Monopoli
Hello friends! Today we will talk about Monopoli, a beautiful municipality located in the metropolitan city of Bari, in Puglia. With its 47,870 inhabitants, Monopoli is famous for its active and populous port that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. The historic center of Monopoli, dating back to the early Middle Ages, was built on the remains of a fortified Messapian settlement from the 5th century BCE. It is all surrounded by tall walls that overlook the sea.
Physical geography
Territory
Monopoli is located on the Adriatic coast, 40 kilometers south of Bari. The territory of Monopoli covers an area of ​​157.89 km² and is divided into two distinct landscapes: a flat one that stretches towards the sea (called "marina"), and a raised one that forms a kind of plateau that extends inland up to a maximum height of 408 meters in the Carbonara mountains in the Aratico district. The territory of Monopoli is particularly suitable for seaside tourism thanks to the long coastline that stretches for almost 15 kilometers, characterized by over 25 coves and large sandy stretches.
According to a 2021 study, the urbanized area of Monopoli is the third largest in the province of Bari after Altamura and Bari, and the tenth in the region after Cerignola. The territory of Monopoli is divided into units called "contrade", some of which are now included within the inhabited center. These contrade are characterized by the presence of ancient fortified farms, churches, rupestrian settlements, Trulli, neoclassical patrician villas, and farmhouse houses. The predominant cultivation in the area consists of Olea europaea and Prunus dulcis, but there are also fruit trees (citrus, Prunus avium, ficus carica) and especially wide vegetable crops. The spontaneous vegetation is predominantly Mediterranean scrub and is still present in different areas of the territory.
Hydrology, geology and flora
Historically, Monopoli had a particular economic importance thanks to the production of the so-called "green gold", olive oil. The hydrology of Monopoli is almost absent on the surface, where it is limited to lam (geology) with torrential character including the ''Ferraricchio'' and ''San Donato'' streams. The local flora presents several species that are home to animals, among which are: the chestnut, oak, acacia, laurel, olive, and almond.
What to do in Monopoli?
Monopoli is a very interesting tourist destination thanks to its wonderful beaches, both free and equipped, its historical beauties, ancient buildings, traditional places, and festivals. The historic center of Monopoli is very characteristic and is full of historical monuments, squares, and churches. One of the most important monuments is the Cathedral dedicated to Maria Santissima della Madia, dating back to the 12th century.
But Monopoli is not just about history and culture: it also offers a lot to the sea lover. The most famous beaches are those of Cala Porto Rosso, Cala Paradiso, Riviera dei Trulli, Capitolo, and Torre Canne. These beaches offer not only crystal clear waters but also numerous services such as bars, restaurants, and sports activities, such as sailing and kayaking.
What to eat in Monopoli?
Monopoli is famous for its typical Apulian cuisine. Among the typical dishes that you should not miss while in Monopoli, there are homemade orecchiette, baked mussels, bruschetta, taralli, Altamura bread, and fried pizza. Don't forget to try regional products such as olive oil, cheeses like caciocavallo, burrata, and ricotta, and local wine, such as Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Monopoli is a very interesting tourist destination that offers a bit of everything: crystal-clear sea, wonderful beaches, culture, and good food. The territory of Monopoli is characterized by its natural landscapes and ancient contrade, which still today keep alive the traditions and culture of Puglia. Come and discover Monopoli for an unforgettable experience!
