Bitonto

Bitonto is known as the city of the olive trees, the extensive olive groves that surround it and the oil production, which is still the most important economic resource of the city. The city is home of the first national gallery of Puglia and the diocesan museum largest in southern Italy, which in 2004 was recognized cities.

A little 'History: According to tradition, it was founded by King Bitonto Illyrian Botone, from which it derives its name. The city in the sixth century came under the influence of the Great Greek cities, especially of Taranto. Between the eleventh and twelfth century under the rule of the Normans, Bitonto experienced a period of revival from the point of view of society and culture. The city dressed in new walls. Under the jurisdiction of the court Bitonto Maggiore took off the construction of the new cathedral dedicated to St. Leo. The traditional "fair of San Leone", which takes place April 6 to commemorate the saint, probably originated precisely in the eleventh century.

Monuments and places of interest include Cathedral of St. Valentine, was built in the twelfth century in Romanesque style. The rich decoration of the central portal and the rose window with sixteen rays shooting scenes from the New Testament. Along the right side opens the Door of Excommunication, so called because in 1227 Pope Gregory IX excommunicated Frederick II there. In the cathedral are the relics of Our Lady of Sorrows and Holy Mary Immaculate, patroness of the city.

The Palazzo Sylos Vulpano was built in the second half of the fifteenth century at the behest of John Vulpano. At the family crest Vulpano was added to the family Sylos, when with the extinction of this first became owner of the building.

Traditions and folklore: the patronal festival is dedicated to the patron saint of the 'Immaculate Conception, whose devotion dates back to 1703, when the city remained intact following the earthquake that caused extensive damage in the surrounding area. This event was attributed to the Immaculate and in his honor was erected in the square of the Immaculate Cathedral spire. Deeply felt is the feast in honor of Our Lady of Grace, here also known as Our Lady of Millet who is venerated in the country church a mile from the town. In honor of the Madonna delle Grazie church is open for seven consecutive Saturdays, starting from the first Saturday after Easter, to allow the faithful to recite the prayer of the "seven Sabbaths to the Madonna".

The rite of Holy Week begins from Friday of passion around 9:00 am and the procession from the Co-Cathedral of Our running through the main streets of the city, adorned with red roses at his feet and lit by a double row of candles that surrounds. To frame the procession is the voice of the elementary school children of the city, with their voices, singing The Desolate, a hymn dedicated to the Virgin composed in the early years of the twentieth century.