The Church of Saint Francis of Paola stands outside the old city walls—part of a larger monastic complex. It was consecrated on April 3, 1639, under the title of Saint Michael and Saint Francis. However, on October 22, 1702, the church partially collapsed without warning. The Minim Friars promptly undertook the rebuilding, but the reconsecration only took place decades later, in 1773. The lengthy construction delays led to a complete architectural renewal of the structure.

The church rises impressively near Baresana Gate as if in silent dialogue with the city’s old entrance. Its front is simple, linear, and refined, topped by a decorative cornice featuring floral baroque motifs. A broken pediment crowns the classical-style portal, and at the center of it stands a statue of Saint Francis of Paola. Above it, a large window allows light to pour into the church’s interior. The two-tiered bell tower is marked by stringcourses and topped with a curved, scroll-like roof.

Inside, the church follows a rectangular nave with a barrel vault ceiling, flanked by side chapels and ending in a spacious presbytery. In the apse, a niche holds a statue of Saint Francis, while above the apse arch, a large painting of the Nativity adds a dramatic focal point.

The church preserves eight altars, each housed within its chapel. The first features a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, with a small painting above it depicting the Flagellation. The second altar is dedicated to Saint Irene, one of Bitonto’s lesser-known patron saints since 1747. Among the most significant is the chapel of Saint Francis of Paola.

When the Minim monastery was dissolved, the church was entrusted to the Conservatory of Saint Mary of the Martyrs. Then, in 1897, it became home to the Confraternity of Saint Francis and was later elevated to the rank of parish church.