Monacizzo: Hilltop, Valley and Historical Traces

Between Hilltop, Valley and Beaches

Monacizzo is located on a 34-meter-high hilltop amid a fertile valley with vineyards and centuries-old olive groves. The hilltop forms the site of the town, while the vineyards and olive groves characterize the surrounding valley. Spiaggia Librari and Elisir Beach, both beaches, are located nearby. Spiaggia a Taranto and Spiaggia Campomarino, also beaches, are additionally located in the vicinity of Monacizzo.

A History with Greek, Roman and Medieval Traces

Finds of vases and coin hoards in the surrounding area testify to Greek and Roman use of the area around Monacizzo. The ancient finds are located in the surrounding area, while the Basilian monks founded the monastery in Monacizzo. In the 10th century, Basilian monks founded a monastery in Monacizzo that was built over an older Magna Graecia temple. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Minerva and preceded the foundation of the monastery. The dedication to Minerva belongs to the older temple; the monastery was established in the 10th century over this structure. In the 12th century, Monacizzo was among the possessions of the Archbishop of Taranto. In the 16th century, a castle was built in Monacizzo. The ancient connections were thus followed by the Basilian monastery foundation, the history of ecclesiastical ownership and the later construction of the castle as further historical phases of the town.

Historical Places Around Monacizzo

Resti di strada romana, an archaeological site, is located in the immediate vicinity of Monacizzo. Torre dell'Ovo, a historical site, is also located nearby. The ruins in the immediate vicinity include the remains of Resti del tempio di Artemis Bendis. Palazzo Corrado, a palace, is also located in the vicinity of Monacizzo. Torre dell'Ovo is a historical site, while Palazzo Corrado is a palace. Resti di strada romana and Torre dell'Ovo are therefore located in the immediate surroundings; the Artemis Bendis ruins are also situated there, while Palazzo Corrado belongs to the surroundings of Monacizzo. This brings together ancient sites, temple ruins, a historical site and a palace for those interested in culture.

Madonna di Loreto and San Pietro Apostolo

The Madonna di Loreto chapel is associated with the pastoral visit of Monsignor Lelio Brancaccio on May 24, 1577. It stands at the southern foot of Monacizzo next to an old road junction. This road junction connected inland routes with the coast. The chapel is simply built of tuff; its only room is rectangular and covered by a barrel vault.

Opposite the square in Monacizzo stands the mother church of San Pietro Apostolo. It is dedicated to Saint Peter. A large Magna Graecia necropolis was discovered nearby and later covered again. Madonna di Loreto stands at the southern foot, while San Pietro Apostolo is located opposite the square.

Further places for planning your trip include Uggiano Montefusco, Marina Di Pulsano, Ginosa, Specchiarica, Librari, Torricella, Manduria and Massafra.

For the higher-level travel overview: Taranto.