Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Molfetta is a renowned tourist resort and an important port city. It is located in an area inhabited since Neolithic times, as evidenced by the findings of Pulo, a karst depression located about 1.5km from the town, in the countryside surrounding the city, where the caves were inhabited by humans until the Bronze Age. The exhibits such as human remains, fragments of pots, axes, hatchets, stone polished tools and bones now kept at the Archaeological Museum of Bari.
Molfetta grew up under the Byzantine domination, first, and Lombard, then, enjoying a degree of autonomy even under the Normans. Flourishing relations with the East, encouraged by the Crusades, resulted in a significant economic development.
At the edge of the ancient town of Molfetta stands the Cathedral of San Corrado, originally dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, built between 1150 and 1200. The Cathedral is admirable example of Apulian Romanesque architecture is characterized also by Muslim and Byzantine elements. During the XV century many chapels were along the outer walls and some were demolished during the XX century restoration. The apse is enclosed between two massive twin towers, one of which was a clock tower that scanned the hours of the city life, whilst the other served as a watchtower. Inside is preserved a XVI century baptismal font, a precious XIV century frontal, a XII century stone baluster and a relief depicting the Redeemer of the XIII century.
The Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta, entitled to the Blessed Virgin Mary, dates back to 1610 and was built by the Jesuits in honor of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the order, which has a statue on the beautiful XVIII century façade. Inside, in a silver urn are preserved the venerable relics of the patron St. Conrad of Bavaria and a half-bust of the Saint, in pure silver of the Neapolitan school of the XVII century, masterpiece if the sculptor G. Todaro. It is possible to admire, among other things: an oil painting on canvas, depicting the Assumption of Mary of the XVIII century of the artist Corrado Giaquinto of Molfetta, a painting of the XIX century depicting Our Lady of Sorrows of the Neapolitan artist Fischietti, an oil painting of the " Transit of the Virgin "of the XVI century of the Sienese school.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Martyrs dates back to Norman times and is flanked by the hospital of the Crusaders, located on the outskirts of town.
Not to miss other monuments, both religious and civil such as: the Church of Santa Maria Comforter of the Afflicted, or Purgatory, Palazzo Giovene of the XVI century, now seat to the city council and the Diocesan Museum "Achille Salvucci" and the Contemporary Art Gallery "Leonardo Minervini" a contemporary local artist.