Cerignola invites you to uncover centuries of Apulian history, culture and cuisine. The town is built around an atmospheric centre with cobbled streets, medieval buildings and handsome plazas. Venture into the countryside to discover the sun-soaked landscapes of Apulia and learn about the region’s world-famous olive oil industry.
Things to do in Cerignola
Stroll around the historic centre and get lost in a maze of cobbled streets and alleys lined with medieval buildings. The Cathedral of Saint Peter Apostle soars over the town and features a magnificent Gothic Revival façade designed by celebrated Italian architect, Enrico Alvino. Cafes spill onto sidewalks and serve authentic cappuccinos and local treats like “pasticciotto” custard-filled pastries.
Book a guided tour and visit the postcard-perfect olive groves that surround Cerignola. They produce some of the largest and most succulent olives in Italy. Tours are a fantastic way to visit local orchards, learn about traditional harvesting methods and sample award-winning olive oils.
Dine at local trattorias and discover the time-honoured culinary traditions of Apulia. Try local specialties like “orecchiette” ear-shaped pasta shells, “buridda” fish stew and fresh-baked focaccia studded with cherry tomatoes and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. The rustic cuisine pairs perfectly with full-bodied Apulian wines.
Visit the Piano delle Fosse Granarie historic site and learn about traditional grain storage methods in Apulia. The style is unique to the Capitanata region and features bell-shaped pits with stone floors and lime-washed walls. Walk around the site and peer into hundreds of the pits, which were used to store dried beans, cereals, nuts and seeds.
Getting around Cerignola
Cerignola is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Apulia, a 30-minute drive from Foggia and one hour from Bari. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Cerignola and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Bari Airport is a one-hour drive away.