MONOPOLI

Monopoli is an Italian town, located in the south-eastern corner of its province, Bari. Here you can visit one of the most important church: The Cathedral of the Madonna della Madia. This Cathedral is also known as “Duomo di Monopoli”. The creation of its structure began around 1107, but it was interrupted by the lack of roof beams. The miracle of the raft is linked to this story: there was a raft who was leading the icon of the Madonna. The beams of this raft were used to build the roof of the church. However, during the years two of the three bell towers were destroyed during a siege. Instead, the tower collapsed. The church was destroyed and rebuilt in a baroque style. The Cathedral was declared a minor basilica. Inside it is full of paintings: there are small paintings linked to the life of the Virgin and paintings that explain the miracle of the raft.