Aquara
Aquara has ancient origins. In the local area of Madonna del Piano archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of an ancient Roman settlement. Later, Aquara was ransacked during this barbarian invasions and fell under the rule of Goths, Byzantines and Lombards. Subsequently, the area was invaded by the Saracens who built the beautiful Castle of Aquara - and finally, by the Normans. In the 14th century, the decaying medieval Benedictine convent was rebuilt and given, a century later, together with the Castle, to Ettore Fieramosca, as a prize for having defeated the French in a famous chivalrous tournament, known as the disfida, challenge of Barletta. In addition to the convent, Aquara also hosts some beautiful church es, such as San Nicola di Bari, with its precious frescos and the stat us of the local Patron Saint, San Lucido.
