| Locorotondo is located on a hill in the heart of the Valle d’Itria. Its name came from the circular shape of its ancient centre build around the year 1000.
The site has been settled since ancient times, as testified by archaeological finds dating between the 3rd and the 7th century BC. The foundation of the town dates back to around 1000 AD as an unfortified hamlet under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine monastery of St. Stephen in Monopoli. The estate of various feudal lords for 500 years, it saw an increase in population, housing development, and the construction of the walls and castle. The Caracciolo family, Dukes of Martina Franca and the last feudal lords, remained in Locorotondo until the beginning of the 19th century.
The historic centre of Locorotondo has been developed following a circular map and its characteristic are the white houses with stone roofs, called Cummerse. |