Capurso

Welcome to Capurso, the city of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo!

Hello everyone! Today I’ll talk to you about Capurso, an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Bari in Puglia. With its 15,163 inhabitants, this town is mainly known for the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo, a sacred place of great importance for the local community.

But let's start from the beginning: first of all, let's talk about the physical geography of Capurso. This location has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot and dry summers. Temperatures, especially along the Adriatic coast, are mitigated by the action of the sea. In the table below, you can find all the information about temperature and rainfall in the area of Capurso.

Now, let's move on to the origins of the city's name. According to some interpretations, the name Capurso comes from "caput ursi," which means "Bear's Head." Other scholars trace the toponym to an ancient family name widely spread during the Middle Ages. Legend, however, tells that the name of the city is linked to the polar bear, a very suggestive and fascinating story that has made Capurso even more interesting and mysterious.

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo

But the main treasure of Capurso is undoubtedly the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo, built in 1778. The church was awarded the title of "Minor Basilica" by Pope Pius IX and is a reference point for the local community and the numerous pilgrims who visit it every year. Inside the Basilica, you can admire many artistic treasures, including the painting of the 15th-century "Madonna del Latte."

Capurso: The city of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo.

Events and Traditions

Capurso is also a very active town full of traditions. Every year, numerous festivals and events take place, such as the patronal feast of Santa Maria del Pozzo, which is held on the first Sunday of September. During this festival, the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession through the streets of the city, and then a big party is organized in the square. Moreover, in Capurso, there are also Carnival parades, typical product fairs, and much more.

What to see in Capurso

If you decide to visit Capurso, in addition to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pozzo, you can admire many other treasures of the city. For example, the Clock Tower and the Abbot's Palace, two historic buildings that testify to the rich history of the city. Furthermore, Capurso is surrounded by the charming Puglia countryside, full of secular olive trees and breathtaking landscapes.

How to get to Capurso

Capurso is easily reachable thanks to its proximity to the city of Bari and the A14 motorway. Moreover, the city is served by the Bari-Taranto railway line, with a train station right in Capurso.

I hope my article has made you understand Capurso better, a city full of history and traditions, but also of natural beauty and artistic treasures. If you plan to visit Puglia, you cannot miss this fascinating town in Bari.

Davide Neri
Wrote by Davide Neri
Updated Sunday, Jul 31, 2022