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The origins of the village are linked to the misfortune of the nearby Byzantine city of Montecorvino, which began with the destruction by the Normans in 1137 and ended in 1375 with its complete abandonment. The diaspora of its inhabitants gave birth to the three villages of Motta Montecorvino, Pietramontecorvino and Volturino (once Volturino Montecorvino).
In 1400 Motta was characterized by the massive fortification that unfortunately was ruined, along with many of the houses and art works, by the violent earthquake of 1456.
Despite this, even today its center, consisting of winding alleys, low and rustic houses and arches that were the ancient accesses to the city, has preserved some obvious medieval suggestions. Dominating the tangle of narrow streets of the ancient village is the fifteenth-century Church of San Giovanni Battista and its Gothic bell tower. The monument symbol of Motta, however, is not a building, but an immense secular oak that rises in the village: the Oak of San Luca, witness of that peasant civilization of the past centuries well told by the city museum.
To the north-west of the village stands Monte Sambuco, which is the largest wooded area of the Monti Dauni; here nature reigns supreme and offers breathtaking views, unforgettable excursions and pleasant moments of relaxation.
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