The historic centre of Polignano a Mare

Among the most traditional Apulian villages

Its crystal-clear waters are eternally linked to the famous Italian song Volare. But Polignano is more than beach, sea and “blu dipinto di blu” (blue-painted blue sky). There are countless wonders to discover in its historic centre.

You can enter the village through the Arco Marchesale, once known as Porta Grande, equipped with a drawbridge. Strolling among the white houses and narrow streets, you will come across the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, formerly the Cathedral, the Church of Sant’Antonio, and the Church of San Cosma e Damiano. Be sure to try some traditional dishes in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where the Palazzo dell’Orologio clock tower stands, or in Piazza San Benedetto. You can finish your meal with a traditional “caffè speciale”, a sweetened coffee flavoured with lemon peel, amaretto and cream.

If you are looking for a romantic vantage point to admire the sunset, we recommend heading to Largo Grotta Ardito or the Lama Monachile Bridge. Anyone who loves Domenico Modugno’s music has to get a photo in front of his statue on the seafront.

You can also go on a “hunt” for the words of Guido the Flâneur who scattered quotations from great writers along Polignano’s alleyways.