Holiday apartment in Montalbano – dolmens, masserie and a cycling tour

Montalbano combines history, landscape and activity in an olive-grove-covered setting. Between the open countryside of the Valle d'Itria and the rural architecture, the Dolmen di Montalbano, Masseria Montalbano and historic paths provide concrete points of reference for planning your trip. The area combines a prehistoric site with an easy cycling tour and paths leading to rural buildings. Those wishing to combine culture and activity can treat the easy cycling tour as a separate day activity alongside the cultural and historical sites.

Dolmens and early history

The Dolmen di Montalbano stands in Località Pisco Marano. It probably dates from the Early Bronze Age, approximately from 2000 to 1500 BC. It may be considered one of the earliest examples of funerary practices in the entire surrounding area.

Fortified village and rural architecture

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. Monumental fortified masserie also shape the landscape around Montalbano.

Cycling tour and historic paths

The Bike Tour del Parco starts in Montalbano di Fasano, is easy, covers 15 kilometres and takes approximately three hours. For day planning, the section can be considered a cycling activity with a clear distance, approximate duration and unpaved surface. 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, connecting an archaeological starting point with the remains of a rural church.

The historical and archaeological circular route starts at the Albergabici. Bicycle rental and contact with a park guide are available there. The circular route therefore has a different starting point from the Bike Tour del Parco.

Directions to the dolmen

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

Olive groves and rural culture

Montalbano is located in a setting characterised by olive groves and unspoilt landscape, typical of this part of the Valle d'Itria. Monumental fortified masserie shape the landscape around Montalbano. Montalbano offers opportunities for slow tourism connected with rural culture. Historic paths, olive groves and rural architecture are concrete features of the surrounding area. The open spaces shape the natural environment, while historic paths and rural architecture in the Valle d'Itria define the built aspect of the area around Montalbano.

Other places to include in your travel planning are Villanova, Oria, Lido Specchiolla, Rosa Marina, Specchia, Ceglie Messapica, San Pancrazio Salentino and San Donaci.

For the broader travel overview: Brindisi.