The ‘Battendiero’ convent in Taranto. A characteristic site of the Cappuccini Friars

The Order of Cappuccini Friars was founded in 1525 by Friars from the Franciscan Osservanti and spread throughout Europe in about fifty years. The first Cappuccini site in Taranto dates to 1536, followed by the construction of the large convent in 1556. In addition to preaching, the Cappuccini Friars in the Ionian capital were dedicated to preparing wool and fabric to make their clothes. A ‘gualchiera’ was founded in 1597, not far from the central convent, on the Mar Piccolo at the source of the Cervaro River. The ‘gualchiera’ was a building where the cloth was washed, and wool was degreased, beaten, and firmed; it is precisely from the operations of winning wool and material that the Italian name ‘Battendiero’ derives. The convent is on two levels: on the ground floor, there are rooms for communal activities (kitchen, refectory), storerooms and a small church, and on the upper floor, there are 12 cells. This contribution aims to describe a singular Capuchin site (the fulling mills managed by the Order are very rare), especially in the current state with the structure managed by private individuals and difficult for public use. This article, therefore, has only the claim to provide the scientific community with the knowledge of an O.F.M. Cap site. outside the more well-known Franciscan circuits.