and then tour of the coast with illuminated SUPs admiring the seabed and the marine flora and fauna in the crystal clear waters. Booking well in advance is recommended.
10. Valle d’Itria Photo Quest Tour in a Vintage Fiat The enchantment of the Itria Valley is in every bend in the road and stop along the way. From the window of a vintage Fiat 500 you will recognize and photograph the essence of the truest Puglia. Food, wine stops, farms, picnics, tastings, history and landscapes in one adventure.
Favorite Dinner spots in Monopoli:
High end imaginative creations an an elegant setting. Many of the dishes were prepared with low temperature vacuum cooking and just melt in your mouth- Via Cavaliere, 7 Monopoli
Tamborr Pizza and Cocktail Bar
Friendly and fats waterfront location on Largo Castello, near the castle
‘The Temple of seafood’ is centrally located and popular for its outdoor dining – Beautiful fish entrees -Via dell’Erba 39 – 41
Panoramic sea view from the terrace. Friendly, helpful and prepared staff. Excellent dishes and wines – Via S.Vito, 27
Pro Tips:
Parking can be extremely difficult during the busy season- Arrive before 6pm, and plan your dinners so you do not need to give up your parking space.
During the summer months, beaches can be very busy- spend the money for a more relaxing lido
Make dinner reservations ahead of time. Italians dress up for dinner
Think about renting a place with a rooftop view- Mama Mia!
