Spending a Sunday in Monopoli means immersing yourself in art, culture and authentic Apulian cuisine. Here is an SEO-optimised guide on things to do, where to have lunch or dinner with meat or fish, and where to attend Mass.
Morning:
Start your day in the heart of the historic centre by visiting the Basilica della Madia, a symbolic monument and the main place to attend Sunday mass. The basilica, with its majestic dome, crypt and works of art, offers not only a spiritual experience but also a glimpse into local history. Mass times vary, but are generally held in the late morning and afternoon.
After the service, stroll through the white streets and lively squares of the old town, stopping for a coffee in one of the cosy bars overlooking the harbour or Piazza Palmieri.
Afternoon:
Admire the Castle of Charles V and the old harbour with its traditional fishing boats.
Take a stroll along the seafront to Bastione Santa Maria, where you can take some splendid panoramic photographs.
During the season, take advantage of the city beaches such as Cala Porta Vecchia for a swim or a stroll among the sandy coves.
Possible alternatives:
Discover the underground shelters of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, visit historic farms in the surrounding area, or take part in cultural events or guided excursions.
Where to eat meat or fish in Monopoli:
For an unforgettable lunch or dinner break, do traditional dishes, Monopoli offers excellent seafood restaurants and meat specialities click here
Where to park in the centre of Monopoli
There are both free and paid parking options in the centre of Monopoli, with some particularly convenient options thanks to the free shuttle service to the centre.
Free parking with shuttle service:
From 20 April 2025, a free Park and Ride service will be available to facilitate parking during holidays and periods of high traffic.
The main areas are in Via Cosimo Pisonio and Via Ippolito Nievo, not exactly in the centre but connected by frequent shuttle buses (every 10 minutes) that take you to Via Cialdini, very close to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the historic centre.
There is also a car park at the former Saint Scie, with around 260 spaces, which is also connected by a free shuttle bus during peak hours, particularly useful in the summer months.
Paid parking:
The closest car park to the city centre is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, with 118 spaces. It is privately managed, unguarded and has spaces reserved for disabled people.
The historic centre of Monopoli usually has many paid parking areas, mainly on access roads and in the immediate vicinity of the most popular tourist attractions.
Practical tip: On weekends and during high season, it is very convenient to leave your car in free car parks on the outskirts (with shuttle service) to avoid the stress of finding a parking space in the historic centre, and enjoy the walk from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II to the harbour and places of interest (including the Basilica for Mass).
This will ensure that your trip to Monopoli is enjoyable and hassle-free when it comes to parking.
Beware of penalties
Restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the historic centre of Monopoli are in place to reduce traffic, improve liveability and preserve the urban heritage. Access and parking in the ZTL are regulated, with permits issued by the municipality to residents, employees and authorised categories. Anyone accessing or parking without authorisation risks administrative penalties.
Penalties for violating ZTL rules and parking restrictions generally range from €80 to €335. The control system is automated using cameras that detect number plates, and fines are sent to the vehicle owner. There is a minimum tolerance (e.g. 6 minutes for hourly tickets), beyond which fines are issued. In the event of multiple offences in the same ZTL within 24 hours, only one fine is issued.
From a practical point of view:
It is forbidden to enter, stop or transit in the ZTL without authorisation during the hours of operation.
Those with valid permits may drive and park in the reserved areas.
Failure to comply with the rules will result in a fine and possible points being deducted from your driving licence.
For detailed information and permit applications, the Municipality of Monopoli provides forms for authorisation to transit and park in the ZTL and restricted traffic areas.
In summary, complying with the ZTL avoids penalties and ensures better enjoyment of the historic centre, which is mainly pedestrianised and reserved for authorised vehicles.