Mottola is a small Apulian town in the province of Taranto, also known as the spy of the Ionian Sea, the name comes from its strategic geographical position, from which you can see the entire Gulf of Taranto. The area is typical of the Murgia, characterized by numerous ravines, pine and oak forests and areas featuring the Mediterranean vegetation, called Macchia Mediterranea.
The city is represented by a coat of arms with a tower with two black birds perched in its upper part. The Tower symbolizes the fortress and the ancient origin of the city, instead the two birds on the battlements symbolize a wish of prosperity and good luck.
Today the agro-food industry is very important for Mottola, thanks to the important cultivations grapes, olives, citrus and vegetables. Very important is the contribution of the craft, especially the ones related to woodworking.
What to see
Mottola, despite its size, is a town rich in monuments and attractions.
First to be mentioned is the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built after the destruction of the city in 1102 due to a mismanagement. Inside you can admire the Baptismal font and three altars dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario, to the Virgin venerated by the Poles and to the Baby Jesus.
Numerous and scattered throughout the region are the so-called Grotte di Dio (Caves of God), small rural monasteries, or more often, real caves dug with bare hands by religious people devoted to the cult. Among these small temples of worship, of particular importance is the Crypt of San Nicola and of Santa Margherita .
Among the best examples of military architecture, there are the ancient Greek defensive walls, that probably, dating back to the fourth century BC, represents the most ancient trace of the great history of this city.
Among the archaeological sites to be mentioned is the Villaggio Rupestre di Petruscio, made up of numerous caves, mostly dug with bare hands and connected among each other, plunged in a territory tipical of the Murgia area made of ravines.
From a naturalistic point of view, finally, the forested area that surrounds the town, long approximately 5800 hectares. Among the most common species, oaks, holm oaks and downies.
Events
• March - Feast of San Giuseppe
• August - Feast of the stove cooked meat
• September - Historical representation of the siege of the city
• December – Nativity (live)