Placed 32 kilometres NW far from Bari and with a population of 54000 inhabitants, Bisceglie is characterized by a complex geomorphic surface composed of swamps, old riverbeds, and about 8 kilometres of coastline. The coat of Bisceglie, also known as “The city of Dolmen and of Normans”, is shield-shaped and represents a golden oak (symbol of Vescegghie, a place rich of oaks where the city was built) on a red field. It is worth-mentioning that the golden colour of the tree is linked to Carlo II d’Angiò who awarded the city for its loyalty. In 1532 Carlo V allowed the city to impress upon the civic coat the crown, as the symbol of loyalty to the Empire. The coat is then surrounded by two branches of oak and laurel tangled by the Italian flag at the bottom.
The city is located within an inlet along the Adriatic sea and boasts a well equipped touristic harbour, and picturesque beaches with white pebbles. Bisceglie bases its economy on agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits as well as on fishing trade.
The old town, placed over the city centre, preserves many historical and architectural traces such as some houses built between 15th and 16th centuries, the outstanding Cathedral (1073), dedicated to St. Pietro, where the relics of the three Patron Saints, Mauro, Sergio, and Pantaleone, are kept,the old church of St. adoeno (1074), the church of St. Margherita (1197), and the ruins of the Castle originally built by the Normans and the Swabians, and later enlarged and fortified by the Angevins.
Bisceglie is also an important destination of archaeological tour. Neraby the town there are many dolmen burial tombs that date back to Middle Bronze Age: among these, the most important and best preserved in the Chianca Dolmen.
Tourist Office
Via Ottavio Tupputi,1
+39 080/3968554
www.iatbisceglie.it
info@iatbisceglie.it
Tourist Office
P.zza Regina Marg. Di Savoia, 11
+39 080/3925599 Fax: 080/3992534
Pro Loco - Tourist Office
Via Giulio Frisani, 5
080/3968084
http://www.prolocobisceglie.it
info@prolocobisceglie.it
Town Police
+39 080/3366611
