Conversano is apparently made up of 3 separate towns but I think we mostly wandered around the oldest bit dating from the 11th to 15th centuries.
But it’s been here since the 5th century BC.
The Romanesque church dating from the Norman period was a complete contrast to the highly decorated marble of baroque Monopoli.
The tranquil cream stone with detailed carvings on all the outside doors and the individually different capitol heads inside were beautiful and charming.
The Basilica was started in the 11th century but has suffered fire and damage and has undergone excellent and sympathetic restoration. We loved the lions on the main door.
David found more at the monastery turned museum.
We didn’t go into the museum but enjoyed the humour of the internet artwork.
And found the old cloister with more unique capitols from the 13th century.
Wandering around we stumbled across the 13th century toll gate into the medieval walled city
And the castle
Every corner gave another lovely view down the stone-clad alleys
We found a nice bar for a beer – the table was very appropriate.
Tomorrow we head for the (hopefully little) hills.
This is very interesting and worthy an adventure for self.
Lovely old Italy, glorious Romanesque carving and architecture and so sympathetically rebuilt and repaoired. Good luck with the hills.