Photographs of Casamassima

Casamassima, located in the province of Bari, is known as the "blue city." This medieval village is famous for its historic center, characterized by alleys and houses embellished by blue and blue tones. This name was attributed to it by the Milanese painter Vittorio Viviani, inspired by the predominant colors that fascinated artists and painters. Its history comes from around 1600, a period in which the plague devastated the population. During this epidemic, the citizens of Casamasima took refuge in their homes, invoking a miracle to the Madonna for the cessation of the scourge. Following the perceived miracle, the Duke Michele Vaaz ordered to whitewash the houses with live lime and paint them of blue, color associated with the Madonna, to prevent the spread of the plague.