Conversano
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 20 November 2023
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The historic town of Conversano is situated in the Metropolitan City of Bari province in Puglia and has a population of around 26,000 residents. Standing at an elevation of 219 metres above sea level it covers a total area of 128 square kilometres.
Main sights in the town include the sixth century Conversano Castle and the eleventh century Romanesque cathedral. |
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Sightseeing the centro storico
Without a doubt the most recognisable and iconic sight in Conversano is its castle; it was believed to exist during the Gothic War of the sixth century but underwent significant reconstruction by the Normans in the eleventh century. The interior of the castle hosts an art gallery exhibiting work by Neapolitan artist Paolo Domenico Finoglio and is indeed named after him: Pinacoteca Civica - Palo Finoglio.
The castle occupies the north-eastern corner of the centro storico, the historic centre while just a short walk towards the centre brings you to Conversano Cathedral. The magnificent Romanesque facade of the Cathedral conceals a Baroque twist in its interior after a some renovation work in the 17th century. With such a long history dating back a thousand years, the building has received many restorations with the most recent one completed in 2012.
The castle occupies the north-eastern corner of the centro storico, the historic centre while just a short walk towards the centre brings you to Conversano Cathedral. The magnificent Romanesque facade of the Cathedral conceals a Baroque twist in its interior after a some renovation work in the 17th century. With such a long history dating back a thousand years, the building has received many restorations with the most recent one completed in 2012.
Monastero San Benedetto
Gracing the skyline of Conversano are two majolica-clad towers, both of which belong to the 6th century Monastero San Benedetto. The original inhabitants of the monastery were Benedictine monks who were replaced by Cistercian nuns in 1266.
The interior of the monastery includes a pretty cloister as well as an archaeological museum. One of the decorated ceramic structures is the church dome while the other is its campanile: the square bell tower which rises slightly higher.
The interior of the monastery includes a pretty cloister as well as an archaeological museum. One of the decorated ceramic structures is the church dome while the other is its campanile: the square bell tower which rises slightly higher.
City wall
The most attractive area of the town is that surrounding the castle; a wide-open public space, it's home to a number of shops and restaurants, most of which have outside seating, as well as a park area with a modern amphitheatre. Around this same area and just to the south of the castle is a section of 6th century BC megalithic defensive wall next to the Porta Tarantina city gate.
Travel
Although there are some bus and train services around the area, the easiest way to explore it is with a rental car. Eleven kilometres east of Conversano is one of the best seaside towns in Italy: Polignano a Mare which takes around 15 minutes to reach by car.
Close to Conversano
Further south along the coast from Polignano is the attractive fishing port of Monopoli while inland and directly south of Conversano is another of Puglia's main visitor attractions: the Trulli houses of Alberobello, a drive of just over half an hour.
Roughly the same distance north brings you to Bari, the capital city of Puglia but try to avoid arriving at busy times as the traffic can be horrendous. The best time to drive into Bari is between 13:30 and 15:00 during the lunch time lull.
A final little aside on Conversano: for anyone learning Italian and curious about the town's name: it does indeed translate as "they talk".
Roughly the same distance north brings you to Bari, the capital city of Puglia but try to avoid arriving at busy times as the traffic can be horrendous. The best time to drive into Bari is between 13:30 and 15:00 during the lunch time lull.
A final little aside on Conversano: for anyone learning Italian and curious about the town's name: it does indeed translate as "they talk".
Comune di Conversano
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Province: Metropolitan City of Bari
Region: Puglia Population: 25,801 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022) Size: 128 km² Elevation: 219 metres Close by: Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Selva di Fasano, Bari Recommended accommodation: Hotel d'Aragona |
