In Monopoli, if it rains, there are several indoor activities to enjoy the city and its surroundings without being affected by bad weather. You can visit cultural heritage sites and museums, such as the Museum and Archaeological Site of the Romanesque Crypt located under Monopoli Cathedral, where ancient historical artefacts are on display.
In addition, you can explore historic churches such as the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia and other churches in the historic centre, attend events and theatre performances, or visit art galleries with temporary and permanent exhibitions. Another interesting option is the Teatro Radar, where you can enjoy cultural performances.
If you are interested in educational or family activities, there are Apulian cooking courses held nearby, which are also useful for discovering the local gastronomic tradition.
For more distant indoor excursions, you can also consider the Castellana Caves or museums scattered throughout Putignano, which can be reached in a short time.
In summary, even when it rains in Monopoli, there is no shortage of things to do, mainly related to culture, history, art and local cuisine.
Which indoor museums to visit in Monopoli
In Monopoli, the main indoor museums to visit are:
Museum and Archaeological Site Romanesque Crypt
Located beneath Monopoli's Co-Cathedral, it includes tombs and archaeological remains spanning over a thousand years of history, including Messapian, Hellenistic and medieval artefacts, sacred statues and precious reliquaries. The spaces are located in Via Argento 3 and Via San Leonardo, with opening hours varying between weekends and public holidays.
Diocesan Museum of Monopoli
The Diocesan Museum houses sacred artworks and liturgical artefacts linked to the history of the diocese, including gold and silverware, vestments and paintings. The entrance is in Piazza Palmieri, and it is open Monday to Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 17:30 to 20:00.
Underground Monopoli and other spaces
Guided tours allow visitors to explore the catacombs and underground tunnels of the historic centre, which house artefacts and remains from different eras.
These facilities are the city's main indoor museum attractions for those who wish to discover history and culture even on rainy days.
Where to book the Underground Monopoli tour
The Underground Monopoli tour can be booked in two ways: by sending an email to info.monopoli@viaggiareinpuglia.it or by contacting us directly. at the Monopoli Info Point, located in Via Garibaldi. You can also book by telephone by calling 080 4140264.
The tours, which often have limited places and require booking, include a guided tour to discover the air-raid shelters and underground rock churches at various sites around the city. The tour allows you to explore the underground labyrinths, including the Romanesque Crypt and other historical structures.
In addition, there are guided tours organised by local tourist agencies, which can be booked online with a choice of dates and times, and which also include complete tours of the historic centre and the underground area.
For safety and convenience, it is advisable to book in advance by email or at the Info Point, as well as to check for any updates or requirements (e.g. Green Pass) for the visit.
Available times for guided tours of Underground Monopoli
The times available for guided tours of Underground Monopoli are generally divided into two time slots: from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00. Tours depart every half hour and are free of charge, except for the Romualdo Museum – Co-Cathedral, which charges an admission fee of €3 at the following times: Saturday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
On weekends, the air-raid shelters are also open for visits from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, while on other days, reservations are required for groups.
To book and obtain further details, please contact the Monopoli Tourist Information Point (telephone 080 4140264, email info.monopoli@viaggiareinpuglia.it), which will confirm the latest timetables and handle bookings.
In summary, visits are organised regularly in the morning and afternoon, with the possibility of evening tours at the weekend. Booking is always recommended to secure your place and the services of an expert guide.
Payment methods and additional costs for the Romualdo Museum
For the Romualdo Museum in Monopoli (Co-Cathedral), the entrance fee is €3. The payment methods typically accepted include cash payment directly on site; however, for greater security, it is advisable to check whether credit cards or other digital methods are accepted at the time of booking or visiting.
There are no specific additional costs reported for the museum, but it should be noted that guided tours of the underground section or other ancillary services may incur separate fees or require separate bookings.
For bookings and up-to-date information on payment methods and any additional fees, please contact the Monopoli Tourist Information Point or visit the official municipal website.
In summary: admission to the Romualdo Museum costs €3; payment is mainly made on site, advance booking may be required; please check directly for alternative payment methods or extra costs.
Discounts are available for groups or schools.
For Monopoli Sotterranea and, in general, for admission to museums such as the Romualdo Museum, discounts and concessions are often available for groups and schools. In particular, it is common for school groups to find reduced rates or free admission for accompanying adults, but it is essential to check with the Monopoli Tourist Information Point or the tour organiser for specific conditions and discount percentages.
In general, many tourist and cultural attractions in Italy offer discounts for groups of at least 10 people and reductions for schools, with free admission for a certain number of accompanying adults. Schools are often required to provide a certificate confirming the composition of the group and the educational purposes of the visit.
It is advisable to book in advance and ask for specific details about any discounts or free admission for groups and school groups, either by telephone or email to the Monopoli Info Point.
In summary: yes, discounts and free admission are available for groups and schools, with terms and percentages to be agreed directly with the guided tour representatives or museums to ensure the best deal available.
For further information and guided tour requests
by sending an email to info.monopoli@viaggiareinpuglia.it or by contacting the Monopoli Info Point, located in Via Garibaldi. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling 080 4140264.