Description of the attraction
Mottola is a city in the province of Taranto in the Italian region of Apulia. It is located on a hill at an altitude of 387 meters above sea level, and therefore a beautiful view of the Taranta Bay opens up from any part of the city. The local economy is based on agriculture - olives, grapes, citrus fruits and vegetables are grown here. Tourism and the production of wood products are also developed.
The territory of Mottola was inhabited in the prehistoric period, as evidenced by the finds made during archaeological excavations in 1899. In 1102, the city was destroyed after a popular uprising against the ruler of Muarcaldo, and in the Middle Ages, Mottola was rebuilt. During the rule of the Normans, the city became a diocese and remained it until 1818, when this title was transferred to Castellaneta.
Mottola boasts a typical Mediterranean climate: the average January temperature is + 5 ° C, and in summer the air warms up to + 28 ° C. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit the city, as well as various outdoor activities.
Among the attractions of Mottola, it is worth noting the Cathedral, built in the 13th century and expanded in the 16th century. Also worth seeing are the Byzantine cave churches of the Middle Ages - San Nicola, Santa Margherita, Sant'Angelo and San Gregorio. In these ancient churches, frescoes with religious themes have been preserved.
The historic part of the city with its narrow winding streets and small squares is very beautiful and surrounded by stone walls with prominent baroque gates. The largest square in Mottola is Piazza XX Settembre with a square in the center and the 19th century Palazzo Municipale. It also houses the former 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Madonna del Carmine Church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of Constantinople and part of the ancient Greek wall from the 6th-4th centuries BC. It is worth paying attention to the Fanelli Arch, standing on the street of the same name - it dates back to the 15th century.
The surroundings of Mottola are dotted with karst caves called "gravine" and are located mainly south of the city. The most famous of them are Forchella, San Biagio, Capo Gavito and Petrusho.
