Monopoli

Monopoli is a town with 48 403 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012) in the Italian region of Apulia, in the province of Bari on the Adriatic Sea, about 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Bari. Since 1982, there is a city partnership with Lyss, Switzerland.

History

Monopoli is a Greek foundation, a small village and the city gnathia ( Egnatia ) was at these times but assumed. After the destruction of the Ostrogoth king Totila by gnathia in 545 whose inhabitants fled to Monopoli, which was henceforth its meaning as " only city " ( literal translation of the name of the city) needs. In the following centuries the territory of the Normans, Byzantines and Hohenstaufen was dominated.

When the city came under Venetian control in 1484, began a period of economic boom. This was due mainly to the development of the port, the only secure base between Bari and Brindisi, as well as on the trade in agricultural products (oil, almonds, carob, wine) from the hinterland. 1530 wanted the Venetian ruler Monopoli rise to a barony. This request, however, was thwarted by the local population, which might redeem himself with 51,000 gold ducats.

Under Spanish rule Monopoli 1545 free city again, followed in the next few years the city walls expanded and the old castle of Henry VI. and Frederick II were restored. 1713 to 1734 the town was under Habsburg rule and then came under the rule of the Bourbons. 1860 Monopoli was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.