Triggianello
Discovering Triggianello: a hamlet of the province of Bari
Triggianello is a small hamlet located in the province of Bari. With its 708 inhabitants, it is divided between the municipalities of Conversano and Polignano a Mare, which are respectively 7 and 9 km away. Moreover, it is close to the municipalities of Castellana Grotte and Monopoli.
The history of Triggianello
Triggianello was founded in 1878 thanks to the local landowner Saverio De Bellis. He had purchased a large piece of land in the locality of Pozzo Triggiano and started a winery in 1880. In addition, he built several farmhouses for his workers, allowing them to redeem the property through deductions from their wages.
The success of the wines produced in De Bellis' establishment led to the growth of the village, which was renamed "Villanova De Bellis". A church dedicated to the Madonna Addolorata was also built in the village.
However, the growth slowed down at the beginning of the 20th century, when the conflict between the De Bellis family and the local authorities prevented the planned railway station to facilitate the export of wines. The relocation of the production plant to Castellana Grotte solved the situation.
During World War II, Triggianello hosted the English command.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite the passing of time and the detached houses built in recent decades, Triggianello still maintains its original layout as a workers' village. Along its straight streets, simple one-storey stone buildings are juxtaposed, which have largely preserved the uniformity of the 19th-century facades.
The church of the Madonna Addolorata, located in the town square, was completed in 1916 and converted into a parish in 1939. The building seems too large compared to the modest size of the hamlet, as it was designed to serve a much larger settlement. Its style follows the architectural models of Puglia's Romanesque, with a gabled facade and a bell tower with a clock.
Economy
Triggianello has a strong tradition in agriculture and has also developed a gastronomic vocation today. In fact, many local butchers offer high-quality meats, which can be grilled and enjoyed in local trattorias.
In conclusion, Triggianello is a small hamlet not to be underestimated, which encompasses an interesting history and a culinary tradition to be tasted.
