Molfetta
Molfetta - A Brief Guide to the Puglian City
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about Molfetta, a beautiful coastal city in Puglia, located northwest of Bari. With its 57,397 inhabitants, Molfetta boasts a territory that extends towards the inland of Murgia and borders with Terlizzi to the south. Come with me to discover this city rich in history!
Physical Geography
Territory
Molfetta overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is located between Bisceglie and Giovinazzo. The city has a seafront of about 3.5 kilometers to the east and the same to the west compared to the ancient nucleus and the Port of Molfetta. The territory of Molfetta is made up of the lower Cretaceous limestone banks, with laminae that furrow in a direction that is usually perpendicular to the coast. The territory has had a predominantly agricultural vocation, but has seen the establishment of a large industrial area (ASI), still in the expansion phase.
Climate
Molfetta has a particularly mild climate and scant rainfall thanks to its direct contact with the sea and the absence of significant heights. However, temperature swings are sudden and considerable due to the influx of cold Balkan winds and sudden downpours that hit periods of short duration. These latter have a positive effect on agriculture and soil, for example, the mena.
What to Visit
Historical Center
The historic center of Molfetta is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city. Its millenary history, architectural style, and its characteristic alleys make it an enchanting place. Visit the Cathedral of San Corrado, a place of worship dating back to the ninth century, the Church of Purification, the Fountain of the Sea, and the Castle of Molfetta. Do not forget to take a walk on the promenade and enjoy the sea view.
Fish Market
The Fish Market of Molfetta is a place where fishermen sell their fresh fish every day. It is located near the port and offers an authentic experience for visitors who love the flavors of the sea. The market is popular among tourists and locals and is a great place to buy fresh fish.
Pulo di Molfetta
The Pulo di Molfetta is a naturalistic-archaeological site, where you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the flora that surrounds it. It is an impressive karstic crater in the form of a dolina, with a depth of about 50 meters and a diameter of 500 meters. The dolina is believed to have occurred centuries ago due to a landslide.
What to Eat
Focaccia di Molfetta
The Focaccia di Molfetta is a typical product of the city. It is a soft, thick, and fluffy focaccia, baked in a wood-fired oven. The dough is made with flour, water, oil, salt, and pork dripping, and sometimes enriched with peeled tomatoes and oregano. It is perfect for a quick lunch break or an informal dinner.
Pane di Altamura
The Pane di Altamura is another specialty that you should try if you visit Molfetta. It is made with stone-ground re-milled durum wheat flour, water, and salt, and baked in a wood-fired oven. The Pane di Altamura is a delicious delicacy, with an inviting aroma and a rustic and consistent flavor.
Conclusions
So, friends, Molfetta was a real surprise for me, a city that has a lot to offer from a historical, cultural, and gastronomic point of view. With its charming historic center, the Fish Market, the Pulo di Molfetta, the focaccia, and the Pane di Altamura, you will never be bored! If you are travelling to Puglia, do not forget to visit Molfetta!
