Monopoli (from the Greek monos and polis) means unique city and certainly still lives up to its name today. In fact, the city preserves intact the charm that derives from its history and its traditions. City of almost 50,000 inhabitants, on the Adriatic coast south-east of Bari, Monopoli extends along 15 km of low and rugged coastline, with numerous coves with suggestive names and long sandy beaches that represent a safe haven for holidaymakers and tourists for their holidays . The medieval centre, characterized by churches and convents, such as the complex of fortifications (the Charles V Castle with its surrounding walls), the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Amalfitana, the sumptuous baroque cathedral. The rural territory, made up of 99 districts, extends over an area of over 150 square kilometers of great naturalistic, landscape and cultural interest. In fact, there are numerous fortified farms (centres for conducting agricultural activities) also dating back to Roman times, rock churches, trulli, beautiful neoclassical villas and farmhouses. Don't miss the Feast of the Madonna della Madia (16 December and 15 August) which every year brings to life for devout residents and numerous tourists the episode of the landing of the raft with an icon of the Virgin on board.