The Porta Vecchia (Old Gate) of Monopoli is one of the three historical gates of the city, part of the ancient walls built in the Spanish period, around the 16th century. It led to the road leading to the destroyed city of Egnatia and directly overlooked the sea. The Porta Vecchia was therefore also the port gate and was defended by walls and fortified ramparts. The port of Monopoli has very ancient origins, dating back as far as the 5th century B.C., when it was an important fortified landing place of the Messapian civilisation. In the vicinity of the Porta Vecchia and along the port, archaeological remains have been found that testify to the presence of walls, defensive towers and guardhouses from the Roman period, later incorporated into the fortress of the Carlo V Castle.
The area of Porta Vecchia is now a very characteristic place, with a small cove called Cala Porta Vecchia, loved for its beauty and calm waters, protected by the ancient city walls. In the past, there was a village of fishermen and farmers in the caves dug into the side walls of the harbour, known as “Villaggio delle Tane,” a sign of the ancient fishing activity that was very deeply rooted in the area.
As far as fishing is concerned, Monopoli is known for its tradition of both professional and sport fishing. Longline fishing (an ancient hook-and-line technique) is widespread, and local fishermen catch species such as tuna, cod, sardines, mullet and shrimp. Fishing is also a tourist attraction with opportunities for offshore fishing excursions, starting from the harbour near Porta Vecchia.
In summary, Porta Vecchia in Monopoli represents a historical and identity point of the city, linked to centuries of maritime history, fortifications and fishing culture that is still an integral part of local life and tourist activities.
How traditional fishing was practised in Monopoli
Traditional fishing in Monopoli was a tough and dangerous activity carried out by experienced fishermen, often without modern navigational aids. The men went out in sailing or rowing boats, later with motors after the war, and reached fishing grounds near the harbour or even at greater distances, following natural or stellar landmarks.
Village women were dedicated to the construction and repair of nets. Fishing techniques varied according to species and season: gillnets were used for fish such as mullet, bream and cuttlefish, the parangale for groupers, snappers and cod, and lampare at night for blue fish. Octopus fishing also took place with amphorae placed on the seabed as a shelter. Spear fishing was practised at night to catch sleeping fish.
The activity was often carried out in difficult conditions, with rough seas and bad weather, which put the fishermen at great risk. Some left for long summer campaigns, even to distant coasts. Illegal fishing with explosives was unfortunately a dangerous and harmful practice. These techniques and ways of experiencing fishing reflect a deep connection between the Monopoli community and the sea, with an artisanal culture handed down through generations.
Where to see Messapian and Roman artefacts in Monopoli
In Monopoli it is possible to see Messapian and Roman artefacts mainly at the Museum and Archaeological Site of the Romanesque Crypt, located under the Monopoli Co-Cathedral. This museum was created following restoration work that brought to light Messapian, Hellenistic and Roman tombs, as well as remains of early dwellings dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. There are exhibits of great interest such as a Messapian bronze trozzella, along with numerous other finds dating from the 7th to the 2nd century BC.
The exhibition route develops in the underground rooms of the church, allowing visitors to relive the city's thousand-year history with archaeological, funerary, and monumental evidence. In addition, in the area of the port and around the city, numerous remains from the Roman era are still visible, also integrated in the Castle of Charles V, which preserves towers from the Roman era.
Another important museum is the Archaeological Museum of the Monopoli Cathedral with a rich collection of artefacts found in the town.
These places allow you to discover the ancient history of Monopoli, from the Messapian settlement to the Roman era, through a cultural and archaeological journey in the heart of the city
Map of Roman archaeological sites in Monopoli
In Monopoli, the main Roman and Messapian archaeological sites are located mainly in the historic centre, in the excavation area around the Romanesque crypt under the Co-cathedral, and in some areas along the coast and near the port. There are traces of the ancient city, such as the remains of walls and road elements from the Classical period, necropolis and tombs scattered in various parts of the urban centre, as well as artefacts found during building work over the centuries.
A relevant archaeological park is that of the Via Traiana, an ancient Roman road whose route crossed the area south of the city, with remains visible near Via Lepanto and Torre Cintola. Around these sites, stretches of Roman roads and protected archaeological areas can be observed.
For a detailed map, you can consult digital resources and PDFs from the municipality of Monopoli or regional cultural institutions, which often include geolocalised maps of archaeological sites in and around the city. These documents indicate precisely the area of the historic centre with the necropolis, the ancient walls, the route of the Via Traiana and points of interest related to the Roman ritual and residential excavations.
Here are some useful resources for displaying maps or obtaining PDFs of the reported sites:
The official website of the municipality of Monopoli has a section dedicated to archaeological areas with maps and descriptions.
The digital cartography of Carta Puglia contains thematic maps with the location of pre-Roman and Roman artefacts.
The Via Traiana archaeological park is a must for anyone visiting Monopoli interested in Roman sites.
In general, the main sites are distributed between the historical centre, public archaeological areas and the Via Traiana route south of the city.