Triggianello: Winegrowing History, Fornelli and Rural Culture

Triggianello combines winegrowing history, rural landscapes and regional culinary culture. Historical traces range from the winegrowing estate and Villanova De Bellis to Villa Belvedere and the Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata.

Winegrowing History and Villanova De Bellis

The history of Triggianello began in 1878 with the initiative of Saverio De Bellis. That same year, he acquired the Pozzo Triggiano estate to establish a facility for processing and trading grapes and wine. The winegrowing facility built by De Bellis began operating in September 1880. A workers’ settlement made of natural stone was built around the facility and named “Villanova De Bellis.”

The facility’s products included the “Villanova” wine, which soon gained recognition in Europe and America. This history gives Triggianello a clear connection to winegrowing, processing and trade. The name “Villanova” refers both to the settlement and to the wine produced at this facility.

Villas and Ecclesiastical Local History

The neoclassical Villa “Belvedere” rises on the southeastern hill above Triggianello. In 1945, it housed the local headquarters of the British Allies.

The Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata in Triggianello is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. It was completed in 1916 with the active involvement of the local population and elevated to parish status in 1939.

A church with the same name is located in Conversano on Via Vittorio Emanuele. The church in Conversano should therefore be distinguished from the church of the same name in Triggianello.

Landscape and Agriculture

The agriculturally shaped area around Triggianello produces cherries, almonds, olives and grapes. “Pozzo Triggiano” is a karst depression associated with its historical function as a watering place for transhumance; this function can be traced back to maps from the 17th century. The agricultural products complement the winegrowing history with other specific products of the area.

Fornelli and Festivals

The traditional “Fornelli” in Triggianello are open roasting establishments usually located next to a butcher’s shop. They serve capocollo, skewers, sausages and bombette. Their proximity to a butcher’s shop is part of the traditional form of the Fornelli.

The festival of Madonna Addolorata is celebrated on the second Sunday in September. In 2026, the Birranova Beer Fest in Triggianello reached its 17th edition. It promotes the culture of craft-brewed beer and creates opportunities for people to meet through music and gastronomy. The religious festival and the Beer Fest have different focuses: Madonna Addolorata on the one hand, and beer culture with music and gastronomy on the other.

Triggianello as a Destination

Triggianello is connected to the neighboring towns by a transport network that makes travel possible at least during the main periods.

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Triggianello, you can find further destinations here: Bisceglie, Cozze, Santeramo In Colle, San Paolo, Giovinazzo, Noicattaro, Gravina In Puglia, La Pergola.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bari.