Ruvo di Puglia, in the north of Bari, is a town of over 25 thousand inhabitants, with a lovely historic center dating back to between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Located on a hill, the Apulian town is part of Alta Murgia National Park. It features several places of interest, starting from Jatta national archaeological museum up to cathedral, located in the historic center.
The location (it is 256 meters above sea level), the historic buildings, the points of interest, place Ruvo di Puglia among the Apulian towns worthy of a thorough visit.
1 Jatta National Archaeological Museum
Il Jatta National Archaeological Museum of Ruvo di Puglia is located in some rooms, on the ground floor, of the Jatta Palace. The archaeological museum, state-owned since 1991, represents the only example in Italy of a nineteenth-century private collection that has remained unchanged from the original museographic concept. The finds preserved in the museum were collected by the archaeologist Giovanni Jatta in the early nineteenth century, it was subsequently enriched by his nephew who bears the same name and surname.
Il Jatta National Archaeological Museum it consists of four rooms, one behind the other, like a Chinese box. The material collected comes from different locations in Magna Greece. Local ceramics (from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXrd century BC) and those of Greek origin from Corinth and Attica are widely represented.
Information: Piazza Bovio, 35 – Ruvo di Puglia (Bari). Telephone: 080.3216848
2 The Cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia
La Cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia it is certainly one of the best known in the region. Dedicated to Madonna Assumption into Heaven, the cathedral is in Apulian Romanesque style. Remodeled several times between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the rose window is very present on the façade. The bell tower, annexed to the cathedral, appears at the rear of the place of worship, completely detached. Inside the bell tower, with a square plan, there are three bells.
The interior of the cathedral has three naves, in the shape of a Latin cross. The altar has a structure on which the Tabernaculum. The cathedral has undergone several restorations, especially in the XNUMXth century when the chapels built over the centuries in the naves were demolished and the ancient medieval origins of the place of worship were brought back. Below the cathedral, underground rooms dating back to Roman times have been identified. The underlying environment was discovered about a century ago, during some works.
3 The historic center of Ruvo di Puglia
Il historic center of Ruvo di Puglia It is dotted with historic and well-preserved buildings. Alleys, narrow streets and then squares, well represent this surprising Apulian region which also owes its hilly position. The historic center is divided into four large tree-lined avenues which take the name of "Lo Stradone". In Roman times this village was a "municipium", as well as a post station along the Via Traiana. Over the centuries it was governed by the Byzantines, the Lombards, the Swabians and the Normans, as well as various feudal lords, including the Carafe. Several buildings in the historic center are from the XNUMXth century, including the Clock tower. Very interesting Churches of San Domenico and Saint Michael the Archangel, both in style late baroque. In some parts of the historic center the remains of the medieval walls are still clearly visible.
4 Cave of San Cleto
Below the Church of Purgatory are the remains of a Roman thermal plant from the first two centuries AD. Connected to these underground environments is what is called "Cave of San Cleto” which is actually an ancient cistern dug into the stone, responsible for collecting water. These places were also used by the inhabitants of Ruvo as places of escape. In the XNUMXth century the church of the Madonna of the Suffrage above the cistern and, next to it, the church of Saint Michael the Archangel, dedicated to cult of the souls in Purgatory. The two churches were then joined into just two naves, giving life to the Church of the Purgatory. The rooms of the hypogeum, below, were damaged by the earthquake of the early XNUMXst century. They underwent a recent restoration and were then reopened for worship.
5 Cantatore Art Gallery
The Domenico Cantatore Art Gallery is located in the Dominican Convent built around 1560. The building is located in a strategic position outside the city walls, opposite the most beautiful gate in Ruvo, namely Porta Noè. With the decree of 7/8/1809, like all regular Orders, the Dominicans of Ruvo had to abandon their convent. Subsequently, the assets were confiscated by the State and the monastic structure and the library, after a few years, passed to the Municipality. Subsequently, at the request of the Bishop of the time and with the Royal Rescript of 1819, the Piarists took possession of the convent, who were entrusted with the education of the Ruvestina youth or at least that part of the young people coming from more or less wealthy families. With the law of 11/7/1866 the Piarists also had to leave the Convent and the Municipality asked the Government to use the structure to establish a secondary school. The convent will then be home to the Technical School and subsequently to the female elementary schools (entrance via Madonna delle Grazie), the male elementary schools and the “Domenico Cotugno” professional training for agriculture (entrance via Valle Noè). Currently the ground floor is home to the Cantatore Art Gallery and the first floor is home to the Civic Archaeological Museum.
Information on the “Cantatore” art gallery in Ruvo di Puglia: Via Madonna delle Grazie, 63 – Ruvo di Puglia (Bari) – Telephone:
080.9507402
6 Where to eat in Ruvo di Puglia
The village of Ruvo di Puglia offers several places where you can eat according to Apulian traditions and, in particular, fromHigh Murgia. A place with a very large wine list (over 650 labels) without a doubt UPEPIDDE an acronym that brings together the essence of good eating. The restaurant has several rooms, including a private room and offers Apulian cuisine prepared and served with great care. The restaurant has exposed stone for a decor between rustic and refined. Excellent choice of à la carte dishes for an average price.
7 Where to sleep in Ruvo di Puglia
In Ruvo di Puglia there is a good offer of accommodation, including non-hotel accommodation. The quality/price ratio of the accommodation facilities is quite good and the location offers a good choice, depending on your needs. Sleeping in Ruvo di Puglia, therefore, it is also recommended for those who want to visit the other towns in the north of Bari or the capital itself, Bari.
