Monopoli is a unique city, with coves and sandy shores along the Adriatic coast, all within easy walking distance from the historic centre where the CARPE DIEM boasts an excellent location, from where you can enjoy the best of the area. It will be a pleasure to welcome you and suggest unusual places for a surprising itinerary:
Live Monopoli
Cathedral
The Cathedral Basilica of Maria Santissima della Madia is a masterpiece symbol of the city, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style over an ancient building dedicated to Saint Mercury.
Porta Vecchia
Porta Vecchia is an iconic place with a delightful cove framed by the imposing 16th century walls in the heart of the old town and offers bathers a picturesque setting.
Amalfi Church
The church stands on a crypt that local historians attribute to a vow made by Amalfi sailors who survived a shipwreck in the 11th century.
Rupestrian Church “Spirito Santo”
The crypt of the Holy Spirit is a jewel of underground rock architecture. Built around the 12th-13th centuries, it is an extraordinary example of the skill of the local craftsmen, experts in quarry work.
Castel of Carlo V
Monopoli Castle houses the Municipal Archaeological Museum.
Chiesa del Purgatorio
The church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, known as Purgatory, has a geometric representation of the Triumph of Death. The mummies of Purgatory are preserved in the crypt, including Plautilla Indelli, the only child mummy in Puglia.
Old Harbour
It offers a picturesque view, with its characteristic blue boats (gozzi, typical wooden rowing boats), close to the white city walls, some lying on wooden planks, others moored on the shore; still used today, as in the past, by seafarers, fishermen, for octopus fishing.
Palmieri Palace
The majestic palace is located in the historic centre and 'frames' Piazza Palmieri. It was inhabited by the Palmieri family, one of the most powerful and influential families that owned the many buildings and palaces in the Monopoli area.
Piazza Garibaldi
Currently the area of greatest tourist attraction in the city's old centre, due to its beauty and refinement, cultural interest and the presence of the most popular venues.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
This is the main square in the city of Monopoli, commonly known as the 'Borgo'. It was created in 1796 with the approval of the King of Naples and was built according to the design of architect De Simone.
Municipal library
Named after the Monopoli jurist Prospero Rendella, thanks to its central location, it overlooks Piazza Garibaldi in the heart of Monopoli. The library is a multimedia and multicultural place to meet the needs of a constantly evolving public, just as rapidly and continuously evolving are technologies and social relations.
Air-raid shelters
Completed in 1944 and never used, the shelters have now been completely restored and represent a monument to the memory of the war and are home to cultural events and exhibitions.