Forno comunale

The building that houses Turi’s historic Municipal Oven dates back to at least the 13th century, coinciding with the first south-western expansion of the original settlement. Several theories exist regarding its original use. By the second half of the 16th century, the property belonged to the Catalan Vaglia(e)s family, who added the upper floor, almost certainly used as their residence. The family coat of arms was probably the one carved into the building, although it is no longer legible today.

The oven itself is located below street level and is reached by descending five stone steps leading to a traditional chianche stone floor.

Built entirely of stone, the oven features a hemispherical domed baking chamber approximately five metres in diameter and 1.5 metres high. It was the largest of Turi’s ovens and remained in operation until 1945, when privately run bakeries gradually became established.

At full capacity, the oven could accommodate up to three quintals of bread at a time.

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