Castellaneta

Castellaneta is a small town embraced by a protected oasis: the splendid ravine it overlooks is said to have sheltered peasants who, centuries ago, fled from pirate attacks. The heart of the town is a riot of elegance and beauty, and not to be missed are the Cathedral, the Church of San Domenico and the Bishop's Palace. Fascinating is the atmosphere of its Marina, with its close ties to the sea, seafaring life and the traditions it has always carried with it. But Castellaneta is linked above all to a personage of great fame, the silent film actor Rodolfo Valentino: in addition to his birthplace, there is a museum dedicated to him here, which preserves around 40,000 volumes that tell his story and his film career, together with personal items, posters and films.