The territory of Mottola began to be inhabited by indigenous populations during the Bronze Age (12th–10th century BC), while in the Iron Age the Iapygians settled here. From 207 BC it was conquered by the Romans and later, in the Early Middle Ages, by the Goths, Byzantines, Lombards, Saracens, and, from around 1040, by the Normans, Swabians, and Angevins.
From the original Byzantine fortification dating back to 1023, today only one tower remains, incorporated into the buildings near the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata.
The Historical Itinerary
The Megalithic Walls – the itinerary begins here and continues toward the Mother Church, whose construction date is uncertain, though its rose window is clearly Romanesque. The inscription on the portal records an enlargement in 1507.
Inside stands an impressive 18th-century statue of Saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury and patron saint of the city, along with a remarkable painting of the Last Supper. The bell tower, declared a national monument in 1890, dates back to the 14th–15th century.
The route continues to the Byzantine Tower, circular in shape, built in limestone and earth mortar, which still contains the waters of an ancient well.
Rock-Hewn Churches and Crypts
Mottola is also known for its rock-hewn churches and crypts. The most important are located near Masseria Casalrotto, where the remains of an ancient Benedictine Abbey can be found.
Other noteworthy churches include the Madonna delle Sette Lampade, San Gregorio, Sant’Angelo, Santa Margherita, and San Nicola.
