In the aforementioned locality, the majestic shape of a large building almost in the shape of a castle still stands, to which the ruins of the small church dedicated to S. Francesco da Paola adhere. Until not long ago, a stone inscription located in the entrance architrave overlooking state road 16 towards Bari was legible and visible. The complex built on two floors dates back to the 17th century. There are other buildings used as stables or warehouses. The church has a neoclassical style facade, inside there is a fresco that served as an outline for a sacred image that was on the altar, both of which do not exist today. At the corners of the main building there are the cats that held the sentry boxes. An external stone staircase gives access to the first floor. At the back of the complex there are two buildings with gable roofs and chiancarelle roofs. Everything, including the garden, is fenced. The church was built in the mid-seventeenth century and perhaps intended as a convent for the Minimum Friars of S. Francesco da Paola. The name of the place "Pappalettere" recalls one of the owners who succeeded over time. The lapidary inscription indicates that the entire private building was built by the rich man from Giovinazzo, Mariano de Cicco.
It is accessed via the S.S. 16 for Santo Spirito, turning right onto the Palmeto della Sete road, you pass the level crossing and following the railway you reach the Pappalettere road, which leads to the complex.
Translated by Google •
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