Ruvo di Puglia

In Molfetta's hinterland at the border of Murgia's region, among vineyards and olive trees, this ancient town is known chiefly for it's Cathedral, that is one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque in Puglia.
No doubt it is worthy including it in an itinerary across Murgia, also encompassing Trani and Castel del Monte, and making a pleasant promenade along its historic centre.
The settlement was already active and flourishing in IV and III b. C., inhabited by the local people of Peuceti, but documents have been found of its existence dating back to IX century. After the wars between Romans and Sannites it passed under Roman influence, to become in the late Republican period a Municipium, situated along the Via Traiana. It had afterwards the same ups and downs as all the settlements of this area: during barbaric invasions it was under Goths, then under Byzantine empire, to become subsequently part of Naples Kingdom. So it was first under Angiò dynasty (who enlarged the castle and fortified the walls), then under Aragona. During the XVI century Ruvo had a period of splendour, with the arrival of Dominican monks and with them of a lively urban renovation and the building of several churches, convents and stately houses.
The Cathedral, even if less imposing then Trani's one, is a charming example of Romanesque architecture, with its gable façade with steep slopes bordered by small flying buttresses and the large rose window at the top. This last and the beautifully sculpted portal are the façade's sole ornaments: very plain but of great stateliness and harmony. The inside is extremely suggestive, with the contrast of the very high central nave, with light falling down from the mullioned two lights windows, and the two lateral naves, much lower and in semi-darkness. All realised in the beautiful local limestone, without ornaments.