Churches, cathedrals, but also cultural and themed tours: a weekend in Molfetta offers many emotions. From the sea to places of art, without forgetting fun attractions such as playgrounds for young and old. It has ancient origins and lies…


Churches, cathedrals, but also cultural and themed tours: a week end in Molfetta offers many emotions. From the sea to places of art, without forgetting fun attractions such as playgrounds for young and old. It has ancient origins and is very close to cities such as Trani and Barletta, so there are many things to do and see in Molfetta and its surroundings. Here is a selection of the ten attractions you must not miss.

The Cathedral of San Corrado 

Dating back to the 11th century A.D., the cathedral is a very interesting example of neo-Roman architecture; accompanied by two bell towers, it has decidedly imposing dimensions and is considered the symbol of the city of Molfetta.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Assumption 

Just outside the city walls, the Cathedral preserves a canvas of imposing dimensions depicting the Assumption of the Madonna attributed to the painter Giaquinto. Founded as a cathedral under the Jesuit order in the 18th century, it is surmounted by a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Martyrs 

Distinguished by its imposing structure, it is particularly dear to Molfetta’s fishermen because it houses the painting of the Madonna dei Martiri, protector of seafarers.

Church of Purgatory 

Walking through the center of Molfetta, you will be amazed by the beauty of the facade of the Church of Purgatory, an example of Baroque style distinguished by its white marble. It is from this church that the majestic Holy Week procession begins on Good Friday.

The historic centre 

In the historic center of Molfetta, you can see historic buildings such as the municipal town hall, Palazzo Cavalletti and Palazzo Giovene. Our advice is to lose yourself in the downtown alleyways and take in the beauty of the many characterful sights the city has to offer.

Bisceglie 

If you can count on a long weekend, grab the chance to head for nearby Bisceglie and admire its ancient port, the historic center with the Cathedral of St. Peter The Apostole, the Torre Maestra, the Venetian Botanical Garden and the Swabian Angevin Castle.

Trani 

If you have an extra day free, you should definitely visit the city of Trani, with its Castle, the Basilica of San Nicola, the Villa Comunale and the Church of All Saints.

The beaches and the Torrione Passari  

Molfetta’s beautiful pebble beaches lie at the feet of imposing cliffs. On the coast, you can admire the Passari Tower, Puglia’s oldest lighthouse

The Ethnographic Museum of the Sea 

Molfetta’s link with the sea is unbreakable, which is why the Ethnographic Museum of the Sea, dedicated to the work of and ancient artifacts Molfetta’s fishermen, is also worth a visit. Curated since 2005 by the Molfetta Archeoclub, the museum is housed in the premises of the Fabbrica di San Domenico (temporarily closed).

Pulo di Molfetta

Not far from the center is the Pulo di Molfetta, a karst doline with vertical cliffs and many cave openings. With its more than two hundred species of flora, it is an example of intriguing biodiversity with archaeological finds that reveal the presence of civilizations as far back as the Bronze Age. The Pulo doline has been open since 18 October 2020, every Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to noon and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm; visits are by appointment only. The Civic Archaeological Museum is open on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm and from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Admission to the doline is free of charge, but it can only be accessed by reservation at the Tourist Infopoint or by sending an email to  info-molfetta@viaggiareinpuglia.it.

How to reach Molfetta by train 

Thanks to Italo Treno’s new routes, you can now reach Molfetta quickly and conveniently. You can book a weekend round trip and visit all the most beautiful local attractions. Visit the page and find out all train schedules and fares to Molfetta, getting there will be so easy: buy a modifiable Low Cost ticket in advance and save money on your trip.