Ruvo  di  Puglia​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Ruvo di Puglia
Ruvo di Puglia itself has very few established hotels, with much of the local accommodation consisting of B&Bs and agriturismi. For hotel-standard stays, the wider Province of Bari provides stronger and more reliable choices, particularly in Bari and Giovinazzo.
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In Bari, iH Grande Albergo delle Nazioni is a seafront hotel with stylish rooms, a pool and consistently strong reviews for both comfort and service (€€€). In Giovinazzo, Hotel Riva del Sole offers a resort-style stay with direct beach access, pools and good feedback for family facilities and dining (€€). Another option in Bari is Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci, set in a historic villa with gardens, a pool and positive ratings for both leisure and business guests (€€).

Where is

Where is Ruvo di Puglia?
The historic town of Ruvo di Puglia is situated within the Metropolitan City of Bari province and has a population of around 25,000 residents.

It stands at an elevation of 240 metres above sea level while nearby places of interest include Bitonto, Alta Murgia National Park, Molfetta and Bari.
Comune di Ruvo di Puglia
Province: Metropolitan City of Bari

Region: Puglia

Population: 24,354 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 221 km²

Elevation: 240 metres

​Close by: Bitonto, Alta Murgia National Park, Molfetta, Bari

Recommended accommodation: B&B Casa Rubis

What People Ask About Ruvo di Puglia, Puglia

Is Ruvo di Puglia worth visiting?
Yes, Ruvo di Puglia is worth visiting for its Romanesque cathedral, archaeological museum, and historic streets. It is a traditional town on the Murgia plateau, combining cultural heritage with local food and wine traditions.
How do I get to Ruvo di Puglia?
Ruvo di Puglia has its own train station on the Bari–Barletta line operated by Ferrotramviaria. By car, it is accessible via the SS16 Adriatic route and SP231 inland road. Bari Airport is about 30 minutes away.
What are the main attractions in Ruvo di Puglia?
The Cathedral of Ruvo, a prime example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, is the main landmark. The Jatta National Archaeological Museum houses important Greek vases. The old town is filled with medieval lanes, churches, and palazzi.
What is Ruvo di Puglia known for?
Ruvo is known for its archaeological heritage, with discoveries from Magna Graecia displayed locally and in international museums. It is also recognised for wine production, olive oil, and traditional religious festivals.
Are there natural parks near Ruvo di Puglia?
Yes, the Alta Murgia National Park is close to Ruvo di Puglia. The park is known for its karst landscapes, historic farms, and open countryside, ideal for walking, cycling, and nature excursions.
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Discover

Discover Ruvo di Puglia
Ruvo di Puglia is a historic town in northern Apulia, set on the edge of the Alta Murgia National Park. The town’s elevated position gives wide views over the surrounding plains and olive groves, while its layout of narrow streets, archways, and small courtyards reflects its medieval origins. Known for its strong agricultural traditions and deep-rooted history, Ruvo di Puglia combines the character of a rural settlement with the architectural heritage of a former diocesan centre.
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The town is dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the finest examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture, with its elegant rose window and finely carved façade. Ruvo di Puglia also houses the Jatta National Archaeological Museum, which preserves an important collection of artefacts from nearby tombs and ancient settlements. Its location near Andria, Bitonto, and Molfetta places it within an area rich in both cultural and natural attractions, offering visitors a strong sense of Apulia’s historical landscape.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Ruvo di Puglia
  • Centro Storico di Ruvo di Puglia lies woven around winding lanes, its streets meandering among stone palaces, medieval arches, and hidden courtyards paved in pale limestone. The town radiates quiet elegance, with noble façades and glimpses of lively piazzas. Small alleys reveal artisan workshops and ancient walls. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and local life breathe side by side.
  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands as Ruvo’s architectural jewel, a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque style with an intricate façade and towering bell campanile. Inside are sculpted capitals, frescoed chapels, and crypts filled with medieval relics. The cathedral has long anchored Ruvo’s spiritual life. It remains a proud symbol of the town’s artistic heritage.
  • Museo Jatta houses one of Italy’s finest private collections of ancient pottery and archaeological treasures. Elegant display cases reveal Greek vases, painted ceramics, and artefacts from the Peucetian civilisation. Each piece tells part of Ruvo’s ancient story. The museum reflects the town’s deep cultural roots.
  • Piazza Matteotti serves as Ruvo di Puglia’s vibrant heart, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and bustling markets. The square hosts festivals, concerts, and local gatherings under Apulian skies. Cobblestones and cathedral views create classic charm. It’s the perfect place to savour the rhythm of life in Ruvo di Puglia.
  • Guided historical and cultural tours in Ruvo di Puglia lead visitors through medieval streets, noble palaces, and ancient archaeological sites. Local guides share tales of Roman origins, noble families, and artisan traditions. Tours often include tastings of local olive oil, cheeses, and Puglian wines. Exploring reveals Ruvo’s blend of monumental history, artistry, and authentic regional spirit.

Tours and Activities

Ruvo di Puglia Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia

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3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Ruvo di Puglia
By Rail: Ruvo di Puglia has its own train station on the Bari–Barletta line, operated by Ferrotramviaria. Regular regional services connect the town to Bari Centrale in around 35 minutes and to Barletta in about 40 minutes. The station is within walking distance of the historic centre, providing convenient access to local amenities and accommodation.

By Road: Ruvo di Puglia is located about 35 kilometres northwest of Bari, with a driving time of roughly 40 minutes via the SP231 road. From Trani, the journey covers around 25 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes. Public parking areas can be found near the town centre and close to the train station.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Situated approximately 30 kilometres east of Ruvo di Puglia, with a drive of about 35 minutes via the SP231. This is the most convenient airport, offering extensive domestic and international connections.
  • Brindisi Salento Airport: Located roughly 145 kilometres southeast of Ruvo di Puglia, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes by car via the SS16. It provides additional flight options for visitors arriving from across Europe.

Private Transfers

Ruvo di Puglia Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel to or from Ruvo di Puglia, allowing you to be collected from your chosen location and driven directly to your destination by a professional local driver. It’s a flexible option for those who prefer not to rely on public transport or drive themselves.

Both Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Airport are well connected by road, making private transfers a practical choice for both arrivals and departures. It’s also possible to arrange transfers to nearby towns such as Trani, Andria, and Molfetta, or to other destinations across Puglia for onward travel.
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