It was a small fortified centre of the Romans, who called it Natolium, maybe built on the ruins of the PeuceteNetium which was destroyed during the Punic Wars.[3]
After the Byzantine period, it became a countship (later a duchy). It became later a flourishing commercial centre, that had trading connections with Venice.
Main sights
The co-cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta (Mary's Assumption), built in the Norman period (1150–1180), in characteristic Apulian Romanesque style featuring Eastern and Western elements, consecrated in 1283 under bishop Giovanni II; under bishop Paolo De Mercurio (1731–1752) it got a thorough Baroque remodeling.
Ducal Palace/Castle (17th century)
Two columns of the Via Traiana, which however did not pass through the city.
