Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare (Peghegnéne in Barese dialect), in Puglia, is the birthplace of Domenico Modugno. Stands on a rocky spur overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Of remarkable naturalistic interest are its marine caves and historically important are the historic center and the remains of Roman domination. Among the latter the bridge of the via Traiana, still viable, that crosses Monachile blade, a deep cove immediately to the west of the historic center, so called because in the past there stood the presence of monk seal.

The country has a very ancient history, as in the entire area of the south east of Bari, have been found traces of human presence in the hamlet of Santa Barbara, dating back to the neolithic age. In the II millennium B.C., the landing place of the Iapigi impelled the inhabitants of the villages to move into the area of the present historical center. The thriving center of traffics, was for the Romans an important statio along the track that connected Rome to Brindisi. In the VI century, Polignano was under the jurisdiction of the Byzantine Empire which he adopted the orthodox religion. With the advent of the Normans, who dominated until 1194, the prestige of the country grew, thanks also to the work of the Benedictine Monks, present with two monasteries. The Angevin domination made even more dense commercial relations with other coastal centers and many businessmen and merchants, even Venetians, elected Polignano their residence. In the sixteenth century also Polignano fall under Venetian rule for twenty years. Still today in the historical center there is the Palazzo del Doge where he lived the Venetian governor. During the Aragonese domination, commercial activities developed under the control of experts Venetian merchants. Were Erected works of defense of the country, to start from the coast. The country was often visited by real: in 1797, King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, accompanied by his wife and his son, there stood during the trip to Lecce and, after 10 years even the king Joseph Bonaparte there was received with great feasts. Abolished the feudalism, Gioacchino Murat wanted to visit the Kingdom of Naples, including Polignano, to enhance their military capabilities. He is currently a agricultural and craft center.

Despite the facing the sea and the absence until recent years of a safe harbor for the mooring of boats has not allowed in Polignano a Mare to develop the fishing tradition that distinguishes other coastal towns of Puglia. The economy of the country was therefore bound to the agriculture. Particularly note is the production of vegetables – especially salad and potatoes – and that of olives. Very famous is also the production of the typical Carrot of Polignano, also called “Bastinaca of San Vito”, a traditional ecotype of carrot, produced mainly in the rural area of the hamlet of San Vito and recognized also by Slow Food. Today, the local economy is mainly connected with the activity of tourist-receptive. In spring, the sale and tasting at the place of sea urchins animates the hamlet of San Vito.