Monopoli

It was another brilliantly warm and sunny day so we headed for the coast to enjoy the cooler temperatures coming in from the Adriatic Sea as well as to explore two lovely seaside towns.

Monopoli has been an important port city since Roman times.  But in 1484 when it came under Venetian control it saw an economic upswing due to an increase in goods being shipped through its port.  Its success created a new set of problems as it was frequently attacked by Muslim pirates.  This forced the city to build strong fortifications over the next several decades which are still visible today.  The Spanish took control of Monopoli in 1530 but allowed it to remain a free city.  It became a part of the new Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

 Part of Monopoli's fortified walls which now protect sun worshipers as they lay on its sandy beach

 Fishing boats sitting in the protected old port

 The original Bell Tower of the Monopoli Cathedral collapsed in 1686, killing 40 people.  The current one was completed in 1693 and is over 60m (197ft) in height, totally dominating the old town skyline

The original Monopoli Cathedral was razed in 1738 due to the damage caused by its Bell Tower collapsing.  The current Neoclassical designed Cathedral was completed in 1772 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  The original church was started in 1107 but was supposedly stopped due to a lack of roof beams.  A miracle occurred in 1117 when a raft carrying an icon of the Madonna drifted into the harbor and the raft beams were used to construct the roof.  The icon is on display inside the Cathedral

The inside of the Cathedral is covered in vibrant red, yellow, white and green marble, which totally overwhelm the senses when first entering the Nave.  It is truly spectacular



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