Montalbano
Montalbano di Fasano: a hidden treasure in the province of Brindisi
If you are looking for a peaceful and historically rich place in Southern Italy, Montalbano di Fasano might be just what you need. This hamlet of Fasano, a town in the province of Brindisi, in Puglia, offers a wide range of places to visit, events and sports activities to enjoy.
Geography: exploring Montalbano
Montalbano di Fasano is located just 10 km from the municipal capital of Fasano and about 4.5 km from the Adriatic Sea, in a strategic position that makes it easily accessible. The area is characterized by the presence of numerous ancient masserie (farmhouses) of Fasano, transformed into agriturismi (farm-stays), and by centuries-old olive trees. In addition, one of the main points of interest in the area is the Dolmen of Montalbano, a megalithic monument dating back to the Neolithic period.
History of Montalbano
Montalbano di Fasano is the only hamlet of Fasano not founded by the Fasanesi. In 1821, the inhabitants of the Masseria Montalbano, which had become too small for them, decided to move to the territory of Fasano, purchasing land from a wealthy Fasanesi family. The workers of the masseria mainly came from the centres of the Murgia dei Trulli, such as Alberobello, Castellana Grotte, Noci, Conversano and Putignano, and their dialect is a hybrid of the Murgian ones and those of nearby villages, such as Ostuni and Cisternino.
Monuments and places of interest
Montalbano di Fasano offers a wide range of monuments and places of interest that history and architecture enthusiasts cannot miss. Among the main archaeological sites in the area is the Dolmen of Montalbano, one of the first burial testimonies dating back to the early Bronze Age. It is easily accessible by following the SS16 Adriatica road, towards the sea, in the Fasano-Ostuni section in the "di Occhio Piccolo" area.
The most important religious architectures in the area are the Church of Santa Maria di Pozzo Faceto and the Casa di Chirulli, two splendid churches that represent an example of local sacred art.
Events
Montalbano di Fasano offers its visitors a series of events that take place throughout the year. Among these, the Montalbano Folk Fest, which takes place from 1 to 31 August every year, is one of the main cultural events in the area. Furthermore, the patronal feast of Santa Maria di Pozzo Faceto, which takes place on the last Sunday of July, is a celebration of the religious devotion that the local population has for the saint.
Another interesting event is the Festival of Cats, which takes place on the first Sunday of June. During this event, the residents of Montalbano transform the hamlet into a large cat village, making it a meeting point for cat lovers.
Infrastructure and transport
Montalbano di Fasano is easily accessible from the SS16 Adriatica road and the connection with the SS379 Egnazia and delle Terme di Torre Canne road, exit Torre Canne Sud, if coming from Bari, the regional capital. Instead, if coming from Brindisi, the provincial capital, one must exit at Pilone.
Sports
Sports enthusiasts can practice various activities in Montalbano di Fasano. In fact, the hamlet offers a sports field with two stands for a total of 400 seats, where you can play football. This playing field is today the home of Savelletri Calcio, the heir of the sports title of Montalbano Calcio, which won the promotion championship in 2004-05 and was promoted to Eccellenza Puglia 2005-2006.
If you want to spend a relaxing and cultural holiday in one of the most beautiful areas of Puglia, Montalbano di Fasano is definitely the right place for you. Come and discover this hidden treasure of the province of Brindisi that will conquer you with its history, its monuments and its culture!
