Bitetto (source: Visual Puglia )
This town of Apulian origin is located 139 metres above sea level, on the lower level of the Murgia Terrace and 15 km. from the provincial capital. The remains of a medieval tower and walls in the town centre are of interest. Cereals, almonds, grapes, and above all oil, are the principal produce. Some historians believe that this was originally a Greek colony named Hetium, a town that Pliny spoke of, as located near Bitonto, Palo and Grumo. It was twice destroyed by the Saracens, then by William the Bad in 1164 and Conrad IV in 1251, for having supported Pope Innocent IV. When it was rebuilt, its inhabitants added the prefix Beth to the name Hetium, resulting in the word Bethethium, which became Beteto in the local language by 1300. Another explanation has it that Bitetto derives from the word for vigneto (vineyard). The final demise of the city dates to the middle of the XVI century, due to a serious plague epidemic. It was the bishop’s seat from the 9th century to 1818.
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Murge are composed of rectangular-shaped calcareous tableland marked by the Ofanto river, the 'Messapi threshold', Basilicata and Adriatic Sea. Murge territory is partially protected through the homonymous park. It encloses an astonishing variety of landscapes: caves, sanctuaries, defensive strongholds, churches and rock settlements, small towns and big cities. Coastal cities such as Bari, Mola, Polignano offer tourists a right mix of limpid waters, beautiful beaches and an extremely wide historic as well as artistic panorama. On the contrary, in the northern part of the region Andria and Altamura attract tourists with their history and rich food heritage.
The Adriatic Coast of Bari territory is characterized by several cities overlooking the coast with their medieval centers. Apulian capital stands ashore with its Castle, close to smaller cities which allow spending beautiful, relaxing vacations at close touch with history
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Northern Murge are characterized by evocative Medieval towns, small fortified villages where that defended populations during invasions. Andria is famous for Castel del Monte, with its classical octagonal layout, built by Frederick II as hunting manor. Altamura makes a bread that puts together the fragrance of wheat and color of the Apulian sun
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia