Gioia del Colle is a charming city located in the province of Bari, at an altitude of 360 meters above sea level. Its strategic position is in the saddle that divides the North-West Murge from the South-East and stands on a bank of land of Pleistocene origin, surrounded by a vast area of limestone formation, which allows it to benefit from the presence of small aquifers in the subsoil, essential for local agriculture.
Throughout its history, Gioia del Colle has seen a significant increase in population. At the end of the 18th century, the population was around 8,000; by 1871, this number had risen to 13,094, and continued to grow until reaching 21,721 in 1901 and 25,784 in 1921, with a percentage of 15% of the population scattered. However, the 1931 census recorded a decrease, reporting only 23,999 inhabitants.
Gioia del Colle is renowned as an important industrial centre, with a variety of wineries, mills and pasta factories, as well as furniture factories. It is particularly famous for the production of dairy products, especially mozzarella, and for the processing of wool. The municipal territory, which extends over 207 km², is characterised by its variety of altitudes and types of soil, which favour a diverse range of crops. In the areas surrounding the town, intensive vegetable cultivation is practiced, thanks to the supply of groundwater, while in the Murge areas less intensive cultivations, such as arable crops, prevail. Among the varieties of crops typical of the region are vineyards, olive groves and almond groves, which alternate with pastures, scrubland and woods.
The city is well connected by a network of roads and railways, making it easy for both residents and visitors to get around. In addition, there is an airfield nearby, which is historic for being the starting point of G. d’Annunzio during the First World War for the bombing of Cattaro.
In the center of Gioia del Colle stands the majestic Castle, whose construction began in the early 12th century by order of Richard Siniscalco, a member of the Norman house of Altavilla. Subsequently, the castle was renovated by Frederick II of Swabia around 1230, transforming it into an imposing structure.
The castle has a rectangular plan and features two squat square towers on the façade, with solid and austere masonry. The composition of the ashlars, characterised by a fine sense of proportion, gives the structure a colouristic effect that softens its robustness. The uniqueness and beauty of the castle are accentuated by the grace of the windows and the arrow slits, enriched by decorative motifs that recall more Muslim than Gothic influences. These elements can also be admired in the elegant loggia and in the large three-light window that overlooks the vast internal courtyard.
Particularly noteworthy are the large Romanesque capitals located in the entrance hall, signed by the sculptors Mele da Stigliano and Finarro da Canosa, which testify to a high level of artistic refinement.
All’interno del museo è presente un museo archeologico nazionale.
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