Montalbano among dolmens, masserias and olive groves

Montalbano combines archaeological traces, fortified rural architecture and surroundings shaped by olive groves. This makes the town particularly interesting if you do not want to experience culture and landscape separately, but instead include both in your travel plans.

Archaeological traces and fortified history

The Dolmen di Montalbano stands in Località Pisco Marano. It probably dates from the Early Bronze Age, approximately between 2000 and 1500 BC. It may be considered one of the earliest examples of funerary practices in the surrounding area as a whole. Its dating makes the dolmen an important historical subject for anyone interested in early cultures and the long history of this landscape. The dating remains approximate: the dolmen is assigned not to a single year, but to a period in the Early Bronze Age.

Rural architecture also shapes the character of Montalbano. Montalbano Vecchio is a fortified village now known as Masseria Montalbano. The masseria includes a small church decorated with frescoes, dedicated to the Beata Vergine del Rosario, the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary. The village, masseria and church thus represent a combination of defensive architecture, religious design and rural history.

Olive groves and rural culture

Montalbano is situated in surroundings characterized by olive groves and unspoiled landscapes, typical of this part of the Valle d'Itria. The area around the town is also marked by monumental fortified masserias. This setting offers opportunities for slow tourism connected with rural culture. For you, this primarily means a form of travel in which historic sites, open landscapes and regional architectural styles can set the pace of your stay.

Cycling tours and historic paths

For active exploration, the Bike Tour del Parco starts in Montalbano di Fasano. It is easy, 15 kilometers long and takes approximately three hours. This allows you to plan an excursion that explores the landscape within a manageable timeframe. If you would like to discover Montalbano by bicycle, this tour offers a clearly described starting point and a specific length.

After the Dolmen di Montalbano, the historic path follows the unpaved white road Difesa di Malta to the remains of the rural church of San Giacomo. In addition, the historic and archaeological circular route starts at the Albergabici. Bicycle rental and contact with a park guide are provided there. The two routes have different focuses: the Bike Tour del Parco is described as an easy cycling tour with an approximate duration, while the historic path connects the archaeological and rural sites.

Information for your stay

The Dolmen di Montalbano can be reached from the Casa del Parco delle Dune Costiere by continuing north along the Via Traiana.

More destinations

Brindisi, Mesagne, San Michele Salentino, Erchie, Grotta Figazzano, Specchia, Pezze Di Greco and Torre Santa Sabina

To the higher-level travel overview: Brindisi.