Corato
Welcome to Corato!
If you are reading this text, you are probably interested in learning more about the beautiful city of Corato. Well, you couldn't make a better choice! We are happy to welcome you to our community of 46,991 inhabitants, located in the region of Puglia, in the metropolitan city of Bari. Corato is known for its natural beauty, with its position at 232 meters above sea level and its eastern slopes of the Murge.
Discover the beauty of nature
The municipal territory of Corato extends over an area of 167.73 km², predominantly rocky or semi-rocky, but characterized by spontaneous vegetation. The open spaces are interrupted by cultivated areas, mainly vineyards, olive groves, almond groves, and arable land. One of the most interesting features of the municipal territory are the pine forests, especially in the Murgia Serraficaia (673 m above sea level) and San Magno (480 m above sea level).
A millenary history
But Corato is not only nature, its millenary history makes it a unique city. The area has been inhabited since the late Bronze Age, with numerous archaeological evidence that testify to the long and rich history of Corato. Some of the most interesting findings are the Italic necropolis of Tumulo, about 3 km from the city, and the Dolmen in the locality "Chianca dei Paladini", dating back to the 14th century BC. The origins of the current inhabited center of Corato date back to the 3rd century BC, when Scipio Africanus rewarded the survivors of the conquest of Carthage by granting them various territories in Puglia. One of them, Caius Oratus, would found a village that would take his name. Over the centuries, the name of the city has undergone several transformations, but during the Bourbon period the town officially took the name of Corato.
Christian and peasant tradition
Corato was initially a small peasant community that worshiped woodland or fertility deities, but thanks to the triumphant preaching of Peter (apostle) and Paul of Tarsus, it soon became a Christian community. Corato worshiped the early saints like St. Vitus and St. Lucy, who are still honored by local tradition today. The city was also the scene of dramatic episodes, such as the barbarian raids of the Visigoths of Alaric and the Saracen hordes. The inhabitants of Corato built towers and outposts to protect the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Corato is a unique city, welcoming visitors with its natural beauty and its millenary history. A community still deeply rooted in Christian and peasant tradition, but that has been able to adapt to the changes of the times. We invite you to discover all the secrets of our city and to be conquered by its beauty. We are waiting for you with open arms!
