Conversano in Apulia is a fascinating village of pre-Roman origin, formerly known as Norba, founded as far back as the Iron Age by the Peucetians.
It stands on a hill with megalithic defences characteristic of the Pelasgians, and its history is rich: in the Middle Ages, it became the seat of a very important county in southern Italy, led by the Normans and then by the House of Acquaviva d'Aragona, who transformed the city into a centre of power, art and culture, so much so that it was called the “Athens of Apulia” for its intense cultural liveliness.
What to see in Conversano
Acquaviva d'Aragona Castle: symbol and fulcrum of the historic centre, a Norman fortress transformed into an elegant stately home, now housing the Paolo Domenico Finoglio Museum and Art Gallery, with artistic works inspired by Torquato Tasso's “Jerusalem Delivered”.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: a jewel of Apulian Romanesque architecture with a 15th-century rose window and valuable artistic works such as medieval frescoes and a striking icon of the Madonna della Fonte.
St Benedict's Monastery: it houses the Archaeological Museum and the “Gate of the Hundred Eyes”, a mysterious structure linked to legends about the power of medieval abbesses; the medieval cloister is enriched by sculptures and depictions dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
Megalithic walls: defensive remains in the historic centre testify to the ancient origins of the city, with characteristics typical of Pelasgian constructions.
Torre Castiglione: an ancient medieval fortification in the surroundings of Conversano, with suggestive views of the surrounding countryside.
Conversano Lakes Nature Reserve: natural area of interest for hiking and wildlife observation.
Conversano is therefore a perfect place for those who love history, art, architecture and nature, where one can still perceive the prestige of its ancient county and the cultural ferment that marked its long existence.
One-day itinerary in Conversano what to visit
Here is a recommended itinerary for visiting Conversano in a single day, optimised to discover the town's main historical and artistic attractions in a pleasant and relaxed way.
Morning
Acquaviva d'Aragona Castle: start the day by visiting the symbol of Conversano, the imposing medieval castle with its towers, now home to the Paolo Domenico Finoglio Art Gallery, where you can admire works dedicated to “Jerusalem Delivered”.
Walk through the historic centre: cross Piazza Castello (or Largo della Corte), the beating heart of the town, and continue along the narrow stone streets between white houses and flower-decked balconies. Here you can admire the local conviviality and breathe in the authentic atmosphere of the village.
Late morning
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta : after visiting the castle, enter the Romanesque cathedral, with its naves, precious 15th-century rose window and the icon of the Madonna della Fonte. Don't miss the medieval frescoes and the suggestive crypt.
Piazza della Concordia: just a few steps away is this square that is particularly popular with residents, the perfect place for a coffee break.
Lunch
You can indulge in local cuisine in one of the trattorias or osterias in the historic centre, savouring Apulian specialities such as orecchiette, fresh cheeses and local wines.
Afternoon
St Benedict's Monastery: continue your visit by discovering the monastic complex with its majestic cloister and the famous “Gate of a Hundred Eyes”: here you can also explore the archaeological museum that tells the city's thousand-year history.
Walk along the Megalithic Walls: the historic centre preserves sections of the ancient Pelasgian walls, among the oldest in Apulia; ideal for a photographic walk.
End of day
Villa Belvedere : if the weather permits, end the day at this green area located on the hills around the village, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a panoramic view.
Corso Morea: a beautiful walk along the ancient walls, often animated by local events and fairs, especially on spring and summer weekends.
This itinerary allows you to explore the symbols of Conversano and immerse yourself in its atmosphere without hurry, getting an authentic taste of Apulian history, art and traditions.
Where to eat in Conversano
Typical restaurants in the historic centre (open for lunch)
Perfect Taste
Rustic-modern restaurant converted from a tower, land and sea specialities, wide choice also for celiacs. Via S.Giacomo, 11.
Savi
Modern furnishings and artistic atmosphere, home cooking, sweet and savoury crepes. Via S.Giacomo, 26/30.
Medieval Bistrot - Conversano
Ristopub with traditional Italian and German dishes in a historic location. Via Cardinale Casimiro Gennari, 10.
The Pomodorino
Italian cuisine with simple and traditional dishes, also gastronomy. Via Piero Gobetti, 22.
The Jester - Conversano
Typical Apulian cuisine and fish dishes, informal ambience. Corso Domenico Morea.
Pugliese life
Restaurant and wine bar with revisited traditional Apulian dishes, wide selection of wines. Via Ospedale, 15.
All venues are within walking distance of the historic centre and offer typical Apulian dishes, or Italian specialities in traditional or revisited settings. Reservations are recommended if you are looking for a reserved place especially at weekends.
Where to park and costs in Conversano
Parking in the centre of Conversano is possible thanks to several public car parks and parking areas, but attention must be paid to the Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL), which restricts the access of unauthorised vehicles to some historic streets and squares, especially on holidays and during central hours.
Recommended parking spaces near the historic centre:
Piazza Aldo Moro car park: very central and convenient for walking to the old town.
San Giacomo car park: in the immediate vicinity of the main attractions and restaurants.
Via Giuseppe Bolognini : area with parking spaces close to the ZTL, generally easy to find.
Corso Dante Alighieri , Via Luigi Gallo , Via Rosselli , Largo Falconieri , Corso Adriatico: further alternatives, all close to the centre and well connected.
Parking costs
Paid parking is active on several streets and areas indicated by signs: the ordinary rates for parking on the blue stripes are generally between 0.80 € and 1.00 €/hour, updated for the summer period 2025.
Some peripheral areas and side streets still offer free parking, which can be checked on the spot through signage or by consulting interactive maps.
Please note: during the summer, the management of parking fees was intensified compared to other neighbouring municipalities.
Restricted traffic zone (ZTL) and hours
The historical centre of Conversano is ZTL, and access is regulated by automatic cameras that are active on holidays all day, and on weekdays with time slots.
On holidays (such as Saturdays) the ZTL is active 24 hours a day: if you are not authorised, you cannot enter or park within the central perimeter (e.g. Corso Umberto I, Largo San Cosma, Piazza Castello, Via Jatta and others).
Always park in streets just outside the ZTL perimeter to avoid fines. The areas suggested above are all outside the ZTL control, just a few minutes' walk from the city centre.
For special needs (temporary permits, loading/unloading, hotel/accommodation guests) you can apply for permits at the municipal police headquarters.
In summary: parking is recommended in Piazza Aldo Moro, San Giacomo or in the perimeter streets; the cost of parking is €0.80-1.00 per hour; the historic centre is ZTL active all day today.