BISCEGLIE

ancient (Latin) Vigiliae town and episcopal see, Bari provincia, Puglia (Apulia) regione, southeastern Italy. It lies along the Adriatic Sea and is about 120 miles (190 km) east-northeast of Naples. The Romans called the place Vigiliae, from the watchtowers that were used there in guarding the coast. The town was conquered by the Normans and was made a countship in the 11th century. After having various feudal rulers, Bisceglie became a free city in 1532 and later passed to the Kingdom of Naples; it was joined to the kingdom of Italy in 1861. There are remains of the castle, built by the Hohenstaufens (a German dynasty) on the site of a Norman castle and later enlarged and embellished by the Angevins (house of Anjou). Examples of 11th- and 12th-century Romanesque-Apulian architecture include the cathedral and the Church of Santa Margherita. There are also several Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Bisceglie is a fishing port and seaside resort and also produces wine, olive oil, and furniture. Pop. (1990 est.) mun., 48,314.