The Borboni's Cycle Route is an all-Italian project that aims to connect Bari and Naples through secondary road and cycling routes. The works to compl
The Borboni’s Cycle Route is an all-Italian project that aims to connect Bari and Naples through secondary road and cycling routes. The works to complete the cycle path go on, especially with regard to the creation of protected cycle paths that at present (July 2016) are present only in very few stretches of the route.
The section here described, between Bari and Castel del Monte, is just the first part of the route.
Path
The Borboni’s Cycle Route begins in the capital city of Apulia, Bari, at the central station. If you have never visited the city, do not miss the opportunity to take a walk along the “wall” and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Pedaling in the center it’s not great, you have to pay attention to the traffic, but close to the directions to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Grotto you move on a much quieter road.
After leaving Bari, you pass through the inhabited center of Modugno by touching the archaeological site where a Neolithic village was discovered, probably the oldest in Lower Murgia. Continue in the direction of Bitritto and then towards Bitetto. The little road leading to the village is slightly uphill, but the fatigue is repaied from the view of the vast olive groves extending to its sides and the large majolica dome of the local cathedral that appears along the way.
Other 4 km and you also reaches the peak of Palo del Colle, a rather demanding climb but after, there is a descent equally long and definitely more enjoyable. At the end of the descent you will reach Palombaio. The rest of the route is very linear: the cycle path goes parallel to the state road for about 30 km until reaching Castel del Monte, well recognizable on the top of a small hill in the center of the cultivated lands.
The simplicity of the final stretch allows you to admire the magnificent landscape of the Barese countryside, with incredible panoramic views over the Plateau of Murgia, the expanse of olive trees and vineyards. You pedal in the National Park of the High Murgia, a rather harsh territory with no water. Before approaching the last km, it is therefore advisable to refuel in Ruvo di Puglia. This small town is also ideal for a rest stop: the gastronomy is excellent and the old town is very picturesque.
Once you arrive at Castel del Monte, a visit to the medieval castle is essential. The fortress, built in 1240, has a unique structure: an octagonal ground plan with octagonal turrets at every corner.