Conversano
A village of medieval charm just a few kilometers from Bari, with origins dating back to ancient times. The city's symbol is its Castle, which rises majestically in a dominant position over the surrounding territory, serving as the heart of both local life and cultural events.
A city of art and a tourist destination waiting to be explored, it is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. In particular, its historic center is one of the most beautiful in Puglia.
The Paolotti Former Convent
The classes and activities of Apulia Dance Experience will take place in a unique and unconventional location: the former Paolotti Convent, just a few meters from the famous Castle of Conversano.
Its origins date back to the 17th century; today, the 17th-century cloister of the former Paolotti Convent houses the Diocesan Archives of Conversano (ADC), the Chapter Cathedral Archives (ACC), and the Bishop's Seminary Library (BSV) of Conversano.
What to see in Conversano
Located near the coast and just 10 km from the stunning Polignano a Mare, Conversano possesses a unique charm that tells the story of its ancient past.
The Castle
The Castle was the residence of counts for centuries, including Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d’Aragona, known as "il Guercio delle Puglie" (The Squinter of Apulia). He earned this nickname due to a reported squint, but was more famously known for his reputation as a wicked and vengeful man, associated with infamously "legendary" behaviors. Among these was the ius primae noctis—the claimed right of a feudal lord to spend the wedding night with the bride of one of his subjects.
The Castle also houses the Municipal Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Comunale), which exhibits ten canvases by the Neapolitan painter Paolo Finoglio. These works depict scenes from "Jerusalem Delivered" (Gerusalemme Liberata), the epic poem by Torquato Tasso.
The Cathedral
The The Basilica Cathedral,dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta and Saint Flavian, features a gabled facade and a 15th-century rose window, perfectly reflectingthe Apulian Romanesque style..
It rises at the edge of the city’s historic center, nestled within the perimeter of the ancient walls. Built upon the remains of an early Christian church, its apses face East, towards the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Monastery of San Benedetto
The Monastery has ancient origins; dedicated to San Benedetto it was founded by Saint Maurus, a disciple of Saint Benedict. It occupies a large area of Conversano's historic center, where the remains of the ancient Romanesque cloister are still visible. From the cloister, you can access_a pre-Romanesque crypt that houses La Pietà, a 1584 fresco featuring the village of Conversano as it appeared during that era.
The monastery is the final resting place of “il Guercio delle Puglie” and his wife, Isabella Filomarini, who ruled the County of Conversano for many years. It also houses the fascinating Municipal Archaeological Museum.
*foto Comune di Conversano