Conversano
TOUR IN THE OLD CITY OF CONVERSANO
The origins of the city, founded with the name of “Norba” (=strong), date back to the 8th and 6th centuries BC.
Peucetian city par excellence, it was originally surrounded by megalithic walls, in a sort of circular cavity. Norba disappeared around the 5th century, replaced by the hamlet named “Cupersanem”: under this name the city knew a period of economic and artistic-cultural growth.
Ancient rock churches, charming monasteries and a rich olive and cherry trees farming represent the background of one of the most beautiful cities in Apulia.
For more information about the history of Conversano and to see some pictures of the city, click here.
GUIDED TOUR PROGRAMME
10:00 – Arrival at Conversano and welcome by the tourist guide.
10:30 – Tour:
1) SAN COSMA
(Baroque-style little jewel, one of the most precious in the South of Italy)
2) OLD CITY CENTRE ALLEYS
(Narrow strees, flowered balconies and arches, a perfect frame thanks to the artistic beauties of the medieval old city)
3) SAN BENEDETTO
(Mostrum Apuliae: six centuries of female episcopal power, two suggestive cloisters and two belfries between Middle Age and Baroque)
4) ACQUAVIVA D’ARAGONA CASTLE
(Between the 5th century BC and 17th AD; you can admire the city landscape from the high Norman Tower)
11:15 – Common Gallery: Visit to the “Veronese, Tintoretto and the Venetian Painting” exhibition.
(Masterpiece of the “Palaix des Beaux Arts” of Lille) * Until July 21st, 2010)
12:00 – Tour completion. According to the period of the year, the tour can be integrated with wine and food tours in oil mills, wine cellars, dairies, masserie and farms.