Location: Monopoli
Top Things to do in Monopoli
- 1. Centro Storico di Monopoli
- 2. Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
- 3. Castello di Carlo V
- 4. Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripta Romanica
- 5. Acquapark Egnazia
- 6. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio detta del Purgatorio
- 7. Lido Sabbiadoro
- 8. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
- 9. Porto antico di Monopoli
- 10. Giardino Botanico Lama degli Ulivi
The 10 Best Things to Do in Monopoli, Italy
Monopoli (Italian pronunciation: [moˈnɔːpoli]) is a town and municipality in Italy, in the province of Bari and region of Apulia. The town is roughly 156 square kilometres (60 sq mi) in area and lies on the Adriatic Sea about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Bari. It has a population of 49.246 (2014) and is important mostly as an agricultural, industrial and tourist centre.
Restaurants in Monopoli
1. Centro Storico di Monopoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By Vladimir1998 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Didn't have very high expectations before going to Monopoli, as Polignano a Mare is the place that usually takes all the glory.
But the town made a great impression on us. It's a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, with beautiful white houses with green details and a very pleasant atmosphere. There is an interesting (and very odd) church (Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio detta del Purgatorio) that I recommend visiting, but other than that, it's great to just stroll through the old center and enjoy it.
2. Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By Scott M - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
There are many churches in Monopoli and unfortunately most of them are closed and only able to be viewed from the outside unless you arrange a tour of the insides ahead of time with a guide. We were lucky that the Cathedral just happened to be open for a private event and we wandered in to visit. It is beautifully restored and worth visiting with a guide if you are in the area.
3. Castello di Carlo V
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By Mike K - Phoenix, Arizona
It's hard to look at pretty little Monopoli and imagine it as a strategic strongpoint. Carlos V certainly thought it was. The reason, of course, being the harbor. Bastions were constructed throughout the area of Italy to support the Crusades and resist Saracen incursions. Seems so peaceful now. Enter the castle free and roam. Get a stunning view of the Adriatic. Sometimes exhibits are available, but information is spotty. You'll remember this place.
4. Museo e Sito Archeologico Cripta Romanica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
The archaeological site CRIPTA ROMANICA is an extraordinary place: 4,500 years of history can be touched within its walls! Romanesque sculpural remains, Gothic artworks, and Renaissance beauties can all be admired as well as ancient tombs and greek pottery. The apse of the Romanesque crypt built in the 12th century is still there to tell us the fascinating story of Bishop Romualdo's temple destroyed in 1742.
Reviewed By LarsDane - Horsens, Denmark
When we visited the place it was off season, therefore access was from 18.00 to 20.00 on Thursdays. Ticket was 2€ for adults, kids went in for free.
The Roman crypt is found in the south-east corner of the Cathedral, almost under the bell-tower. In the crypt you can see the remains of previous buildings on the site, dating back to the Roman time and all the way up to additions from the late 1700's. You can access the different zones on a boardwalk, and further information is found on laminated cards on the different stops there. Most of it was very interesting - also for the kids, but they were a bit spooked when we entered the room, where that had old ceremonial figures and dolls, used for processions celebrating different saints - they were too natural and gloomy.
I found them quite interesting, but can easily see why some can be spooked.
This is a vital part of the Monopoli history, and they are still very much in the process of discovering more about this place.
They are actually in the process right now - so do not expect to be able to go there for the time being - it's closed for the public to an undisclosed date.
5. Acquapark Egnazia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Rebecca R - Winchester
This is overpriced even with 5 euros off voucher, on web site hidden under price list only in Italian you need to print out one for each person in group!
Sunbeds and umbrella allocated on first come first served but only enough for about 10 per cent of visitors! All taken within 10 mins of opening! Not much other shade except in bar! locals take own umbrellas.
The afternoon the queues got shorter, but this is Italy so be prepared to stand your ground in the queue!
My youngest son was measured to go on slide climbed to the top and then was told he was too small so was separated from brother and sent down another slide on his own, he can only just swim! I told the lifeguard in Italian who, reluctantly got into the water up to his knees to pull the child out! LIfe guards leave their posts to take kids back to their parents leaving the huge pools unguarded there are masses of people in the water and you really need to keep a good eye on kids as the number of life guards is well below what would be accepted in most countries we have visited.
having said this the kids really enjoyed the slides in the later afternoon when the crowds had gone as a parent of younger children I would recommend Acqua Splash in Alberobello, as at least you can get a sun bed and watch the kids playing! it makes for a far more relaxed day! older kids would no doubt prefer the bigger park.
6. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio detta del Purgatorio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By avalon2020 - Cairo, Egypt
The church was closed when we visited, but just the entrance was worth a look, with the unusual skeletons and skulls carved in and around the door. (I'm attaching a couple photos.). I hear it's only open 6-7pm for mass, but if you do go inside, there are mummies on display.
It's also known as Chiesa S. Maria del Suffragio. It's not always shown on maps, but it's at the corner of Via Purgatorio and Via (Padre Nicodemo) Argento, very near the Cathedral Basilica.
7. Lido Sabbiadoro
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By Jo B - London
Their seemed to be a lot of coves that looked small and uninviting so we were glad we chose this stretch of beach for our beach day in Monopoli. Sea was rough (red/yellow flag). Restaurant was ok but did take ages to be served and...MoreThank you very much for your review!
8. Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Mike K - Phoenix, Arizona
This little commercial area adjacent to the entry to the Storico is alive with activity, directed at both tourists and locals. There are bars and restaurants and small shops. There is a small amount of parking. You may get lucky. Be careful parking on the side streets, some require permits
9. Porto antico di Monopoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
10. Giardino Botanico Lama degli Ulivi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The botanical garden 'Lama degli Ulivi' rises in the lovely Apulia countryside surrounded by aged olives trees. Thanks to the original design of garden, visitors are attracted by the natural integration of plants coming from every part of world. The great range of species present in the garden is just one of the main reasons to visit it.
Reviewed By Wiski74 - Cologne, Germany
Francesco, the guide, did an excellent job guiding us through this wonderful garden with 2000 species of palms, cactuses, fruit trees and the medieval caves with cave paintings dating back to the 12th century.
On a sunny morning late March we spend 2 extraordinary hours. Thank you for the amazing experience! And thank you for maintaining this unique garden!
A. and M.
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