Acquaviva delle Fonti
Welcome to Acquaviva delle Fonti!
Hello everyone and welcome to Acquaviva delle Fonti, a beautiful town located in the province of Bari in Puglia. With its 19,932 inhabitants, Acquaviva is famous for many reasons, including its regional hospital of great importance and its Red Onion of Acquaviva, awarded the "Prodotti di Qualità" Puglia brand.
But let's take it step by step and explore this lovely Puglian town together.
Physical geography
Territory
Acquaviva is located on a plateau called le Murge, which rises to about 300 meters above sea level. The terrain is flat in the northern part and hilly in the southern zone. If you travel south, you will cross the 430-meter altitude. But the most interesting geographic element of Acquaviva is certainly the large aquifer that flows underground and gave the city its name. Crossing the historic center, you can admire the beauty of the Lama, ancient river beds where the Mediterranean scrub reigns supreme. You will also find karst sinkholes, holes in the ground shaped like a funnel or bowl.
Climate
Acquaviva has a typically Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and fairly dry summers. Do not expect too high temperatures, with daily highs ranging from 26-31 degrees, but occasional peaks above 35 degrees. Summer nights are instead very pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 17-23 degrees. Annual rainfall is less than 600 mm.
Things to see in Acquaviva
Regional General Hospital Francesco Miulli
The Regional General Hospital Francesco Miulli is one of the most important hospitals in Southern Italy. With over 500 beds, it specializes in numerous branches of medicine, including cardiology, oncology, and urology.
Red Onion of Acquaviva delle Fonti
The Red Onion of Acquaviva is one of the territory's excellence products. Included in the list of Puglia Quality Products, Presidia and the Ark of Taste of Slow Food, this onion is a fundamental ingredient of Puglian cuisine. You can try the Red Onion of Acquaviva in many restaurants in the city, where it is used to prepare typical dishes such as focaccia or trecce.
Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
The Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the major attractions of the city. Built in the fifteenth century, the church is characterized by an imposing Baroque facade, a beautiful marble altar, and numerous works of art.
Municipality Palace
The Municipality Palace is a historic building located in the heart of the city. Built in 1959, the palace houses the municipal offices and a large conference hall used for events and ceremonies.
Things to do in Acquaviva
Naturalistic itineraries
Acquaviva offers naturalistic itineraries for trekking and open-air walks enthusiasts. You can walk along the lama, observe the flora and fauna of the territory, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Visit to the wineries
Puglia is famous for its wines, and in Acquaviva, you can visit some of the best wineries in the area. You can taste the local wines and discover the secrets of their production.
Events and Festivities
Acquaviva is a lively and festive city, full of events and shows throughout the year. The Carnival of Acquaviva is one of the most famous in Southern Italy, but there are many other traditional festivals such as the Onion Festival, the patron Saint Thomas festival, and the local handicraft trade fair.
Things to eat in Acquaviva
Focaccia
Focaccia from Acquaviva is famous throughout Puglia. You can taste the focaccia with the Red Onion of Acquaviva or with escarole. We recommend you try the focaccia with olives - a true delight for the palate.
Orecchiette
Orecchiette is a typical dish of Puglian cuisine, and in Acquaviva, they are particularly good. You can taste them with the ragù alla barese or with the turnip greens.
Polpo alla pignata
Polpo alla pignata is a delicious dish that you cannot miss. The octopus is cooked in a terracotta pot, together with tomatoes, onions, and chili pepper.
Conclusions
Acquaviva delle Fonti is a city that definitely deserves a visit. Its geographical position, Mediterranean climate, typical products, history, and culture make it an unmissable tourist destination in Puglia. We have seen what to see and what to do in Acquaviva, but we recommend you discover the beauties of this city in person. What are you waiting for? Come and visit Acquaviva - we are waiting for you!
