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Historic neighborhood · Polignano a Mare, Apúlia
Centro storico di Polignano a Mare
Polignano's old town sits on a rocky spur plunging into the Adriatic. White alleys, terraces over the sea and the main church on the central square.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro storico di Polignano a Mare
The historic center of Polignano a Mare sits on a rocky spur about 20 meters above the Adriatic. You enter through the Arco Marchesale, also called Porta Grande, from 1530, which for a long time was the only access to the town and separates the new borgo from the old.
In the middle of the narrow streets is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, with the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria Assunta, which was the cathedral until 1818. The church houses sculptures attributed to Stefano da Putignano, a polyptych by Bartolomeo Vivarini and relics of São Vito, the city's patron saint. In the same square is the Casa dell'Orologio, of medieval origin.
The lanes end in balconades, open terraces over the sea, such as the Terrazza Santo Stefano and the viewpoints on Via Gelsomino and vico Gualdella, with views of the cliffs and the sea caves. One of them, the Grotta Palazzese, contains a restaurant inside the rock.
In the newer part, Piazza Aldo Moro, called the villa by locals, is the town's meeting point.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the alleys and terraces.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, outside peak hours. In summer and on weekends the alleys fill with visitors coming from Bari.
How to get there
From Polignano a Mare station, walk about 10–15 minutes to the Arco Marchesale. The historic center is pedestrian; visitors by car should leave vehicles in parking areas outside the ZTL.
Tip
To enter the main church, shoulders and knees should be covered. Look for the terraces at the ends of the alleys: each offers a different view of the cliff. In summer there are boat trips to the sea caves; check departures at the port.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro storico di Polignano a Mare
What is the best viewpoint in the historic center?
The terraces at the ends of the alleys, such as the Terrazza Santo Stefano and the viewpoints on Via Gelsomino, facing the cliffs and sea caves.
What to see inside the main church?
Sculptures attributed to Stefano da Putignano, the polyptych by Bartolomeo Vivarini and the chapel with relics of São Vito, the town's patron saint.
Can you take a boat trip to the caves?
In the summer season there are boat trips along the coast and to the sea caves. Departures depend on sea conditions; check at the port or with local operators.
How do you enter the historic center?
Through the Arco Marchesale, the Porta Grande, dating from 1530, next to the bridge over Lama Monachile.