The Historic Center of Polignano a Mare: History of the Cliffside Town

The historic center of Polignano a Mare is a small medieval town stretched along the edge of a cliff that drops straight into the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Its origins aren't certain, but it's thought the settlement grew on the remains of a Greek city.

History

• The oldest traces in the area date back to the Middle and Upper Paleolithic, with more numerous findings from the Neolithic
• The place name suggests Greek origins: many scholars believe a Peucetian Neapolis, a sub-colony of Syracuse, arose here around the 4th century BC
• In Roman times, Polignano was a waystation along the Via Traiana connecting Rome to Brindisi, an embarkation point toward the East
• It was fortified in the 10th century; after the year 1000 it became a Norman county
• In 1292, under the Angevins, it was annexed to the Principality of Taranto

What to see

The Arco Marchesale gateway divides the new town from the old, giving access to the heart of the medieval center. The sea below has carved numerous caves into the rock over the centuries, some quite large.

How to visit

The historic center is easy to explore on foot, with narrow lanes opening directly onto the sea, including Lama Monachile, the town's most famous beach.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Polignano a Mare?
Its origins aren't certain, but the oldest traces in the area date to the Paleolithic, while the actual settlement may date to the 4th century BC.

What is the Arco Marchesale?
It's the gateway dividing the new town from the old, providing access to the medieval historic center.

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