Casamassima, the city in Puglia painted in blue

Dario Melissano 5 March 2025

Casamassima, the “Blue Village”, presents itself as an authentic jewel of Puglia, nestled among the wonderful Murge Baresi. Its white streets, made of limestone, are flanked by houses painted in an intense blue, which almost recall the shades of Chefchaouen, better known as the blue pearl of Morocco. A tradition that dates back to the 17th century when the lord Michele Vaaz decided to color the houses as a sign of devotion to the Madonna of Constantinople.

The history of Casamassima is rich in legends, including one that attributes the blue color to a community of Sephardic Jews who brought this tradition with them. Today, the municipal administration encourages the maintenance of this characteristic appearance, offering concessions to those who choose to paint their homes in blue.

The village is deeply linked to its history, with emblematic places such as the Porta dell’Orologio and the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Croce, which houses precious works of art. The “chiassi”, small dead-end streets, add a unique charm to the place, some of which, like the Chiasso delle Ombre, are surrounded by ghost stories.

The gastronomy of Casamassima reflects the peasant traditions of Puglia, with typical dishes such as orecchiette with cabbage and anchovies, and cavatelli with chickpeas. Local festivities, such as the Pentolaccia di Carnevale and the Corteo Storico di Corrado IV di Svevia, perfectly represent the love of the inhabitants for their traditions.

Visiting Casamassima means immersing yourself in a magical atmosphere, where the white of the stones and the blue of the walls create a fascinating contrast, making this village a corner of Puglia not to be missed.