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Polignano a Mare: what to see

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare , partly located on a rocky spur in the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most beautiful Apulian municipalities, as well as a tourist destination chosen in different periods of 'year.


Polignano is located in the Bari area. It is one of those places where there is always an excuse to return; whether it's for good food, for Christmas lights or for the enviable sea, Polignano&is full of tourists ... always!



Why visit Polignano a Mare


Polignano a Mare is a rather famous town in Puglia. Here they were born: the singer Domenico Modugno and Pino Pascali, one of the exponents of Pop-Art. In addition to being the birthplace of two unforgettable artists, Polignano has also been the setting for famous films.

It was 1968 and the beautiful Monica Vitti was acting for the first time in an Italian comedy, in the role of a seduced and abandoned woman. She flanked by Carlo Giuffré, she was the face of the film 'The girl with the gun', a film shot between Polignano and Conversano but 'passed off' for a Sicilian town. Another well-known film throughout Italy, in 2009, was Cado dalle Nubi, directed and starred by comedian Checco Zalone who, between a love disappointment and another, manages to break into the world of music thanks to his mediocre savoir- singing faire. Last film, at the moment, 'Io che amo solo te', directed by Marco Ponti and Luca Bianchini in 2015. Starring Maria Pia Calzone in the role of Ninella, a woman in love all her life with a man with whom she could not have a sentimental sequel but this man will be the father of the boy (Riccardo Scamarcio) who will marry his daughter (Laura Chiatti).


If these were not already some input to inspire you to visit Polignano a Mare , let's go into more detail. The town is rich in history and nature; one cannot fail to visit it at least once in a lifetime.

Polignano a Mare

What to see : guide



Polignano a Mare is rich in natural beauty. Among these stand out caves and caps. In detail:

  • Sea Caves: There are more than 70 caves, precisely marine. All were formed with the erosion of the rocks over the centuries. To be able to visit them all, it is advisable to opt for a guided tour by boat.
  • Grotta Palazzese: Among the many caves the 'Palazzese' one stands out. The reason is simple, in addition to the magical atmosphere that a cave itself communicates, here is one of the best restaurants in the world. Undoubtedly an unparalleled location, truly exclusive!
  • Beaches: Lama Monachile, Cala Paura and Cala Fetente, are the three beaches of Polignano , the others are all distant but not far. Of course, bathing here is a must. It is a really clean and crystalline sea.

Although the main natural destinations can be reduced to these, there are others, of a historical and architectural nature. In detail:

  • Old town: although small in size, it is very picturesque. Fulcrum of a mix of cultures: Arab, Byzantine, Norman, Spanish and even Roman, it boasts a peculiarity for every corner, a reference to the culture of origin. However, the details most appreciated by Italians and even more by foreigners, are written on stairways and walls. What is written there are quotes and aphorisms that make the place truly unique.
    The idea dates back to Guido il Flaneur, a citizen of Bari origin who left his mark in writing, as well as his own heart.
  • Casa dell'Orologio: Currently the seat of a university, it is one of the historical pieces par excellence of the town. Dating back to medieval times, it boasts a majestic clock framed by a bell tower.
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo: a simple-looking church with two statues on the outside; one dedicated to San Marco, the other dedicated to Sant'Antonio da Padova. Although it looks very simple, inside it houses works by Stefano da Putignano. The best known are 'La Pietà', 'The Madonna and Child' and of course the 'Nativity scene'.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art 'Pino Pascali': Museum dedicated to the Pop-Art artist Pino Pascali, in fact you can find an entire collection created by the artist but not only. Here there are also unique pieces of 100% Apulian art and works by emerging and contemporary artists.
  • Domenico Modugno, the Sculpture: Statue dedicated to the singing artist, a native of Polignano a Mare . Inspired by the song 'In the blue, painted blue', it is a tribute to the singer but it is also a reference to the encounter between sky and sea, and to their vastness that you can see at the level of the statue or admire by climbing on the platform that houses it.

Polignano a Mare


Polignano a Mare : Adventure

Boat trips and excursions of various kinds are on the agenda. But in Polignano , in recent years, the ' diving competition ' has become increasingly popular. Officially called 'Diving Contest', an international competition that sees competitors dive from over 27 meters in height. A world-wide, adrenaline-pumping and exciting event that always chooses Polignano a Mare as its venue, this year the expected date is 25 September.


The dive is free body. You can launch from two platforms, one of 21, the other exceeds 27 meters in altitude, for an approximate total, exceeding 80Km / h for a duration of about 3 seconds.
Here participants of different sexes and ages will clash, as long as they are in good health.

Summer is already here: what are you waiting for to discover the beauties of Polignano a Mare ?

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