Apulia is located in the south of Italy, occupying the “heel of the Apennine boot”, and is the easternmost region. It stretches along the sea, forming picturesque coasts, which are considered one of the most beautiful and clean in Italy.
Apulia has preserved ancient monuments, medieval heritage and sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The southern region boasts ancient traditions and numerous legends.
The capital of Apulia is Bari, which is divided into a modern and an old part. First of all, the city is famous for the Basilica of St. Nicholas, which houses the relics of the revered miracle worker.
A Brief History of Apulia
The territory of Apulia has been inhabited since time immemorial. In the 8th century BC. a Greek colony was founded here, which made Taranto one of the most prosperous cities of Magna Graecia. In 272 BC. The Apulian lands were conquered by the Romans. They became an important part of the road connecting Rome with the East.After the fall of the Roman Empire, power passed to the barbarians, and then to the Lombards. During the period of decline, the Saracens captured Baria in 840, and Taranto in 842.
In the second half of the 9th century, the Byzantines returned and maintained control of the territory for almost two centuries. This time brought prosperity and prosperity to many cities.
After the Byzantines, power passed to the Normans. The Kingdom of Sicily was founded, uniting the entire south of Italy. During the reign of Frederick II (1220-1250), art, trade and agriculture began to develop in Apulia.
In subsequent centuries, power concentrated in the hands of the Angevins and Aragonese. The situation improved when representatives of the Bourbon dynasty became rulers in the 18th century.
In 1860, Apulia became part of a united Italy. At this time, the rebel movements intensified.
Territory of Apulia
Puglia boasts 800 km of beaches, which are formed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas. In the north of the region is the Gargano, which is characterized by a rocky coastline, also steep coastlines are found in the south from Bari to Salento, South part Puglia has sandy beaches.The middle part of the region is a plain and low hills; mountainous terrain is observed in Gargano.
Puglia also includes the Tremiti archipelago with clear waters and pristine beaches.
When to go to Puglia
If you are planning a beach holiday, it is better to avoid August, which is the peak season. The optimal months will be May, June, July and September; early October is often warm or even hot. Autumn, spring or winter are suitable for excursion programs.How to get to Puglia
The main airports in Puglia are Bari, Brindisi and Foggia. The first two are more popular. Alitalia operates flights with connections in Rome.Get inspired by Puglia
To be inspired by Apuleius, just listen to the tarantella while filling your glass with rich red Primitivo di Manduria wine.You can also watch the funny comedies “Drifting Mines” by Ferzan Ozpetek or “Girlfriends to Death” by Georgia Farina. Many Italian comedies were filmed in the landscapes of Puglia, including “Falling from the Clouds” with the famous comedian Cecco Zalone, “I Love Only You” by Marco Ponti and others.
What to visit in Puglia
The capital of Apulia is Bari. The city's cathedral houses a relic revered in the Orthodox world - the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant.
Lecce
In the southern part of Puglia is the Salento peninsula, which is an ideal place for sea holiday with long stripe sandy beaches. The city of Lecce located here is considered one of the most beautiful cities Apulia and stands as a striking example of Apulian Baroque.
Gallipoli - beautiful city on the coast, which is famous for its giant shrimp.
The symbol of Apulia is the trulli - white stone dwellings built without cement. Alberello is the most famous place, where you can see the trulli.
Castel del Monte is considered one of the most mysterious and mysterious castles Italy.
Grottoes di Castellana
Impressive grottos di Castellana with an enchanting white cave.
Trani is located in the northern part of Puglia on the Adriatic coast. The most beautiful part of the city is the square with the Cathedral, looking out to the sea.
Ostuni is called the white city.
Nardo"
Nardo is a city of Apulian Baroque.
Salento is the birthplace of the most famous and award-winning Apulian wine, Primitivo di Manduria, the production center of which is located in the village of Manduria.
Otranto is located in the south of Puglia on the Adriatic coast and is the easternmost point of Italy. The historic center of Otranto is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Taranto was founded by the Greeks, and it's worth going down into one of the many dungeons to see the impressive castle.
A picturesque medieval town that is best visited during a festival or fair.
A cute little town painted white.
Apulia (Pulia listen)) is a region located in the south. Its area is 19.4 thousand km², which is 6.4% of the entire territory of the country.
The population is 4.016 million people, which is 7.1% of the population of all of Italy. The population density is about 210 people per km². The administrative center of Apulia is the city and port. Geographically, the region consists of six provinces: Taranto, Foggia, Brindisi, Barletta, Lecce and Molfetta.
Geography
Apulia is bordered in the north by, in the west by and, washed by the Adriatic Sea in the east, and in the southwest by the Ionian Sea. The region is in the “heel” of the “boot” of Italy.
Provinces of the Apulia region
Climate
The climate of Apulia is dry and hot, typical of the Mediterranean. average temperature in Bari: +9.1 °C in January and +24.8 °C in July. This region, the only one in Italy, has almost no mountains (they occupy only 2% of the territory of Apulia), so the relief of the entire area is hilly or flat. Coast almost everywhere it is low, the only exceptions being the areas of Gargano and Salento. On the coasts of Apulia there are two large bays: in the north - Manfredonia and - in the south of the region. The region also includes two archipelagos: the Keradi Islands and the Tremiti Islands. There are few rivers in Puglia: Cervaro, Candelaro, Fortore and the Ofanto River, which is the largest. On the Gargano Peninsula, in its northern part, there are two lakes: Varano and Lesina, connected to the sea through canals. Near Bari there are the Castellana caves, recognized as a unique natural phenomenon.
Transport
Puglia is connected with and by a well-developed network of railways and highways in the region. There are airports in Brindisi and Bari, the main port cities of the area are Brindisi and Taranto. Apulia is connected to the Balkan Peninsula by the Patras-Brindisi train ferry.
Services (buses and trains) for this region are provided by Ferrovie del Sud Est. Ticket prices for buses and trains vary from 1 to 16 euros, depending on the route. Weekly, monthly and annual passes are also sold.
Industry
The industry of this region began to develop not so long ago, but significant successes were achieved immediately. Funds for the development of industry in Puglia were allocated by the state assistance program for southern regions and private investors. There are 2 industrial districts in this region. The first is Brindisi and Taranto, with heavy industry (petrochemicals and oil refining, ferrous metallurgy, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, aircraft manufacturing). And the second is Bari, with small and medium-sized businesses (food, clothing, paper, woodworking industries). Also, over the past few years, the industry of the cities of Foggia and Lecce has been actively developing (chemical industry, extraction of table salt and bauxite, agricultural engineering).
Agriculture
Agriculture suffered greatly from a lack of water resources. But relatively recently, this problem was solved thanks to the construction of a number of hydraulic structures that supply Apulia with water. The region's agriculture is currently one of the most promising and prosperous in southern Italy.
Vineyards of the Apulia region, photo: Flickr.com
Story
In the 7th century BC. The very first Greek colonies appeared on the territory of Apulia. Taranto became the main settlement. , who gave the name to this area, came to Apulia in the 2nd century. BC. The conquest of Apulia from the Romans took more than a hundred years, due to the resistance offered by the local population. The city of Brundisium was the largest Roman harbor located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The Romans built two roads - Via Traiana and Via Appia, they connected Apulia and the central part of the empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Apulia experienced a long period of decline, which was caused by barbarian invasions, the Lombard-Byzantine War, revolts and pirate raids on the coast. The Lombards, Goths, Saracens and Byzantines visited here. A new flourishing of trade and agriculture was facilitated by the Normans who conquered Apulia in the 11th century. Apulia was a bridge between the East and Europe, through which pilgrimage, migration and trade flows passed.
In the XV-XVI centuries. Spanish rule slowed down the economic progress of the region, which led to a crisis in many areas of activity. The capital of Apulia was moved by the Spaniards from Bari to Naples. The region was the scene of struggle between Venice and Turkey. In 1861 Apulia joined the Italian state.
The territory of modern Apulia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Many megalithic monuments have been preserved.
Tourism and attractions
The city of Lecce, today with 83 thousand inhabitants, is the economic, cultural and spiritual center of the province of Salento. The city is located near two seas: the Ionian (23 kilometers) and the Adriatic (11 kilometers). The city has preserved quite a few architectural monuments from the Renaissance, the Middle Ages and antiquity. The 17th-18th centuries include the most interesting monuments architecture. The architects and sculptors who worked here knew the secret of how to process the local stone so that it remained soft the entire time they worked with it and hardened in the open sun. Central Cathedral Square leaves unforgettable impression. In addition to the bell tower and the Cathedral, which were built according to the design of the famous architect Giuseppe Zimbalo (1617-1710), you can also see the Archbishop's Palace and the Seminary Palace on the square. You should also definitely see the Basilica of Santa Croce, a building that cannot leave indifferent even a person far from art, the churches of Sant'Anna, Sant'Irene, the Prefectural Palace, the churches of San Matteo, Santa Chiara and many others.
The ancient city of Bari, which is the administrative center of Puglia, is of great interest to tourists. The city is conventionally divided into two parts: the new and the old city.
Palazzo Fizzarotti Bari, photo: Flickr.com
In Bari there is the famous Basilica of San Nicola, in which the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker have been buried for more than 9 centuries.
Saint Nicholas is a Christian saint who became famous for his miracles both during his life and even after death. He is revered not only by Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but also by pagans and Muslims. Saint Nicholas is one of the most beloved saints of ecumenical Orthodoxy in Russia and Ukraine, he is the patron saint of travelers and traders, a defender of piety and chastity, and a helper to the poor.
Opposite the Basilica of St. Nicholas, on the corner of the square, sculptor Zurab Tsereteli erected and donated to the city of Bari a monument to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (2002)
Basilica of St. Nicholas
Also among the attractions of Bari one can note the grandiose Norman Castle and, of course, Cathedral San Sabino. The construction of the Norman castle in 1131 was started on the orders of Roger II of Normandy, who was the first king of the Kingdom of Sicily. He united the Norman possessions of southern Italy and Sicily under his rule.
It is also worth visiting the small town of Alberobello. There you can see amazing houses with unusual conical roofs called trulli. Not far from Alberobello, a few kilometers away, is the town of Castellana, with its unique complex of caves (Grotte di Castellana).
Every first Sunday of the month, Gallipoli hosts an antique market. In August you can visit the craft markets in Alberobello and Grumo Appula. In Lecce there is a flower market for 10 days in May, and every last Sunday of the month there is a flea market in Piazza Libertini.
In Piazza Teresa in Brindisi you can attend the monthly big market, which sells unique items and antiques at very low prices. Acquarica del Capo has one of the best markets, where you can buy various handicrafts made from straw, bamboo and other materials.
Kitchen
In Puglia, three dominant elements can be distinguished in the preparation of traditional dishes: considered one of the best in the world, durum wheat and vegetables.
Cuisine of the Puglia region with a modern twist by chef Pietro Zito
Photo: Flickr.com
Pasta dishes are an important component on the table of local residents. Orecchiette is Puglia's most unique pasta, traditionally prepared with turnips. An equally popular dish is tiella (translated as terracotta pot) of vegetables with potatoes, rice and mussels.
Celebrities of the Apulia region
Puglia is proud of many of its natives. Among them: Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro (1916-1978); film actors Michele Placido (b. 1947) and Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926); singer Tito Skipa (1889-1965); composers Niccolò Piccinni (1728–1800) and Umberto Giordano (1867–1948); singer-soprano Farinelli (1705-1782); the famous monk, miracle worker and healer Padre Pio (1887-1968); sculptor and architect Nicola Pisano (1220 - 1278).
Puglia is a charming region of Italy, stretching along the sea, delighting every traveler with its incredible beauty. “The heel of the Italian boot” is how Italians affectionately call the region.
And indeed, if you look closely at the map of Italy, Apulia in its shape resembles the heel of a boot with a spur.
Location of Puglia on the map of Italy
In Italy, the region of Puglia is the easternmost of all. The coast of Apulia is the longest on the mainland of the country, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. In the south of the region, the Salento peninsula forms the so-called “heel of Italy’s boot.” The region is located predominantly in flat areas. On the territory of Puglia there are two large natural national parks– Murgia and Gargano.
Nature is the main attraction of the province, capable of making even the most fastidious critic fall in love with it. Everything in this region is filled with sun, sea, love and... wine!
Tourists will clearly not be faced with the question of what to see in Puglia; the region can satisfy any tastes and interests.
The region bears the imprint of the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, preserving many architectural monuments, artistic creations and a unique way of life.
Attractions
Puglia in Italy differs from other regions in its attractions.
In Italy, the cities of Puglia are some of the most visited by tourists interested in the architecture and history of the country:
- Andria– when traveling around Puglia, you should definitely visit this wonderful city, which is the center of olive and almond cultivation in the region. The best wines in Puglia are grown on plantations located around the city. Back in the 13th century, Andria was the favorite residence of Frederick II. The most famous of the Italian castles, Castel del Monte in Apulia, was built by order of Frederick II, 15 km south of historical center cities.
Castle of Castel del Monte in Andria
In addition to Castel del Monte, Andria has a large number of attractions:
- a 12th-century cathedral with a 7th-century crypt;
- Doge's Palace;
- Church of San Domenico (XIV century);
- city palace;
- Church of Santa Maria di Porta Santa (XIII century);
- sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (XVI century);
- Church of St. Francis with a monastery (XII century);
- Church of San Agostino, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights.
- San Giovanni Rotondo- a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Once upon a time, the Catholic Saint Pio lived and died there, whose relics are kept in the Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazia. Not far from the city extends national park Gargano, famous for its caves, salt lakes and wild forest.
Gargano National Park near San Giovanni Rotondo
- Alberobello- a city famous for its peculiar stone, white houses with sharp conical roofs - trulli. The architecture of the city that has survived to this day is so unique that the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Bari- capital of Apulia. After , Bari is the second most economically important city in Southern Italy. well known as a port and university town, as well as the city of St. Nicholas.
- Lecce- the pearl of Puglia. Due to the rich variety architectural monuments, designed in the Baroque style, the city received the nickname “Southern Florence” in Puglia. The city is also famous for its olives and wine, which you can try on special gastronomic tours.
You can admire the sights of Puglia and find out all the details about the region by watching the video:
Beach holiday
It's no secret that Puglia has the best beaches. Starting from the north of Puglia, the rocky promontory of Gargano stretches, delighting with its coastal landscape: emerald hills give way to white cliffs, azure sea, golden sands and heavenly pebble bays.
The beaches around Rodi Gaganico, Peschici and Vieste are especially popular.
Heading south down the Adriatic, on the coast between Manfredonia and lively Bari, you'll find a series of sandy and pebble beaches, Margherita di Savoia nature reserve and some beautiful cities such as Trani with him fabulous cathedral, standing directly in front of the sea. Sandy beaches are a rarity for the region, you will find them in beautiful cities Polignano Mare and Monopoli, which are definitely worth a visit.
Sandy beaches of Monopoli
Continuing south towards Brindisi (one of the most important ports of Puglia), sandy beaches stretch Marina di Ostuni and a fabulous nature reserve Torre Guaceto. Nature reserve – real paradise for the naturalist, with untouched forests, Mediterranean poppies and flocks of flamingos.
Special mention should be made best resorts Apulia - Marina di Pescoluse, Torre dell'Orso, Polignano Mare, Margherita di Savoia and Gallipoli.
More details about each resort:
Sports recreation
The two seas of Puglia are ideal for sports recreation in the lap of nature. Those who love excitement will be able to enjoy the charming and mysterious atmosphere of the sea.
The crystal clear waters of Tremiti Island offer incredible views of the sea, lively coves, caves and a deep seabed populated by lush vegetation and a large population of fish.
Santa Maria di Leuca- one of best places in Italy for underwater diving. Diving to a depth of 90 meters, you can watch amazing species of fish and see sea flowers. Those who want to have fun above the water can go windsurfing or kite surfing.
In Santa Maria di Leuca you can observe underwater inhabitants
But not only the sea provides resources for active rest in the region. If you want to feel one with nature, be sure to start your acquaintance with it through a bike ride.
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy traveling on two wheels.
In natural Gargano Nature Reserve There are wonderful bike paths that allow you to travel around the huge park in just a day.
Festivals
Many festivals, fairs and historical celebrations are held all year round in every part of Puglia.
Among them, the most famous are the Carnival of Putignano, the Festival of San Nicola in Bari and the Disfida di Barletta.
And no one should miss night of Taranta in Melpigianano, festival of pizzica and dancing Tarantella, which every August delight visitors from all over Europe, forcing them to... local residents sing and dance to the sounds of a tambourine under the moonlight.
Features of local cuisine
Apulian cuisine has never been distinguished by intricate recipes and is based on simple ingredients. However, it can satisfy every taste. Its main elements are durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, combined with meat and fish.
In Puglia you will enjoy delicious Italian dishes
A distinctive feature of the cuisine is homemade pasta made from durum wheat varieties or mixtures of different varieties. The combination between pasta and vegetables is unexpectedly amazing. For example, šaršinati is served with cabbage and fried bacon or tomatoes and cachoricotta cheese.
Thanks to its large coastline, the region offers a wide variety of fish dishes (marinated, raw, dried, etc.).
Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by dried fruits, honey, mulled wine, candied fruits and chocolate. Be sure to try some of the Christmas sweets if you're there in the winter!
How to get there?
To the question of how to get from Moscow to Puglia, there is the most correct answer - by air. The international airport in Puglia is located in Bari. Having flown to Bari, you can take a train or bus to any other city. All detailed information Flight information can be found here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/homepagebari
You can also rent a car and drive it to your destination yourself. This pleasure is not cheap, detailed information about distances and travel prices (we remind you that the roads in Italy are paid) can be viewed here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/it/web/10181/parcheggi.
If you are traveling “comprehensively” in Italy, then you can on high speed train get to Bari from , Rome, Florence, . Information about routes and ticket prices can be viewed here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en.
Weather
The climate in Puglia is Mediterranean. Winters in the region are typically cool and windy, with hurricane-force winds possible.
Puglia is at its most “friendly” from May to October. The beach period usually lasts from mid-June to the end of September, the average water temperature during this period is 23-25˚C.
Enjoy beach holiday in Puglia you can from mid-June to the end of September
But to explore the region or enjoy hiking, summer and the Velvet season the most inappropriate pairing - the sweltering heat will quickly tire you.
May and October are the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
On average, the air temperature during the day is 22-23˚С, and at night it does not fall below 18˚С.
Useful information for tourists about Puglia in Italy - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Puglia is the easternmost region of Italy, occupying its “heel”. Washed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, it has the longest coastline in the country. Consists of six provinces - Bari, Lecce, Taranto, Foggia, Barletta-Andria-Trani and Brindisi. The administrative capital of Apulia is the city of Bari, famous for that, that it is in it that the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most revered Christian saints, are kept.
Apulia, one of the least mountainous regions of Italy, is today the most industrialized region in the southern part of the country. First of all, thanks to the ports, which from time immemorial have contributed to the development of trade between the Apennine Peninsula and other Mediterranean countries. The main part of industrial enterprises is located in Bari, Brindisi and Taranto - there are oil refineries, factories for the production of synthetic fibers and plastics, and one of the largest metallurgical plants in Italy. Agriculture is also developed in Puglia - growing grapes and olives, and fishing.
And, of course, a significant source of income for the regional budget is tourism, primarily in coastal cities. Puglia is famous for its clean beaches. In particular, the Adriatic coast here is considered to be much better than in the central part of Italy, in the Rimini region. This region is like an earthly rainbow - azure sea, lush green vegetation, red clay soil, crimson sunsets. All this, combined with the richness of the historical heritage and the hospitality of the local people, attracts more and more tourists to Puglia.
Undoubtedly, tourist center Puglia is its capital - the city of Bari. Here are the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Church of St. Sabina, the majestic Hohenstaufen Castle, the richest Archaeological and Art museums, three theaters, etc. It’s definitely worth taking a walk through old Bari with its beautiful churches.
Another hallmark of Puglia is the small town of Alberobello with its famous trulli houses, listed as World Heritage Sites. Cultural Heritage UNESCO.
Lovers of nature and mysteries will enjoy a trip to Cape Santa Maria di Leuca with picturesque grottoes where Byzantine monks once hid. By the way, it is at this cape that the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. And near the town of Castellana Grotte there are the karst caves of Castellana, discovered in 1938. The total length of these underground galleries is about 3 kilometers! Today it is one of the most visited cave systems in Italy.
No less interesting are the ancient castles of Puglia, many of which were built on its coast. Particularly worth highlighting is the Castel del Monte castle, built in the mid-13th century in the town of Andria. This two-story fortress with octagonal towers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Apulia, inhabited since prehistoric times, carefully preserves the monuments of its history. In the ancient Roman town of Conversano you can see two medieval castles, a Romanesque cathedral, Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries, etc. And in the walled town of Martina Franca, the Palazzo Ducale palace, where the great Leonardo da Vinci once visited, has been preserved. However, any town in this beautiful Italian region can boast of an ancient church, ruins medieval castles or a collection of antiquities, not to mention the breathtaking landscapes.
Perhaps the most popular resort Puglia is considered Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. It is famous for its stunning scenery and rocky coves. On one of the Marina beaches - Grotta Verde - there is a beautiful karst cave.
The resort of Galliano del Capo, also located in the province of Lecce, enjoys no less attention from tourists. The city is located at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level, and its coastline is literally strewn with grottoes.
In the province of Foggia is located antique city Gallipoli, famous for its sandy beaches and the clearest sea. Local beach Lido San Giovanni is ideal for families with children.
Apulia (Italy) occupies the extreme southeast on the map of the country, being the “heel” of the famous boot. The main cities of this region are Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, Lecce, Foggia.
Apulia region on the map of Italy
Taranto on the map
Taranto is located in the extreme south of the region on the shores of the Gulf of Tarentum (Ionian Sea). It is called the city of two seas because it is located on two peninsulas, between a small bay (Mar Piccolo) and the bay itself (Maar Grande), separated by a narrow channel.
Bari on the map
Bari, the administrative center of Puglia, is located on the Adriatic Sea in the heart of the region.
Puglia on the map
Length of coastline
By length coastline Puglia ranks first in continental Italy - 865 km. This is the region with rich history, culture and wonderful climate, which attracts many tourists here.
Main attractions, resorts
If you travel from north to south, the first place you must visit is the Gargano National Park, located on the peninsula of the same name. The park's forests contain 17 species of wild orchids and are home to 170 of the 234 bird species that breed in Italy, including peregrine falcons, red herons and sparrowhawks. In addition, there is the largest karst sinkhole in Europe, the so-called “Pozzatina funnel”, 600 meters long, 400 meters wide and 100 meters deep. In the park there is the Palicchi Cave from Paleolithic times, in which drawings of prehistoric man have been preserved. In addition, Gargano has some of the best beaches in Italy - sandy Cala Lunga and Cala dela Sanguinara, also rocky Ponente and Levante with crystal clear water of incredible colors and shades. They are all free.
Important! To visit the park you do not need any special permission. Entrance to its territory is free. There are also no operating hours, but basic precautions must be taken so as not to end up in the wild forest at night.
To the south, in the city of Bari, the main religious attraction of the region is located - the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, resting in the basilica of the same name. Also interesting is the 13th century castle, which protected the approaches to the city. There is also a Russian church in Bari, which has recently become a major center hosting Orthodox pilgrims heading to Italy to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas. That is why the Russian language is familiar to local residents and in a difficult situation they are able to understand what the problem is and help with all the goodwill characteristic of the south of Italy.
Relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Beaches
Not far south of Bari, in the area of the town of Polignano a Mare, there are several beautiful pebble and sandy free beaches - Porto Contessa, Cala Porto and Porto Cavallo.
Puglia is also home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Castel del Monte and Alberobello.
The first was built in the 13th century by the Sicilian king, mystic and astrologer Frederick II. The unusual location of the castle (flat terrain), the octagonal shape, which is not typical for structures of this kind, and the fact that the king never lived in it, make some historians think that it was built for another purpose - to attract universal energy. At least the king himself spent a long time engaged in mystical calculations in search of such a place.
As for Alberobello, this town is famous for its unique traditional buildings, which have no analogues in the world - trulli, with conical roofs that make them look like the homes of some fairy-tale creatures. In this case, no mortar was used when laying the stones.
Interesting! According to legend, this form of construction was due to the fact that the feudal lords who owned this city took a tax from the roof. Therefore, when tax collectors approached Alberobello, the residents only had to remove one stone from the building for the entire roof to collapse.
Castle of Castel del Mont
If you return to the Adriatic coast and continue south towards the city of Brindisi, then one after another there will be a series of wonderful wild beaches, among which the snow-white sandy beach of Torre Santa Sabina stands out. By the way, Brindisi itself is of considerable interest to tourists - in addition to several baroque temples, there is a Roman column built in the 2nd century. n. e. It marks the end of the famous Appian Way, which ran from Rome to the Adriatic coast.
Even further to the south begins the famous area, which is not indicated on the map of Italy or Apulia in any way. However, this area has its own name - Salento. It is there that some of the best beaches of the Apennine Peninsula are located - Maldive di Salento with pink sand, snow-white Punto Prosciutto and a four-kilometer white sand beach - Baia di Tore Lapillo. They are all wild, so there are no services in the form of changing cabins, sun loungers, umbrellas or coastal bars, so as not to disturb the pristine beauty of nature.
What seas wash Apulia
Puglia is washed by two seas at once - the Adriatic and Ionian. At the very end of the heel on the cape is the town of Santa Maria di Leuca, where the confluence of these two seas occurs. From the city's sandy beaches you can watch the turquoise water of the Adriatic collide with the dark, almost purple water of the Ionian Sea.
Important! When going on a summer holiday to Puglia, you should keep in mind that large hotel complexes there are none there and therefore almost all beaches are free. The tourist has two choices. The first is to rent a house near any wild beach, fortunately, such services are widely offered by local residents, and you can spend time in peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle. The second is to rent a hotel room in one of the Apulian towns and visit municipal beach. In this case, most likely the beach itself will be worse than a wild one, but with proper infrastructure and leisure.
Just on the shores of the Ionian Sea in the town of Gallipoli there is another popular beach - Baia Verde. It is a favorite place summer holiday for Italian actors, singers, show business figures and other celebrities. As a result, there is good infrastructure for both entertainment and recreation.
Baia Verde beach
Taranto is the last stop on the journey along the Puglia coast. A city founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. e. famous for its numerous monuments. Among them it is necessary to highlight the remains of Dorian columns, the Greco-Roman necropolis, the famous Aragonese castle built in the 15th century and locking the Bay of Tarantino, as well as the magnificent San Cataldo Cathedral, the construction of which continued for 700 years, and therefore elements can be seen in the building different eras. In addition, the city is home to the National Archaeological Museum with one of the richest exhibitions in the world of works of art dating back to the period of Magna Graecia (6-4 centuries BC).
The most popular places in the region on the map
The attractions of Puglia are not limited to the places mentioned above. Puglia is a very rich and diverse region for versatile people. There you can see historical and cultural sights of different eras, relax on beautiful untouched mass tourism beaches, experience the spirituality of early Christianity and simply live surrounded by wildlife, getting away from the bustle and monotony of modern cities.
Popular places of Puglia on the map
The most difficult thing in this diversity is to make your own choice. After visiting these unforgettable places Pleasant impressions will stir the soul for a long time. Many tourists have a desire to travel to this wonderful corner of paradise again.
