A stop in Bisceglie — The very best of Bisceglie in half a day

In the heart of Bisceglie stands the Cattedrale di San Pietro. Surrounded by the houses of the historic centre, which seem to watch over it protectively, it rises majestically, a silent guardian of history and faith. Its imposing stone façade, with one of the finest portals of Apulian Romanesque architecture, captures the soul of visitors and invites them inside, where a serene atmosphere of sacredness awaits.

Among the aisles, bathed in soft, ever-present light, the eye is drawn towards the main altar, flanked by the beautiful wooden choir of which Bisceglie is immensely proud. What makes the cathedral truly special is not only its beauty, but the warm welcome given to those who choose to visit: Angelo, the sacristan, is a generous keeper of knowledge and ancient anecdotes that make every visit a truly unique experience.

Today, thanks to the restoration project "Storia, Riti e Racconti nella Cattedrale" (History, Rites and Stories Within the Cathedral), the cathedral offers a fully inclusive visitor experience, featuring multimedia and tactile 3D installations, the "Bisceglie in Miniatura" exhibition, and ancient spaces — such as the crypt and the matronei — now open to the public, offering visitors the chance to discover the very places where the history of Bisceglie first began. 

A prestigious example of Renaissance architecture, Palazzo Tupputi was built in the second half of the 16th century, while its name is linked to the family that became its owner in the 18th century. 

Located on the corner of via Cardinale Dell'Olio and the street that takes its name from the palazzo itself, the observant passer-by can admire the diamond-pointed ashlar work that characterises the exterior of the upper floor. Once past the entrance, the Numidian granite columns of the loggia draw the eye upward towards the piano nobile, where frescoed rooms and the striking "Sala degli Specchi" (Hall of Mirrors) are found, today used for concerts, conferences, artistic and scientific gatherings, and temporary exhibitions.

The vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with fine stucco work tell the story of a residence that has hosted illustrious figures and events, including the historic "Dieta delle Puglie" — a crucial assembly presided over by the Marquis Ottavio Tupputi, in which, on 5th July 1820, numerous members of the Carboneria gathered in a spirit of liberalism to discuss, support and proclaim the Constitution that was to govern the Kingdom.

The palazzo still preserves the hiding places that allowed Marquis Ottavio to evade capture, ever defending his own freedom. 

The Museo Diocesano di Bisceglie  is a treasure trove that carefully and devotedly preserves the town's rich artistic and religious heritage. 

The building, skilfully restored in the 1970s, dates back to 1696 and stands next to the Romanesque cathedral; visitors enter through an evocative courtyard, where climbing the stone staircase brings a sense of calm, preparing the eye to be filled with wonder.

Eighteen rooms, some featuring perfectly preserved painted wooden ceilings, house works of sacred art including paintings and sculptures, votive offerings, liturgical vestments, ancient manuscripts and exquisite traditional lace.

The collections span a broad period of time, from the Middle Ages to the modern era, offering a journey through the history of the diocese.