Porto Vecchio di Monopoli

The old harbour of Monopoli preserves the city's working maritime heritage, with a natural cove long used by local fishing boats known as vozz.

Why it matters

The harbour connects Monopoli's civic identity with fishing and boatbuilding traditions. Its small wooden gozzi, locally called vozz and often painted blue and red, remain a distinctive part of the town's maritime culture.

What to notice

The cove, boats and quay preserve a close relationship between the old town and the Adriatic. Traditional boat forms, nets and nearby sea walls reflect both the fishing economy and the defensive history of the port.

Context and history

Monopoli's harbour predates the modern port and is associated with local traditions, including the legend of the Madonna della Madia arriving by sea. Fishing and boatbuilding have remained central to the waterfront's history even as the port has acquired newer recreational uses.