Importante architectural complex built in the 10th century, the Monastery of St. Benedict houses rich art testimonies, a medieval cloister (11th-13th century) with a trapezoidal shape and carved capitals, mosaic decorations, and various conventual structures. The history of this monastery is very unique, famous for its denomination as Monstrum Apuliae (Monster of Apulia), because between the 13th and 19th centuries it was the seat of mitred abbesses, powerful nuns who exercised true feudal and ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the territory. It stands out with its two bell towers, one dating back to the Norman period, the other, adorned with rich majolicas, purely decorative from the Baroque period. Inside there is a Romanesque style Church. Particularly original is the polychrome mosaic decoration of the church walls, high on the exterior, which forms a continuous band with a series of geometric motifs alternating with palmettes and twists; decorated panels with floral motifs and a winged griffin form an additional decorative motif enlivening the building walls. It houses the Civic Archaeological Museum, which exhibits archaeological findings from the city from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity.
Information about the Conversano Civic Archaeological Museum
Via San Benedetto, 16
70014 Conversano (Bari)
0804951975
coop.armida@libero.it
https://www.comune.convetìrsano.ba.it
Source: MIBACT
