Giovinazzo
Hello Giovinazzo: a city in central Puglia
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Giovinazzo, a city in central Puglia, located in the metropolitan city of Bari. With a population of 19,373 inhabitants, Giovinazzo is a charming city rich in history.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Giovinazzo is predominantly flat along the coastline, but with a continuous slope ascending from the sea towards the inland areas. The first slopes of the Murgia hinterland can be found by moving towards the interior. The altitude of the municipality ranges from 1 to 160 meters above sea level. The town hall is located at only 7 meters above sea level.
The administrative territory of Giovinazzo includes the hamlets of San Matteo, Le Macchie, and Sette Torri. The first two are respectively 5.2 and 6.8 km from the town center on the south coast towards Bari and are mainly beach resorts rich in bathing establishments. Sette Torri, on the other hand, is a medieval village situated on a hill, 142 meters above sea level and 6.5 km from the city center. Usually frequented in the summer season, it is known by the locals for the view from above of the city of Giovinazzo and partly of those of Molfetta and Bitonto.
Climate
The climate of Giovinazzo belongs to the ''Csa'' climate category according to the Köppen classification, i.e. temperate climates of the middle latitudes. In particular, the city is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with mild-continental winters and long, hot and often humid summers. The thermal excursions are contained by the mitigating marine action, as it is often affected by sea breeze winds. However, sometimes temperature fluctuations can be sudden and significant, due to sudden showers that periodically hit the town.
In winter months, the city is often influenced by cold Balkan currents from the northeast that cause snowy precipitation, usually without significant accumulations, with a frequency of at least 2-3 annual episodes. The most recent noteworthy snow event in Giovinazzo dates back to January 2017, when over 30 cm of snow fell (wind accumulations close to 40 cm). Other noteworthy snow events are those of 2014, 2007, and 1993.
Annual average precipitation amounts to 570 mm with a minimum in summer, a peak in the fall, and a secondary peak in winter for total seasonal accumulations.
History
Much has been debated about the origins of the city, but it is certain that it already existed in the 4th century BC. A legend has it that Perseus, son of Jupiter, founded ''Jovis natio''. Giovinazzo is present in the Peutinger Table with the name of Natiolum.
Like many cities in southern Italy, Giovinazzo boasts a long and rich history of events. The city and its history are in fact intimately linked to the millennia-old culture of the Mediterranean. The city has undergone numerous invasions, starting from the Romans, Goths, Longobards, and then the Byzantine rule with the advent of the Normans.
Today Giovinazzo is part of the "Città del Vino" Association and is included in the tourism promotion program "Città d’arte illuminata" of the Puglia region.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Giovinazzo is a city that offers a great variety of landscapes, from the sea to the hills. The city can be considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Puglia, with an interesting historical center and an ancient gastronomic tradition. If you pass through these areas, I recommend you visit Giovinazzo because it is truly worth it!
