Which destination in Puglia should you choose from the sea of options? We recommend Conversano , in the province of Bari!
Why choose Conversano? This Apulian art city is strategically located: ideal for reaching the magnificent Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Monopoli, and the Castellana Caves.
Conversano is also a top choice for those choosing to get married in this unique setting, as confirmed by the bed and breakfasts and farmhouses sold out for the months of July and August and increasing by more than 25% in May and June compared to last year.
The city of Conversano is so called because it arose on the site of a Peucetic settlement, identified with the ancient town of Norba, of which remains of megalithic walls and numerous other archaeological finds have been discovered, dating back to between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC.
The toponym, which in medieval sources is Cupersanum , derives from a Latin personal, perhaps CUPRICIUS, CUPRESSIUS or CUPRESSUS, with the adjectival suffix -anus.
What to see in Conversano and the surrounding area
The two castles of Conversano
The town of Conversano is located approximately 30 km south of the city of Bari and is renowned for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage.
Why is Conversano famous? You may have heard of its renowned medieval castle that dominates the city's historic center: the Aragonese Castle .
The castle of Conversano was built in the 10th century and then over the following centuries it was expanded and modified with further additions.
It is definitely worth a visit: in the museum you can admire its towers, internal courtyards and frescoes that have survived to the present day.
You will currently find an exhibition on the twentieth-century painter and sculptor Antonio Ligabue , on display until October 8, 2023.
But moving slightly outside the center of Conversano, another visit we recommend is to the Marchione Castle , a building constructed as a hunting lodge by the Acquaviva counts, who were the lords of the house here in Conversano for many years.
In the eighteenth century this residence was surrounded by approximately 1260 hectares of thick oak forests.
Well-preserved churches, sanctuaries and places of worship
The Church of Cosma and Damiano Photo credits: Municipality of Conversano Another noteworthy symbol of the city is the sanctuary of the Santi Medici , a place of worship dating back to 1660, chosen every year as a destination by thousands of pilgrims.
Walking through the historic center of the city will give you the feeling of being catapulted back to the medieval era.
Other noteworthy places in the center of Conversano, recommended by the locals (the Conversanesi), are the historic buildings that will allow you to experience the atmosphere of times gone by: lose yourself among the narrow streets and alleys, noble palaces and art workshops, have a coffee in the picturesque squares and visit the ancient churches.
Here you will find a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, the true soul of the city center.
Take your time following the flow of the narrow streets, the intricate white streets colored by the flowers on the balconies, and enjoy the slow pace, taking small steps, whether it's a summer evening or a winter afternoon, you'll notice that in Conversano no one is in a hurry.
The two most important and renowned churches are: the Cathedral of Conversano , dedicated to San Benedetto, and the Church of San Cosma and Damiano .
The Monastery of San Benedetto has very ancient origins, and for a time was run by a female order of Cistercian nuns.
Even today, the remains of the ancient Romanesque cloister are visible, which leads to a pre-Romanesque crypt that houses a fresco from 1584: the Pietà , with the village of Conversano during those years in the background.
In the crypt, we also find one of the thrones on which the Abbesses sat.
Piazza Castello: the heart and soul of the city of Conversano
You can't miss Piazza Castello , which, like in every self-respecting village, is the true beating heart of the city.
Squares around the world are places where people gather, and in this case too, the square in Conversano, home to the beautiful castle, will be your point of reference wherever you find yourself.
It is Piazza Castello, even if the people of Conversano prefer to call it Largo della Corte , and for centuries, the life of the counts who lived there took place here.
The square in Conversano is large and spacious: you can dance, you can sing, you can even run.
This is the true entrance to the historic center, where you will be greeted, in order of arrival, by the Conversano Castle, the cathedral, and the Monastery of San Benedetto.
Another meeting place worth a visit is the Villa Comunale Giuseppe Garibaldi in Conversano, built in the second half of the nineteenth century.
It is located in a panoramic position called Belvedere, and in addition to being a lovely shaded spot, there is also a playground equipped for children.
The Villa has two entrances: one in Piazza Castello, the other near the beautiful Vicciarolo staircase (Rampavilla), the area where the city's butchers once stood and which has now become a fairly busy nightlife spot.
Nature around Conversano
Natural attractions abound: the Conversano area is rich in karst lakes, small bodies of natural freshwater that are important for wildlife and a valuable resource for the local ecosystem.
This interesting phenomenon of the "Lakes", currently a SCI and Regional Nature Reserve, is represented by 10 karst depressions that, thanks to rainfall, transform into small lakes populated by reptiles and amphibians such as the green toad and where it is possible to find the Zerynthia Cassandra, a splendid butterfly protected at the EU level.
There are six lakes in Conversano : Sassano, Castiglione, Chienna, Agnano, Iavorra, and San Vito.
It is not uncommon to encounter small amphibians, reptiles, foxes and migratory bird species, especially flamingos.
For some relief from the heat, the Conversano Nature Reserve is a great choice!
You can immerse yourself in the Apulian nature and enjoy moments of bucolic peace and tranquility.
Finally, we recommend a unique and original experience to rediscover yourself. In the Lama di Forchia district, you'll find a unique gem: the Conversano biolake , where you can participate in yoga classes and Ayurvedic treatments.
What to do in Conversano: a visit to the Frantoio D'Orazio
Except during the olive oil campaign , during the rest of the year it is possible to visit the Frantoio D'Orazio!
During the tour, you'll be able to smell the aromas and flavors of the mill while the machines are turned off and listen to experts talk about the incredible world that revolves around extra virgin olive oil.
We also plan special tastings especially for our guests.
How to book a visit to Frantoio D'Orazio?
Reservations are required by phone or by sending an email request.
In this regard, the Olive Sonore event is not to be missed : exclusive evenings of taste and jazz that will be held in the D'Orazio trulli on July 29th and August 12th 2023.
Come and experience the magic of Puglia for yourself: places are limited!
Where and what to eat in Conversano
Conversano is a fascinating and pleasant place to visit: in addition to immersing yourself in Puglia's medieval history and exploring its architectural heritage, an essential and unmissable stop on your trip must be tasting the region's traditional cuisine .
The city of Conversano, like every self-respecting Apulian town, is characterized by the production of quality wines.
The entire surrounding area is in fact rich in wineries and vineyards where world-famous local wines are grown and produced, such as the Primitivo di Gioia del Colle.
If you want to have a true Apulian experience, some of the typical dishes of this region are definitely:
- cavatelli and beans
- pasta and chickpeas
- broad beans and chicory
- onion calzone
- “brasciole” with ragù
- His Majesty the "focaccia" that will accompany practically any dish
- the exquisite local grilled meats, the “torcinelli” and the sausages
- Zucchini alla poverella (dried in the sun, then fried and seasoned with vinegar and mint)
- The desserts are unmissable: spumone, artisanal almond ice cream, pastatelle, almond nougat (with almond shortcrust pastry and cooked wine), almond sweets
