Country:                      Italy
Region:                        Puglia
Province:                     Bari (BA)
Population:                  49,488 (Source: ISTAT 01/01/2010)
Population density:     316 people per km ^ 2
Area Code:                   080
Zip Code:                     70043

Inhabitants name:     Monopolitani
Local Festival:            Madonna della Madia
                                    August 15 & December 16
Neighboring municipalities: Alberobello, Castellana Grotte,
                                               Fasano (BR), Polignano a Mare

Area:                          156.38 km ^ 2
Altitude:                     9m s.l.m. min 0 - max 408

Coordinates               40 ° 57 '24.84 "N
Geographic:               17 ° 17 '25.44 "E

The town of Monopoli (9 m. above sea level, about abitants. 50,000) is located in Puglia near Bari, and covers almost 160 square km. The city is dominated by the Murge reaching 300 meters. high. Since 1000, Monopoly was Episcopalian, and was dominated by the Spanish and the Venetians who, taking advantage of his position, took the city, the flourishing trade. Due to its strategic position in the Byzantine period and Norman had to endure numerous attacks by pirates, ceased during the Middle Ages, when the city was repopulated. Its name derives from the greek "Monos-polis" which means city unique, singular. After being subjected to domination by different populations, in 1545 under the Spanish Government, the city expanded its city walls and was equipped with a Castle, built by Charles V. In the city there is a main port and several seaside resorts, the surrounding countryside is rich in nature and is dominated by the Mediterranean. There are mainly cultivated fruit trees, olive and almond trees. The patron saint of the city is Maria SS. Madia who is celebrated for 13 to 16 August and then December 16.