The origins of Cisternino can be traced back as far as the 9th century A.D, based upon the recent discovery ,made during the restoration of the Mother Church (Chiesa Madre),of the foundations of a 9th century Basilian church.The first inhabitants of Cisternino were monks from Basilea. Archeological evidence also suggests that the surrounding countryside has been populated from the Paleolithic period to ,of course, the present day.This gives rise to a rich cultural heritage steeped in ancient traditions and folklore with many festivals unique to the area.

Paleolithic/ Bronze Age: Archeological evidence points to various settlements after the discovery of various artifacts inc: clay pottery, polished stone axe heads,chisels

Messapotanians/Greeks: Both races colonised the area and their influence is still distinguishable today. Excavations have unearthed the remains of tombs built in the greek manner, containing vases and coins.

1059: Cisternino was under Norman -Swabian domination from this time until 1268.

1180: The hamlet of Cisturninum is mentioned in a Papal Bull issued by Pope Alexander III, who transferred the control of it over to the Bishop's of Monopoli.

1268: The Angevins take control, and the hamlet of cisternino undergoes a period of unrest and turbulence , it is "given" to "Prince Robert" in (1359) and united with Martina Franca.It passes in (1440) to lord "Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini.

1442: The powerful Aragon family rule cisternino until "1503", and during this time "Cola Indelli" lays seige to the hamlet. (1509 "John of Aragon" returns control of Cisternino to the Bishop of Monopoli).

1503: The Spanish conquer Cisternino and impose a harsh, oppressive regime. Levying excessive taxes upon the population,giving rise to strong feelings of resentment and discontent. They rule until "1707" . During the early period of their rule, the "Hamlet" of Cisternino is transformed into the"Town" with the construction of the fortified walls around the medieval hamlet and the building of various impressive and elegant palaces and churches.

1647: Following the example of Masaniello in Naples, the people rise against the bishop-baron and burn his residence. However, the revolt fails.

1707: The Austrians rule for a brief period.

1734: The House of Bourbon begins it's reign which continues until 1860.

1799: The Parthenopean Republic is proclaimed and the "Tree of Liberty" is erected. Nicola Semeraro from Cisternino, leading a band of republicans, is slain at Francavilla Fontana by Bourbon supporters.

1820: The secret Carbonari society was active with a group of approximately 80 persons. Giuseppe Capece from Cisternino raised the Italian tricolor over the fort at Brindisi, after tearing up the Bourbon flag that had been flying. Over the last 190 years Cisternino has undergone a period of considerable development and expansion, from 4,073 recorded inhabitants in "1814", 6,205 in "1862" to the 14,000 there are today.

Places to see

The Church of San Nicola,known as the Mother Church (Chiesa Madre), was built in the 13th century,originally in the Romanesque Style. The original facade was replaced in the mid 19th century by the present Neo-classical one. Recent renovations have uncovered the remains of the original 9th century Basilian church upon whose foundations the present church was constructed.

The Bishops Palace,built in 1560, with a late Renaissance facade

The Governors Palace , was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style, with beautiful ornate balconies and an elegant facade.

Church of Santa Lucia, a charming small church, where the remains of Renaissance frescoes can be found.

Palazzo Amati, , with it's impressive tower is a remnant of the original defensive town walls, built in the late 15th century.

Church of San Cataldo, completed in 1783 in the Late Baroque style, with its beautifully renovated facade.

Church of San Quirico, is the church dedicated to the patron saint of Cisternino, constructed in the 17th century.

Lifestyle
Cisternino being a typical mediterranean town, with the type of images that this statement conjures in one's mind, white-washed houses, sun dappled squares overflowing with bougainvillea and oleander, is a perfect example of the mediterranean lifestyle ,slow paced days of eating al fresco and balmy evenings spent socializing in the various lively bars.The natural exhuberance and friendliness of the inhabitants, will soon find you sharing a "Limoncello" with the locals!

Events
Cisternino enables it's visitors to enjoy a wide spectrum of events, from, Music Festivals featuring well known orchestra's and internationally renown artists ,Craft and Art exhibitions ,Gastronomic events show-casing the locally made specialities, Wine festivals to celebrate the grape harvest ,and later in the year the "Vendemia" celebrating the new wine (a similar event to the "Beaujolais Nouveau" in France". A series of enjoyable festivals which will not only satisfy the senses but also immerse you in the "real" Cisternino.

Hotel restaurant Aia del Vento Via Locorotondo Tel.+39080/4448388
Hotel restaurant Lo Smeraldo C.da Don P. Sole, 7 Tel.+39080/4448044
Hotel restaurant Falco d'oro C.da Don P. Sole, 25 Tel.+39080/4448933
Hotel restaurant Villa Cenci C.da Carperi, 119 Tel.+39080/4448208

Tennis Club Vl. Valle d'itria 8/a Tel.+39 080/4448625

Restaurant Da Zio Pietro: via Duca D'Aosta 3 Tel: +390804448300
Restaurant-pizzeria Il Limbo Divino - Contrada Sisto +39080.4317760
Tavern Cantone Di Brucoli .- Contrada Fantese +39080.4449633
Restaurant Il Quadrifoglio - Via Brindisi, 112 +39080.4446297
Restaurant Da Tonia - Via Locorotondo, 50 +39080.4448301
Restaurant Taverna Della Torre - Via S. Quirico, 3 +39080.4449264 (An Italian restaurant with a french twist, an elegant and sophisticated dining experience)