Spinazzola

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From: Barletta-Andria-Trani Province, Puglia

Palazzo Saraceno Spinazzola

Palazzo Saraceno

Spinazzola lies along the Via Appia atop a hill in the Murge, on the border of Potenza province, at the extreme western end of Puglia. Until the provincial borders changed in the 19th century, it was located in Potenza Province in the region of Basilicata. Many believe it is the site of the ancient Roman "Statio Romana" or "Statio ad Pinum". In Spinazzola is the 12th century Templar Hospice, which welcomed travelling crusaders coming to or from Jerusalem. Some remnants of medieval walls remain, as well as the remains of two castles. The Rocca del Garagnone sits high on a rise, the Via Appia passing below. Roman inscriptions at the Rocca reveal that it was built on the foundation of ancient Silva, a Peuceti city. The second castle was built in the 11th century by the Swabians, atop another, ancient, castle. It has been in total ruin since the 1930s. A palio (horse race) is held in Spinazzola honoring Our Lady of the Wood, "Cavalcata della Madonna del Bosco", as well as March's Sagra degli Antichi Sapori (Fair of Ancient Flavors).