Starting from Bari and continuing along the Cammino Materano, you reach the charming town of Bitetto, a municipality of almost 12,000 inhabitants known as the “city of Termite olives”, named after the particular quality of the olives that grow in this area.
The town of Bitetto has very ancient origins dating back to the distant 1st millennium BC, when a nomadic population, the Iapygians, settled along the coast of present-day Puglia. These populations were among the first to experiment with the construction of the famous dry-stone walls that characterise the Puglian countryside.
After coming under various rulers, following the fall of the Roman Empire, Bitetto came under Byzantine rule, which strongly influenced its art and culture. Unfortunately, in the following years the town experienced a period of severe crisis, to the point that the entire fiefdom was sold at auction to Baron Francesco Noja.
Over the years, Bitetto came under several different rulers, which also led to numerous internal conflicts. But the most important period in Bitetto's history came during the war, when the town actively participated in the Resistance, sacrificing 22 soldiers but succeeding in liberating the city from the Germans.
What to see in Bitetto
We have prepared a list of the things you shouldn't miss in Bitetto to enjoy the beauty of this fascinating village framed by characteristic dry-stone walls. Why not spend a day discovering the beauty of Bitetto?
- Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo
- Church of Santa Maria la Veterana
- Sedile
And now, let's discover together the most beautiful places in Bitetto!
Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo
As you walk through the streets of the town, you cannot miss the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo. Dating back to 1335, it is a pure example of the Puglian Romanesque style. On the outside, the three naves are richly decorated with sculptures. Among them are two stone lions and a bas-relief depicting the twelve apostles, a symbol of the New Testament. The quadrangular bell tower rising on the left side of the church is also particularly striking.
The interior is very simple, characterised by a Latin-cross plan and several chapels along the sides.
Church of Santa Maria la Veterana
The Church of Santa Maria la Veterana is one of the oldest in the town, believed to have been built as early as 959. Dominating the historic centre, the church is very simple, with a plain façade divided into three naves, alternately marked by round and pointed arches. What is truly striking, however, is the beauty of the interior frescoes and the particularly distinctive wooden sculpture of the Madonna located beside the altar.
Sedile
The Sedile of Bitetto is located opposite the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo and was once the seat of the town hall. Originally cube-shaped, it was later enhanced with an upper floor and a bell tower.
Furthermore, as the Sedile was for many years a centre of trade, the various units of measurement used by merchants from outside the town could be found inside.
What to do in Bitetto - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Once you have discovered the hidden wonders tucked away among the narrow streets of Bitetto, it is time to immerse yourself in the sounds and aromas of this ancient village. For this reason, we have prepared a list of the things to do in Bitetto that you absolutely shouldn't miss!
-
Museum of Devotion to Work
Inside Bitetto's former Franciscan convent, you can find a small and wonderful museum. The Museum of Devotion to Work showcases the arts, occupations and traditional crafts of the people of Bitetto and the surrounding area. Each room houses artefacts of all kinds, used for traditional crafts, sewing and sculpture, which make this area so distinctive. You can also find exhibitions of traditional clothing and even a nativity scene created by master Giuseppe Maselli.
All the objects and testimonies preserved inside the museum are a clear and tangible example of the devotion this town has for work and tradition. -
Walking through the village
Of course, one of the most engaging activities in Bitetto is simply walking through the village and exploring the streets and passageways that wind through the town. This gives you the opportunity to admire the old Romanesque churches, marvel at Bitetto's oldest and most characteristic houses and, above all, taste the excellent local food.
-
Cammino Materano
If you are a fan of walking routes, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to experience the Cammino Materano, a wonderful walking route that takes you through the Mediterranean maquis and into the heart of Puglia and Basilicata. The route connects the cities of Bari and Matera and passes right through Bitetto, making this town the second stage of the journey.
Are you reading this article and can't wait to visit Bitetto?
Discover our travel proposals and set off on your next adventure!
Trekking from Matera to Lecce
group trip in the Heel of Italy
Cammino Materano on foot
from Bari to Matera
Complete Cammino Materano from Bari to Matera
9 days from Bari to Matera
Festivals and Popular Events in Bitetto
Bitetto is a small town rich in events and cultural celebrations closely linked to popular traditions. Below you will find some of the unmissable festivals and events in this magical place.
Among Bitetto's most characteristic celebrations is the Medieval Market, an event held every year on 1 May in the oldest part of the town. During the day, market stalls are set up in the streets, recreating typical medieval activities, while jugglers and musicians bring the town to life. You will feel as though you have been transported to another era!
If you are in Bitetto in February, you absolutely cannot miss the event Popular Music in the Old Village of Bitetto, organised by the Pro Loco Juvenilia association. The event aims to promote traditional culture through songs and theatrical performances. A unique opportunity to learn something new while having fun.
Another unmissable experience in Bitetto is the Night of Saint John. This fascinating event takes place on the night between 23 and 24 June, when the town's historic centre fills with musicians, storytellers and fortune tellers, creating a particularly magical atmosphere.
Traditional Cuisine of Bitetto
Traditional cuisine in Bitetto is similar in taste and flavour to that of northern Puglia, while retaining characteristics of its own local tradition.
Bitetto's most iconic product is the Termite olive, an indigenous cultivar that grows in this very area, appreciated for its fragrance and the consistency of its flesh. A simple yet delicious recipe is fried olives, prepared with excellent-quality olives fried in extra virgin olive oil; nothing else is needed, although cherry tomatoes, peppers and oregano can be added for a more Mediterranean version.
Another speciality of traditional Puglian home cooking is the onion calzone, whose aroma brings to mind the cooking of a grandmother, or at least a Puglian one! It is a kind of round, closed focaccia with a folded edge, which can be prepared with many variations in both the dough and filling. The filling generally includes sponsali, elongated white spring onions, raisins, pitted olives, cheese, oil and salted anchovies... simply mouth-watering!
Eating and Drinking in Bitetto
Among the many restaurants in the centre of Bitetto, we recommend a few that are well worth a visit:
Dorotea La Spaghetteria at Via Andrea Costa 21/A. The ideal place for pasta lovers! Here you can enjoy a wide variety of spaghetti dishes, as well as other pasta specialities, always paired with different and delicious sauces that create bold and refined flavours. The traditional appetisers and wine list are also excellent. You won't regret it!
Lievita Pizza & Sandwich at Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 22/24. In the heart of Bitetto, you can enjoy excellent pizza, both for the quality of the dough and the ingredients used to top the many varieties available. You can also choose from numerous types of beer. Perfect for an evening with friends!
Tarallificio Signorile at Via Antonio De Robertis 4/A. An unmissable place just a short distance from Bitetto. This tarallificio is where you can buy handmade taralli. The owner, a wonderfully friendly lady, will invite you inside to taste whichever flavours catch your attention. Trust us, there are hundreds to choose from and the quality is unbeatable!
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and let's go!
