Things to do in Polignano a Mare

No. 7 of Night Attractions in Italy

Trulli, Rione Monti

Trulli, Rione Monti is one of the best-preserved complexes of conical stone dwellings in Europe. Trulli are a unique type of dry-stone construction built without mortar, relying solely on limestone blocks stacked in layers, with conical roofs formed by stones corbelled outward layer by layer. This architectural technique dates back to prehistoric times and is still used in the Itria Valley today. Originally scattered across the countryside as farmhouses, animal shelters, or storage for farm tools, Alberobello is where these trulli are clustered together. The town preserves over 1,500 trulli, mainly concentrated in two areas: the Rione Monti district in the south features approx. 1,000 conical-roofed houses, with various handicraft shops lining the streets, and many shop owners invite visitors inside to see the interior structure of the trulli; the Rione Aia Piccola district is smaller and retains a more authentic residential character, with no commercial shops, offering a quieter atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. As you wander through, you will see layers of white limestone walls and gray conical roofs.

Trullis Zone

Trullis Zone is the iconic district of the town of Alberobello, densely packed with over a thousand trulli. Trulli are domed stone houses built using a dry-stone technique with limestone, featuring white limestone walls and gray conical stone roofs, arranged in rows along the hillside. The roofs of the stone houses are often painted with symbols in white lime wash, including both religious motifs and astrological patterns. Today, most of the trulli in the Trullis Zone have been converted into craft workshops, souvenir shops, restaurants, and homestays. Visitors can step inside the stone houses to experience the coolness provided by the thick stone walls and the unique domed spaces. The district is built along the hillside with winding cobblestone paths, making walking the ideal way to explore. Follow the slope to the top, and you will see the Church of Saint Anthony, a trullo-style church built in the 1920s. The highlight of visiting the Trullis Zone lies in wandering through the streets themselves: the roof curvature, lintel decorations, and wall colors of each stone house are unique, and many doorways are lined with hand-painted pottery, olive wood crafts, and local specialties. Walk to the viewing platform opposite the district for a panoramic view of the entire cluster of trulli spreading along the hillside, which is a great spot for capturing classic photos.

Lama Monachile

Lama Monachile is a unique bay located in the town of Polignano a Mare in Italy's Apulia region, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery. This small bay, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs on either side, forms a natural harbor, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation. The name Lama Monachile derives from local legend and means "Monk's Creek," a name closely tied to the region's history and natural landscape. The bay's small but captivating beach, with its white sand and azure waters, offers an ideal spot for relaxing and swimming. The clear waters allow visitors to not only enjoy the sun but also snorkel and explore the underwater world. The surrounding rocks and cliffs form a natural breakwater, keeping the water relatively calm and ideal for swimming and boating.

Statue of Domenico Modugno

The Statue of Domenico Modugno is a monument built to commemorate the renowned Italian singer and songwriter Domenico Modugno. This monument is not only a tribute to Modugno's musical achievements but also an important symbol of local culture. It stands on the promenade in Polignano a Mare, facing the town with its back to the beach, arms outstretched as if embracing its hometown. Its pose reflects Modugno's musical spirit and the deep connection he had with his hometown. Created by Argentine sculptor Hermann Mejer, the statue has become a popular photo spot for locals and tourists alike. The monument not only embodies the memory of this musician but has also become a part of the urban culture of Polignano a Mare. The town also hosts musical performances and related cultural events, showcasing the musical legacy left by Modugno in various forms and attracting visitors to learn about his artistic achievements and the local music culture.

Centro Storico di Polignano a Mare

Grotte di Castellana

Located in the province of Bari in the Puglia region of Italy, the Grotte di Castellana is one of the most spectacular karst caves in Europe, about 40 kilometers from the city of Bari, near the town of Castellana Grotte. Since its discovery by explorer Franco Anelli in 1938, this underground wonder has attracted more than 15 million tourists from around the world and has become one of the important natural attractions in southern Italy. The cave system is about 3,348 meters long and 122 meters deep. The temperature is about 18°C ​​all year round. The cave is home to a variety of endemic creatures, including five species of bats and rare cave crustaceans. In addition, the cave also houses the Franco Anelli Speleology Museum, which displays exhibits on geology, biology and anthropology, suitable for family tourists and students.

Cala Porta Vecchia

Cathedral Basilica of Maria Santissima della Madia

Conversano Castle

Dorino - Gite in Barca