San Mauro Forte

The village of San Mauro Forte has very ancient origins. In locality Timponi was discovered a building dating back to the VIII century B.C. and in locality Priati some tombs of the IV century B.C. the current center dates back to the Norman age, presumably at 1060, and its name derives from an ancient Benedictine monastery dedicated to San Mauro around which it developed the village, which was completely fortified; access to the country was secured by four ports, one of which is still present today, while on the east side a tower was built on three floors, situated in what is today the main square. The adjective fort was subsequently added to the name San Mauro to recall how the country managed to reject the spanish robbers bands of Borjes in 1861. San Mauro Forte belonged to the county of Montescaglioso and starting from the 1400s it came under the dominion of the Orsini del Balzo first, Del Balzo and subsequently of Sanseverino, of the Carafa and column. In 1751 San Mauro managed to throw off the feudal yoke, when it was redeemed by the four customers including the d'Eufemia, already administrators of the old feudal lords, who invested with the title of barons settled in the country in that ye have builded you their residences inside the medieval walls.

The Cowbells Festival of San Mauro Forte is one of the carnivals in the Lucan tradition. A spontaneous parade of musicians of cowbells where several teams of bearers travel the roads of the village to the noisy sound of cowbells. The feast has its origin is from the pagan rites propitiatory linked to the cult of the earth and the transhumance and both from the sacred celebrations in honor of Sant'Antonio Abate. The musicians of the cowbells begin their pilgrimage with three laps around the church of San Rocco, where is preserved the image of Sant'Antonio Abate. The noisy processions stop occasionally when the campanari staged near the cellars or refreshment points where they are being offered glasses of wine or sausage and other products derived from the killing of the pig and then restarts with their thunderous bustle until late at night. The closure of the Carnival is celebrated with the Funeral and the mourning of the phantom burned in the public square.

ON THE TRAIN

• Power station
• Gioia del Colle station

BY PLANE

• Bari airport