Located in one of the most beautiful spots with panoramic views in the Selva di Fasano, the Minareto stands in the Gordini district, nestled amid breathtaking scenery that stretches from the sea to the east and then winds its way through the Canale di Pirro valley all the way to the farthest reaches of the Murge to the west.
But what are its origins, and why is it still one of Fasano’s historical gems today? Let’s find out together!
HISTORY
It was built by the painter and artist Damaso Bianchi in 1912. Bianchi, originally from Bari, considered himself a native of Fasano due to his close ties to the city, which even earned him the title of honorary inspector of monuments, excavations, and objects of antiquity and art.
Bianchi was so inspired by a trip to Tunisia that he decided to use the same Eastern style in the construction of his villa. Not only that, but he ensured that the building’s construction utilized labor and building materials sourced directly from Tunisia itself.
The villa was originally designed to be the Bianchi family’s summer residence, as well as a cultural center for the study of traces of Eastern culture in Puglia. However, it soon became the venue for numerous social and cultural events, where it is said that Bianchi would light an acetylene lamp at the top of the minaret-tower to symbolize the light of art and culture, making the structure shine like the nights of the East.
For a short time, the building also served as a weaving school run by Benedetta Tangari, Bianchi’s wife. Upon Bianchi’s death, his son Giuseppe donated the building to the state with the intention of turning it into a summer camp for children.
In February 1976, ownership passed to the Puglia Region, which in 2003 granted a concession for the building to the Municipality of Fasano. Thanks to recent renovations, the municipality is now transforming it into a venue for conventions, conferences, art exhibitions, and concerts for the people of Puglia.
WHAT TO VISIT
The Minaret is notable for its breathtaking appearance, which stems from its Moorish style.
The villa’s structure spans two floors: a ground floor with a central space and surrounding rooms, and the main floor with rooms and large windows featuring distinctive Eastern-style profiles. In addition to the main building, there is a minaret, a small place of worship, and a trulli-style dwelling for the caretaker. A large garden also surrounds the entire building complex.
The structure remains famous and historic to this day precisely because of its unique blend of Eastern architecture in the West—a meeting of different cultures and styles.
Would you like to visit this piece of local history yourself? Contact our Guest Relations Team; we’d be more than happy to provide you with more information and help you organize your visit!
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