Discover Sannicandro di Bari

Sannicandro di Bari combines a long history of architecture and churches with a distinctive olive culture. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, these themes can help you narrow down your choice of destination. Highlights include the changing architectural phases of Castello Normanno-Svevo, several churches with different historical connections, and the sweet olive and Coratina olive oil. This can help you decide in advance whether you are most interested in local history, religious traditions or local food culture.

History across several periods

Castello Normanno-Svevo was built in Norman times on a Byzantine defensive structure and later altered during the Swabian and Angevin periods. Tours led by authorized, qualified guides explain the history of the castle, as well as heraldry and symbolism. If you are interested in this in-depth perspective, check the tour dates in advance.

The historic center dates back to the 8th century, when a community of Basilian monks built the church of Sannicandro. The origins of the center are therefore linked to the founding of a church. A much later period is represented by the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, built between 1818 and 1833. The early history of the town center and a 19th-century church building thus stand side by side as points of reference from different periods.

Churches and religious traditions

According to tradition, the origins of the Chiesa del Crocifisso are connected with the Chapel of Purgatory, which was built in the 14th century. The church houses a silver reliquary containing holy relics; it was made in 1776. During the city's second patronal festival, the reliquary is carried in a procession. The tradition about the chapel and the precisely dated reliquary offer two different ways of exploring the church's history.

The Chiesa della Madonna di Torre also has its own historical connection: it is located in the Sizzaro district near Sannicandro di Bari and was first mentioned in 1134 in a deed of donation to the Benedictine monastery of Cava dei Tirreni. The two churches illustrate different historical connections: a traditional association with the 14th century and a mention in 1134.

Olive culture and when to visit

Sannicandro di Bari is particularly well known for its sweet olive. The local gastronomic identity is also associated with Coratina extra virgin olive oil. These are two distinct connections to olives: the local sweet olive and the variety named for the oil. The annual Sagra delle olive dolci takes place on the second Sunday in October. If the festival is relevant to your travel dates, check the exact event dates before you leave.

The landscape of the municipality

The municipal area is mostly flat. The exception is a depression through which the Picone stream flows from south to north. This landscape perspective adds a geographical dimension to the architectural and church history: alongside the mostly flat terrain are the depression and the course of the Picone, further distinctive features.

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For the main travel overview: Bari.