Adelfia
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Adelfia (BA):A commune (area: 29.73 km². alt. 154 m) in the province of Bari. Located 15 km. S of Bari, the two sections of the town (each formerly an independent center) are divided by a valley called the “lowland” or “marsh” of Montrone. A single bridge spans the chasm to link the two sections, which lie less than a kilometer from one another. Population: 17,070 (2007e); 17,020 (2006e); 16,824 (2004).
The communal territory is cultivated with vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. Part of Regione Agraria n. 8 – Pianura di Bari. CAP: 70010. Tel. Pref.: 080. Geographical Coordinates: Lat 41°0’18″72 N/Long 16°52’21″00 E.
Designation: Adelfiesi.
History: Adelfia was created on 29 September 1927 by the uniting of the two communes of Montrone and Canneto di Bari. Its name, adapted from the Greek word adelphòs (meaning “brotherhood”), reflects this unification. Montrone (med. Monte Roni) was originally a village founded by the Byzantines in 982 (although the site had been occupied in pre-Roman times by a Peucetican center, possibly Celiae), while Canneto (med. Cane) was a Norman foundation from 1071.
Throughout most of their history, Montrone and Canneto were feudal holdings. They only received the status of free communes with the abolition of feudalism in 1806.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries the communes were largely depopulated due to emigration, mostly to the Americas.
Major earthquakes struck the area in 1731, 1980, and 1984.
Points of Interest: The Norman Tower is all that remains of a castle constructed from Alfonso Balbiano in 1153.
The church of the Principle (del Principio), founded if 1086, is so-named for a fresco it houses of la Vergine del Principio, reputedly discovered miraculously drawn on a cave wall.
The church of S. Nicola contains a painting of S. Francesco di Paola, attributed to Titian.
The Baroque church of the Concezione immacolata houses a reliquary of S. Vittoriano.
The church of Santa Maria della Stella, founded in 1186, underwent restoration during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The 14th century Marchesale Palazzo De’ Bianchi Dottula now houses a Museo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari.
The Castello Fascina is an excellent example of an 18th century fortified manor house from the Baroque period.
A monument to the Fallen commemorates the local citizens lost during the various campaigns of Italy in past centuries.
Archaeologists have discovered geometric ceramics dating from the 6th century BC. A pre-roman tomb has also been found dating from the 4th century BC.
Culture & Religion: Patron Saint(s): S. Trifone (FD-Nov10/11). S. Vittoriano (Canneto)- July.
Feast of Madonna della Stella– April.
Festival of S. Vittoriano (Canneto)- July.
Sagra dell’uva e delle Frittelle occurs in September.
Feast of S. Tifone- Nov 10/11. A procession and the lighting of bonfires figure into the ceremonies.