Polignano a Mare

Town · Apulia, 🇮🇹 Italy

Population 17,531

Area 62 km²

Time zone Europe/Rome

Official website www.comune.polignanoamare.ba.it

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Featured Lists

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

Polignano a Mare: Absolute Must-Sees

Polignano a Mare is defined by its dramatic limestone cliffs and the deep inlet of Lama Monachile. This collection highlights the town's natural sea caves, including the renowned Grotta Palazzese, and its historic center featuring the 13th-century Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta. The landscape is marked by panoramic terraces like Balconata Lama Monachile and Piazza Ardito, while the town's culinary scene is represented by local seafood landmarks like Pescaria and Osteria dei mulini.

15 places

Renan Bezerra / CC-BY-SA

Spectacular Sea Caves

Polignano a Mare's coastline is defined by dramatic limestone cliffs and over 70 sea caves carved by the Adriatic Sea. This collection highlights the most significant karst formations, ranging from the massive Grotta Palazzese, which houses a world-renowned restaurant, to the secluded Grotta delle Monache. These grottoes feature unique mineral deposits, subterranean tunnels connecting to historic palaces, and natural light displays created by the reflection of water against white stone walls.

20 places

Carlo Pelagalli / CC BY-SA 3.0

Coastal Viewpoints and Caves

Polignano a Mare is built upon 20-meter-high limestone cliffs, carved by the Adriatic Sea into a complex network of over 70 sea caves and natural arches. This selection features the town’s iconic 'balconate' (balconies), including the famous vantage points overlooking the Roman-era bridge at Lama Monachile and the expansive Piazza Ardito. These locations highlight the karst geology of the Apulian coast and provide direct views of the white-washed historic center perched over the water.

12 places

Laurence Schotter Roth / CC-BY-SA

Historic Ruins and Towers

Polignano a Mare's coastline and countryside are dotted with defensive structures and ancient dwellings dating back centuries. This collection features 16th-century coastal watchtowers like Torre Incina, built to guard against Saracen raids, alongside subterranean hypogea and medieval ruins. These sites, including the solitary Scoglio dell'Eremita and the archaeological remains at Ipogeo Manfredi, provide a physical record of the region's military history and early human habitation in natural and carved limestone structures.

9 places