Noci and Mottola historical land dispute discussed

Historians Sergio Natale Maglio and Pasquale Gentile will discuss the long-standing territorial conflict between Noci and Mottola during the XXV edition of ‘Settembre in Santa Chiara’. The dispute, which lasted from 1482 to 1726, centered on the ownership and use of the state-owned Murgia lands.

Historically, Noci lacked its own agricultural territory despite its economic and demographic growth, leading its residents to rely on Mottola’s lands for grazing, wood, and acorn collection. Conflicting interpretations of historical privileges fueled the nearly 250-year struggle, which resulted in 43 deaths: nine from Noci and thirty-four from Mottola.

The conflict officially concluded on June 4, 1726, with a decree separating the territories and granting Noci an agricultural area of approximately 150 square kilometers. The final execution of this measure occurred in 1739. The event will be accompanied by a documentary exhibition titled ‘Città senza terra’ at the municipal palace.