Ruvo di Puglia, in the northern Barese area, is a small town with over 25,000 inhabitants, featuring a charming historic center dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Located on a hill, the Apulian town is part of the Alta Murgia National Park. It has several places of interest, ranging from the Jatta National Archaeological Museum to the cathedral, located in the historic center.
The location (it is 256 meters above sea level), the historic buildings, and points of interest place Ruvo di Puglia among the Apulian towns worthy of a thorough visit.
1 Jatta National Archaeological Museum
The Jatta National Archaeological Museum in Ruvo di Puglia is located in some rooms on the ground floor of the Palazzo Jatta. The archaeological museum, state-owned since 1991, represents the only example in Italy of a 19th-century private collection that has remained unchanged from its original museographic concept. The artifacts preserved in the museum were collected by the archaeologist Giovanni Jatta in the early 1800s and were later enriched by his nephew who has the same name and surname.
The Jatta National Archaeological Museum consists of four rooms, one behind the other, like a Russian nesting box. The collected material comes from various locations of Magna Graecia. Local ceramics (from the 6th to the 3rd century BC) and those of Greek origin from Corinth and Attica are well represented.
Information: Piazza Bovio, 35 – Ruvo di Puglia (Bari). Phone: 080.3216848
2 The Cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia
The Cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia is certainly one of the most well-known in the region. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the cathedral is in the Apulian Romanesque style. Reworked several times between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the rose window is very prominent on the facade. The bell tower, annexed to the cathedral, is located at the rear of the place of worship, completely detached. Inside the bell tower, which has a square plan, there are three bells.
The interior of the cathedral has three naves, in the shape of a Latin cross. The altar features a structure on which the Tabernacle stands. The cathedral has undergone several restorations, especially in the 20th century when the chapels built over the centuries in the naves were demolished, and its ancient medieval origin was restored. Beneath the cathedral, hypogeal environments dating back to the Roman era have been identified. The underground environment was discovered about a century ago during some works.
3 The historic center of Ruvo di Puglia
The historic center of Ruvo di Puglia is dotted with historic and well-preserved buildings. Alleys, narrow streets, and then squares, well represent this surprising Apulian town which also owes much to its hilly location. The historic center is divided into four large tree-lined avenues called “Lo Stradone”. In Roman times this village was a “municipium”, as well as a relay station along the Via Traiana. Over the centuries it was governed by the Byzantines, Lombards, Swabians, and Normans, in addition to various feudal lords, including the Carafa. Several buildings in the historic center date back to the 17th century, including the Clock Tower. The Churches of San Domenico and San Michele Arcangelo, both in late baroque style, are very interesting. In some parts of the historic center, the remains of the medieval walls are still clearly visible.
4 San Cleto Cave
Below the Church of the Purgatory lie the remains of a Roman thermal complex from the first two centuries AD. Connected to these underground rooms is what is called the “San Cleto Cave“, which is actually an ancient cistern carved into the stone, intended for water collection. These places were also used by the inhabitants of Ruvo as places of refuge. In the 16th century, the church of the Madonna del Suffragio was built above the cistern and, next to it, during the same period, the church of San Michele Arcangelo was built, dedicated to the cult of the souls of Purgatory. The two churches were then combined into a single two-nave structure, giving rise to the Church of the Purgatory. The underground spaces below were damaged by the earthquake of the early 21st century. They have recently been restored and then reopened for worship.
5 Cantatore Art Gallery
The Domenico Cantatore Art Gallery is located in the Dominican Convent built around 1560. The building stands in a strategic position outside the city walls, opposite the most beautiful gate of Ruvo, specifically Porta Noè. By decree of 7/8/1809, like all the Regular Orders, the Dominicans of Ruvo had to abandon their convent. Subsequently, the assets were seized by the State and the monastic structure and the library, after a few years, passed to the Municipality. Later, 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 youth of Ruvo or at least that part of 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 for the use of the building to establish a secondary school. The convent later became the headquarters of the Technical School and then the female Elementary Schools (entrance via Madonna delle Grazie), the male Elementary Schools, and the Vocational Training for agriculture “Domenico Cotugno” (entrance via Valle Noè). Currently, the ground floor houses the Cantatore Art Gallery, and the first floor houses the Civic Archaeological Museum.
Information about the “Cantatore” Art Gallery of Ruvo di Puglia: Via Madonna delle Grazie, 63 – Ruvo di Puglia (Bari) – Phone:
080.9507402
6 Where to eat in Ruvo di Puglia
The town of Ruvo di Puglia offers several places to eat following Apulian traditions and, in particular, those of the Alta Murgia. A venue with a very extensive wine list (over 650 labels) is without a doubt U.P.E.P.I.D.D.E. an acronym that encapsulates the essence of good eating. The venue features several rooms, including a private one, and offers Apulian cuisine prepared and served with great care. The place has exposed stone walls for a decor that is rustic yet refined. Excellent choice of à la carte dishes at a moderate price.
7 Where to Sleep in Ruvo di Puglia
In Ruvo di Puglia, there is a good selection of accommodations, including non-hotel options. The quality-price ratio of the lodging facilities is quite good, and the location offers a good choice depending on one’s needs. Sleeping in Ruvo di Puglia, therefore, is also recommended for those who want to visit other towns in northern Bari or the capital itself, Bari.
