Monopoli

Monopoly is one of the busiest ports and populous region on the Adriatic. Its historic center overlooking the sea, surrounded by high walls. Monopoly is also known as the city of a hundred districts.

Its origins are linked to a fortress whose walls encircling the entire peninsula. From the Roman remains only the great fortified gate, incorporated in the Castle. From the tenth century Monopoly is an important port of Bari and Brindisi. Becomes city of travel and contacts with the East during the Crusades resulting in great economic and demographic development. It was during the Middle Ages that the city of Monopoli knows its peak, so as to incorporate the current city of Fasano, Locorotondo, Alberobello and Cisternino.

The origins of the name: the latest archaeological excavations show that already existed in Roman Messapica (fifth century BC) and was equipped with massive walls. Manopoli the name refers to the shape of hands that have capes and indentations of the coast city. This term is used by the cartographer Piedmont Gastaldi. In some charts in 1500 is always the name Manopoli.

Monuments and places of interest: Castle of Charles V was built during the Spanish domination (XVI-XVII century) by the sea to protect the entrance of the ancient port.

The Castle of Saint Stephen formed throughout the Middle Ages essential part of the complex and the town's defenses.

Palazzo Palmieri (XVIII century) built in the Baroque style of Lecce is a beautiful architecturally. The portal is decorated with two columns that support the central balcony and the family crest. The Palace was built in the last decades of the eighteenth century on the initiative of Francesco Paolo Palmieri. In 1921 the Marquis Francesco Saverio Palmieri, became home to a nursery and a School of Arts and Crafts. In the summer this place is home to numerous cultural events, including historical re-enactment, with period costumes, the "Redemption of Monopoly."

Events: March 19 is organized Feast of St. Joseph, with the lighting of bonfires Fanove said. The first weekend of May is celebrated St. Francis of Paola with sea procession with the statue of the saint. In the first weekend of June is the feast of Saints Medici. Monopoly is also known for the many festivals that enrich its tourism landscape citizen, as the festival of panzerotto, pancake, fried fish and other local products.