The City of Monopoli's website (
visit link) informs us:
"The church of St. Giovanni belonged to the Order of Jerusalem who was in the town thanks to an ecclesiastic benefit. It belonged to the hospital founded by a neapolitan nobleman, Erberto Mirelli. At the end of XVIth century the hospital closed down. Thanks to Fra’ Domenico Recco, Commendatore of the Order of Jerusalem, the small church, that it is close to many houses, was rebuilt. On the top of the façade ( with one style) there is a stone cross. Above the front entrance there is a circular window. On the right side, there is the bell tower. Nowadays, only a stone altar does remain. All its works of art, such as the painting of “Virgin Mary and Child” , were stolen."
This website (
visit link)
adds:
"Walking slowly through the cobbled streets of the centre, we come to Largo San Giovanni. Here is the ancient church of San Giovanni, another place that bears the mark of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem (the military and religious order of St John of Jerusalem, later renamed the Knights of Rhodes and then the Knights of Malta). It was built on the site of a 15th-century construction and rebuilt in 1707 by Brother Domenico Recco, a Commander of the Order of the Knights of Malta. Over time it was deprived of all its works, but the Maltese cross located above the building's portal still recalls its glorious past.
The famous Knights Templar were very active in Apulia and usually stayed in churches, cathedrals or farms. Their history is very fascinating and troubled, and over the centuries has inspired legends, books and films. The chivalrous order of monks-fighters was born in the Holy Land around 1119 to protect pilgrims. It saw its power and wealth grow until it was declared heretical. The Holy Inquisition began a harsh persecution of its members and finally the Order was dissolved in 1312 with the bull "Vox Clamantis In Excelso" by Pope Clement V. However, not all of them were lost. Various traces have been found that can be traced back to the 'Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon', such as concealed symbols and others that are more easily visible. They seem to have left signs of their presence in the town of Monopoli too, such as the Patente crosses inside some rock churches and crypts..."
Both the Church and the adjoining hospital have the Templar cross on their facades. (Photo included.)