All Squares in Apulia

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly known by locals as Borgo, is the central square of Monopoli and one of the largest urban squares in both Apulia and southern Italy. It represents the main civic, social, and spatial reference point of the modern city, acting as a physical and symbolic link between the historic center and the newer urban districts. The square occupies a vast rectangular area immediately outside the medieval city walls, marking the transition from the compact historic core to the planned expansion developed from the late eighteenth century onward. Due to its size, central location, and historical significance, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II has long functioned as a gathering place for public events, political demonstrations, social life, and daily urban movement. Surrounded by important streets, commercial activities, cafés, and public buildings, the square plays a key role in the everyday life of Monopoli. Its open layout and tree-lined sections distinguish it from the narrow streets of the old town, offering a markedly different urban experience while remaining deeply connected to the city’s historical evolution.   Short History of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II was created in 1796 at the behest of the King of Naples as Read more [...]

Piazza San Benedetto is a small square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. Unlike the bustling Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza San Benedetto is less-traveled and exudes the tranquility and timeless beauty of this picturesque town. The square has a calm, almost contemplative ambiance that draws visitors who seek a quieter side of Italian life. Nearby cafes and small family-owned trattorias serve traditional Pugliese food, allowing visitors to enjoy regional dishes in a relaxed setting. Sampling a fresh espresso or a glass of local wine in the square feels like an authentic Italian experience, a way to immerse oneself in the local lifestyle.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square takes its name from the Benedictine order of monks, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. Historically, the square and the structures surrounding it were central to the religious life of Polignano a Mare, especially in the medieval era.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square is framed by traditional whitewashed buildings with wrought-iron balconies, often adorned with colorful flower pots that add a touch of color to the scene. The square has the shape of a stylized amphitheater, with stands and benches, and hosts Read more [...]

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is a small picturesque square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The square is a vibrant meeting place, where the people of Polignano gather for daily interactions, social events, and seasonal festivals. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is home to a variety of cafes, gelaterias, and trattorias, where visitors can sample regional Pugliese delicacies, including the town’s famed focaccia, seafood dishes, and local wines.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II Once a marketplace in the medieval village, the square has remained the social focal point of Polignano a Mare since ancient times. In the past, the square was known as Piazza dell’Orologio, due to the presence of Palazzo dell’Orologio in its northwestern corner. Later, the square was named after the first king of the United Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II In the northeastern corner of the square, there is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta), the former Cathedral of Polignano a Mare. In 1818, when the small diocese of Polignano was merged with that of Monopoli, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta became the mother church of the village. Inside are Read more [...]

Piazza Mercantile is the most important square of Bari, the city’s commercial center since the 14th century, and today a location for cultural events. In the square, we can find the Palazzo del Sedile, with a 16th century clock tower on top, the Palazzo della Dogana, built probably in the 16th century by the Duchess of Milan, Isabella of Aragon, the stone lion, or Colonna infame, and the baroque fountain Fontana della Pigna.   SHORT HISTORY Piazza Mercantile, located close to the Porto Vecchio, was home to the Municipality of Bari since at least the second half of the 15th century, when the Palazzo del Sedile was built. At the beginning of the 17th century, under the Sforzas, the area was subjected to a renewal program, after the event of 1601, when most of the buildings in the square were burned to the ground, including the Palazzo del Sedile and the city’s arsenal. The Palazzo del Sedile was rebuilt soon after the fire and embelished with a bell tower. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the municipal seat of the city moved from the Palazzo del Sedile in Via Palazzo di Città, Piazza Mercantile retained the role of Read more [...]