The Cathedral of Otranto was built on the site of an early Christian church in an ancient Roman village. Such a concentration of various cultural and religious traditions could not fail to leave a mark on further buildings of the city.
The harmonious combination of various architectural styles of the cathedral, the unique mosaic floor made of multi-colored smalt, richly decorated wooden ceilings bear the features of both Byzantine and early Christian, Romanesque styles. The main nave of the cathedral is framed by granite columns topped with capitals. Through flights of stairs you can get to the crypt, inside of which there are also numerous columns made of different types of marble.
Restaurant Grotta Palazzese
In the small old town of Polignano, the sea has created numerous grottoes in the limestone cliffs directly below the houses. In the largest of these grottoes, back in 1700, the Duke de Leto held lavish receptions for his guests. Today this grotto houses the wonderful Grotta Palazzese restaurant.
The decorators kept the ceiling and walls of the cave in their original form, creating an atmosphere of adventure and sea romance. From the terrace of the restaurant, located at an altitude of twenty-five meters, a magical view of the blue waves of the Adriatic Sea opens. The restaurant offers its guests classic Mediterranean cuisine with a noticeable emphasis on seafood. Try Thai squid or grilled shrimp.
The restaurant belongs to the hotel of the same name, located on the cliff above the restaurant.
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Castellana Grottoes
The Castellana Grottoes are the most famous speleological complex in Italy. The entrance to the first cave, 60 meters deep, popularly called “The Abyss” (in Italian “la grava”), is a hole in the ground.
In ancient times, the local population believed that the gates of hell were located here. But in fact, these fears were easy to explain. Sometimes lost animals fell into the abyss from a cliff and died at the bottom. Naturally, a sharp unpleasant smell appeared, spreading everywhere and being noticeable even at the entrance to the cave. The peasants saw a mystical meaning in this, being sure that they felt the stench of the devil.
The caves were first explored by speleologist Franco Anelli, who descended here in 1938. He discovered huge stalagmites at the bottom of the cave. They were called "cyclops" because of their bizarre shape. Next, an entrance opened into a long underground corridor, in which grottoes of incredible beauty were discovered. Stalactites and stagmites grow everywhere in the grottoes, forming a luxurious landscape with bizarre natural sculptures made of crystals.
Nature has been working on these magnificent caves for about 35 million years. Now the beginning of the cave is flooded by the Negro River, along which you can float and view its surroundings. Waterfalls, meeting light and shadow, enchant and fascinate. The atmosphere is truly mysterious and even mystical: groups of stalactites and stalagmites accumulate into figures, which are even given names. It is difficult to imagine how much time and effort nature needs to create such miracles.
Del Angelo di Pertosa has not been destroyed by a single earthquake, which means that the tunnels are much safer than the streets, and our ancestors knew this. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans performed their rituals and sacred actions underground. Documents say that the caves were used as a dwelling and as a church (in the 12th century).
The Caves del Angelo di Pertosa in Puglia are a unique natural and archaeological site that annually attracts thousands of tourists.
Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in Loreto
The Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary, or Holy House, is one of the greatest Catholic shrines, located in the Italian region of Marche.
According to legend, in the 3rd century, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I, Helen, traveling around Nazareth, found the house in which the Virgin Mary was raised and where the Annunciation took place. This is a small building, only 850 cm long, 380 cm wide and 410 cm high. She ordered a church to be built over this house.
However, in the 13th century, during the battles of the Crusaders and Saracens, the church was destroyed, and the fate of the Holy House began to raise concerns. Legend says that the angels took the house and moved it to Dalmatia. And then, no less mysteriously, he ended up in Loreto. There, a basilica was erected around it, and the Holy House became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Catholic Europe. Rene Descartes and Benedict XIV came to him as pilgrims.
Today, the ensemble, which includes the Holy House and the Basilica, are not only religious shrines, but also valuable architectural monuments.
Bari embankment" new city
The new city was built in the 30s of the 20th century, its embankment built in the style of constructivism, reminiscent of the works of Corbusier and Soviet architects of the 30s.
Basilica del Santo Sepolcro
Next to the Colossus of Barletta is the 12th-century Romanesque Basilica of San Sepolcro, with distinct features of oriental architecture. Moreover, its facade is made in the Baroque style.
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The ancient town of Bisceglie
Bisceglie is one of the small towns in a series of similar ones on the Adriatic coast. It was founded around the 11th century and, like other port towns, was one of the trading centers of the Middle Ages. Ancient sights that have survived to this day are silent witnesses to Bisceglie's active past.
The church of St. Margaret of the 12th century, Norman castle, Abbey of St. Adonius of the 11th century, St. Peter in the Romanesque style of the 11th-13th centuries, which was recently restored. All buildings have undergone many changes over the centuries, but nevertheless retained their original features. The coast, made up of limestone, is eroded by grottoes and caves, which can also be explored.
Of particular interest are the dolmens preserved from ancient times, which confirm the existence of settlements here in the most ancient times. The most famous of them is the Kianka dolmen, which dates back to the 14-16 centuries BC.
The most popular attractions in Puglia with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Puglia on our website.
More attractions of Puglia
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 there is Gargano, which is characterized by a rocky coastline, also steep coastlines are found in the south from Bari to Salento, the southern part of Apulia 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 lies the Salento peninsula, which is an ideal destination for a seaside holiday with a long strip of sandy beaches. The city of Lecce, located here, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Apulia and is a striking example of Apulian Baroque.
Gallipoli is a beautiful coastal town famous for its giant shrimp.
The symbol of Apulia is the trulli - white stone dwellings built without cement. Alberello is the most famous place to see trulli.
Castel del Monte is considered one of the most mysterious and enigmatic castles in 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.
A land characterized by great diversity, which does not immediately reveal all its many faces - this is Apulia, “heel” Italian "Boot", a region that enchants with its beauty and riches - nature, history, traditions, delicious cuisine and high spirituality. You can come here all 12 months of the year!
Those who love seaside holidays will be delighted with the breadth of choice: you can bask on the magnificent sandy beaches Torre del Orso And Porto Cesareo, or you can go to the most picturesque rocky shores Otranto and in Santa Maria di Leuca, the place where the waters of the clear and serene Ionian and bright blue Adriatic seas meet, or go to any of the resorts located between the “pearl of Salento”, the town Gallipoli, and the “Spur of the Italian Boot”, Cape Gargano, jutting out into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, where Tremiti Islands.
Kingdom of virgin nature - Murge National Park and the Gargano Park, whose territory includes the virgin Foresta Umbra forest, salt marshes and lakes. A visit to the marine reserve is a must. Torre Guaceto, look at the deep ravines of the Laterza region and the wide valleys of the region Altamura, - a typical landscape of the interior of the region.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in history, Puglia offers a range of sites that tell the story of the ancient origins of this area: from prehistoric times to the period of Ancient Greece, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the magnificent Baroque monuments in the town of Lecce and in the Salento region.
Vivid evidence of the region's peasant past are the unusual white houses with conical roofs made of gray stone - "trulli", for example, in the Valle d'Itria, and numerous castles constitute a real treasury of the southern coast of the region, reminiscent of those times when both goods and dangers came to Apulia from the sea.
Lovers of traditions and folk music should definitely visit at least one of the many festivities and gastronomic festivals that take place in the summer period in turn in many Apulian towns.
Provinces of Apulia: Bari(administrative center of the region), Barletta Andria Trani ,Brindisi , Foggia , Lecce , Taranto .
There are plenty of attractions in Puglia to suit every taste, from monuments of Antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, from castles lined up along the sea coast to small medieval towns “borghi”, where local artisans make real masterpieces.
All travelers, and especially pilgrims, should definitely visit the town San Giovanni Rotondo in the province of Foggia. There is a grave, memorial sites and shrines associated with the life of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: monastery of the Capuchin friars of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he died in 1968 Padre Pio, as well as a new church, opened in 2004, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.
You need to stop by Alberobello - a wonderful town where you can fully immerse yourself in history and local traditions. Alberobello is home to the ancient, characteristic stone houses with conical roofs, built by hand without the use of any cement mortar - "trulli". These unique structures have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1996.
Not far from the city of Andria there is another monument from the UNESCO World Heritage List, a unique masterpiece medieval architecture- Castel del Monte castle, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. It is curious that the “magic” number of this castle is the number 8: the building has an octagonal shape in plan, on the first and second floors there are 8 halls, forming an octagon, and there are also 8 massive towers surrounding the castle, and, of course, each of which has 8 faces.
Paradise in miniature and a treat for the eyes five islands Tremiti archipelago: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa.
Here, nature and history are perfectly combined in the splendor of alluring landscapes.
Puglia is washed by seas on both sides, so there are options active rest in the bosom nature there are plenty here. Those who like to discover a fascinating and mysterious world will not be bored either. seas.
Crystal clear waters Tremiti Islands combined with stunning views of bays, caves and the depths of the sea, they are decorated with dense vegetation and inhabited by different types of fish. Santa Maria di Leuca, located on the border between Ionian and Adriatic seas, is also worthy of the attention of travelers. The depth of the seabed in some places reaches 90 meters, and the life forms inhabiting the local underwater kingdom create a unique color scheme. Water sports enthusiasts can practice all year round windsurfing And kitesurfing.
And yet Apulia is not only the sea.
You can discover the nature of this region, its history and traditions by bicycle. You don't have to be experienced at all cyclist To go on a trip on two wheels: just be willing to try something new, and don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun. The choice of routes is huge: you can enjoy nature while cycling along the trails Gargano reserves(Parco del Gargano) or Murge(Parco delle Murge); study history, contemplating the numerous monuments, or go deeper into the region to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of these regions, away from the bustle of big cities.
Throughout the year, many festivities, gastronomic festivals and theatrical reenactments of memorable historical events take place throughout Puglia. The most popular are the carnival in Putignano, St. Nicholas Day in Bari and the historical duel Disfida di Barletta. Young people and others should at least once in their lives attend the festival of traditional local dances: pizzica and tarantella, held annually at the end of August in the town of Melpignano. Guests from all over Europe come to attend the festival, called the Night of Taranta (Notte della Taranta), to sing and dance together in the moonlight to the sound of drums.
The cuisine of Puglia, long known as the "cuisine of the poor" due to the simplicity of the products used, is able to satisfy the whims of even the most demanding gourmet. It is based on three main ingredients: durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, which in combination with meat and fish create original dishes with a natural, incomparable taste. The basis of local cuisine is homemade pasta. For the dough, durum wheat or a mixture of hard and soft flour is used. A unique symbol of the region is “recchietelle” or “orecchiette” - in all the variety of dishes prepared from them, “strashinati”, which were once considered the food of the poor and today enjoy great success in the best restaurants. Other original pasta products are also popular in Puglia: “minyuikke”, “fenechechie”, “troccoli”, “sagne ncannuate”, “cicatadde”; they are still prepared according to old recipes. But it is in the combination of pasta and vegetables that the main feature of Apulian dishes lies: "strashinati" with cabbage and fried brisket or spaghetti with green beans, tomatoes and cacioricotta cheese. Puglia is, in fact, a large colorful vegetable garden, full of vegetables with unique taste and aroma, which, in combination with homemade pasta, fresh sea fish or fresh meat, give an unforgettable taste sensation. This amazing region, washed on both sides by seas with a coastline 800 km long, will simply spoil fish and seafood lovers with a choice of all kinds of fish dishes. Seafood prepared in a variety of ways will satisfy the tastes of any gourmet: fresh fish, raw or marinated, excellent thick fish soups and even fish combined with cacio cheese. There are also many temptations for those with a sweet tooth: a variety of delicacies based on dried fruits, honey, thick grape syrup "vino cotto", candied fruits and chocolate. Among the excellent quality food products that have earned the designation DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) or IGT (Indication of Geographical Origin), it is worth mentioning the very popular aromatic, crispy city bread from the town of Altamura; “Clementine” tangerines growing on the shores of the Tarantian Gulf, famous for their sweet and juicy pulp; Bella della Daunia olives, grown since the 15th century in the vicinity of Foggia; as well as famous wines and extra virgin olive oil. Each type of wine or olive oil has its own unique taste depending on the place where it is grown and produced.
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If we perceive Italy as a boot-shaped country on the map, then Apulia is its heel. It stretches along the eastern coast and has always attracted conquerors, which is not at all surprising. Puglia is a region of beautiful landscapes, rich culture and ancient cities, which has long won the attention of tourists.
Location of Apulia
The region is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula. In the north and east, its borders are washed by the Adriatic Sea, and in the south by the waters of the Ionian Sea. Among all the regions of Italy, it is Apulia that has the longest coastline. The region has excellent transport links, which makes travel as comfortable as possible. Several train lines connect Puglia with other parts of Italy. And there are international airports in Brindisi and Bari.
Puglia map
Major cities of Apulia
The main city of the region is Bari, a popular tourist destination with a rich history. Many call it the cultural capital of Southern Italy, especially when it comes to religious tourism. Christian (including Orthodox) shrines are concentrated in Bari, for which believers travel to the city even from neighboring Greece. Bari is divided into a historical part with numerous monuments from different eras and a new part with picturesque squares, museums and restaurants.
Among the major cities of Puglia is Lecce, which is often compared to Florence for its abundance of Baroque monuments. However, not only buildings in the Baroque style shape its appearance. Lecce has Roman, Greek and Austrian heritage. To see at least some of the sights, you will have to stay in the city for several days.
Climate of Apulia
Apulia is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate - with mild winters (at least +6°C) and hot summers (on average +33°C). However, the heat is easier to bear than in northern Italy. The reason is that there are no high mountains in the region and nothing restricts the air flow. Mountains occupy only 2% of the territory - a rarity by Italian standards.
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Sights of Puglia
A significant part of the region's monuments is concentrated in Bari. The local 12th-century cathedral is an interesting example of Romano-Apulian architecture. The three naves inside the structure are separated by 16 columns. The cathedral contains valuable icons and relics, and fragments of the Byzantine chapel that previously stood on this site have partially survived. Another religious shrine of Bari is the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Thousands of pilgrims come here to venerate the relics of the saint. The decoration of the basilica uses cornices, capitals and reliefs from ancient Byzantine monuments. Particularly noteworthy is the 12th century episcopal throne, carved from marble.
Near the city of Andria there is a monument from the 13th century - the Castle del Monte. It was perfectly preserved and arrived in almost its original form. There is debate about the purpose of the castle. Some scientists are sure that it served as the hunting residence of the ruler Frederick II. Others disagree: del Monte's decoration was too luxurious. Now many of the castle's interiors are open to tourists, including the throne room.
Puglia is often associated with the small fairytale town of Alberobello. The trulli - white houses with a conical dome roof - brought him fame. Similar structures are not found anywhere else. It may seem that all trulli are exactly the same. But in fact, they differ in the masonry of the dome and the mark of the master. Some trulli serve as houses, while others house museums or souvenir shops.
The Gargano is a protected natural area that deserves attention. This national park is home to dozens of species of rare orchids and trees. To admire the beauty of the Gargano, you can rent a bicycle and explore the paved trails. Or take a boat to the neighboring islands, which are also part of the protected area. The Monte Gargano mountain range is located in the reserve. It is famous for the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael, a popular place of pilgrimage.
Holidays in Puglia
Hospitable Puglia offers dozens of options for spending your holiday. And since kilometers of beaches are the main natural wealth of the region, Italians fell in love with it as a resort destination. However, not every city is equally suitable for a beach holiday. For example, the coast near Bari is predominantly rocky. It is better to choose Salento with its quiet sandy bays and shallow, clear sea. Vieste has been repeatedly noted for the purity of its water. Its coastline is surrounded by quaint grottoes, which is why the beach is popular with divers.
Those who are tired of a standard holiday should take a closer look at wine and gastronomic tours. This type of holiday is popular among connoisseurs of Mediterranean cuisine and quality wines. The secrets of Puglia's cuisine are revealed during visits to the best wineries, ancient bakeries, family cheese dairies and master classes.
Puglia is also attractive as a pilgrimage destination and a region for active recreation. The best way to explore its nature and monuments is to join a cycling or walking tour.
Shopping in Puglia
While holidaying in Puglia, it is worth taking advantage of the region's shopping opportunities. Most large cities offer a wide variety of boutiques from both emerging Italian designers and the most famous brands (Armani, Gucci). For shopping, it's worth going to Bari with its bustling shopping areas and multi-brand stores. Near the city there is an outlet with 150 boutiques. It is believed that clothing prices in Puglia are lower than in Northern Italy.
If you want to take home traditional souvenirs or products, it is worth remembering: each province of Apulia is known for its unique goods. For example, the province of Foggia is proud of its excellent delicacies, as well as rose and red wines. It is worth bringing textiles, shoes and wooden products from Barletta and Murge. And you can take away interesting antiques from the city of Brindisi - they are sold during the monthly fair on the square. Teresa.
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And it is washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It also has the longest coastline of any continental region of the country. Flat landscapes predominate here, and the Fortore and Brandano rivers act as land borders. The highest mountain peaks are Monty Downey and Calvet, whose height exceeds 1000 meters above sea level.
Peculiarities
According to its geographical structure, the region is divided into 6 provinces and several historical regions. Each province has its own capital and a number of cities. Oil refining, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, as well as the clothing, textile and rubber industries are well developed in Apulia. Particular attention is paid to winemaking, which has long occupied a leading position in the state in this area. Tourism also brings significant income to the regional treasury. Local cities with a rich historical heritage are of regular interest to travel lovers. In the province of Taranto there is the second most important naval port in Italy, which confirms the serious status of the region as one of the important centers of the defense complex. There are many excellent beach resorts in Puglia, characterized by a well-established tourist infrastructure and convenient transport links.
general information
The region's territory covers an area of just over 19,300 square meters. km, with a population of about 4,000,000 people. The number of communes is 258. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC +1 and UTC +2 in summer. Official website www.regione.puglia.it.
A brief excursion into history
Initially, the lands of Apulia were inhabited by Messapians, Dani, Trojans and Greeks. With the advent of our era, the Romans came here, who subsequently laid the Appian and Trajan roads here. During the Second Punic War, the region went over to the side of Hannibal, who defeated the Romans shortly before, at the Battle of Cannae. After some time, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Apulia was transformed into a province. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the cultural and educational level in the region increased sharply, and many unique architectural structures appeared. Since then, the area has been considered one of the most developed and progressive in Italy, continuing to grow in different directions.
Climate
Apulia has a pronounced Mediterranean climate. The average air temperature in the winter months is +6 - +8 degrees, and in the summer it regularly exceeds +30. Precipitation primarily occurs from November to March, while April to October is generally dry and very warm. On the coast, the swimming season begins in May and ends in October.
How to get there
The main international airport in the region is in Bari. It receives flights from many countries of the world, including Russia and the CIS. Another major international airport is located in Brindisi, but it mainly serves flights from the UK and Switzerland.
Transport
All regional districts and provincial capitals are connected by bus and train services. From Bari and Brindisi it is possible to take ferries to the Greek islands. In cities, the most common forms of transport are buses and minibuses. Even in the smallest settlements you can rent a car or bicycle, not to mention taxi services.
Main cities
The capital of Apulia is a port city with a long history, which was largely influenced by the reign of first the ancient Greeks and then the Romans. About 96% of local residents are Italian, while the average age is quite young - only 42 years. The city has the status of the most important economic and cultural center of the region, where there is a whole scattering of architectural monuments belonging to the historical heritage of Italy. Besides Bari, the largest cities in the region are Avetrana, nicknamed none other than the “Florence of Apulia” due to the abundance of monuments made in the Baroque style, founded in the era of the Spartans, and which has the area of a large metropolis and occupies an area of more than 500 square meters. km. All these cities have their own attractive features and are of considerable interest to tourists.
Major resorts
The most popular beach resort in Puglia is Marina di Andrano, in the province of Lecce. Here, vacationers can see incredibly beautiful landscapes with majestic rocks and quiet bays, the water of which has a pronounced turquoise hue. Particularly famous here are the beaches of Zona Botte and Zona Grotta Verde, famous for their picturesque caves. In the place where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, in the same place, in the province of Lecce, there is the resort of Castrignano del Capo, in the mysterious grottoes of which Byzantine monks once hid from persecution. Another colorful holiday destination is Galliano del Capo, not far from Castrignano del Capo. Porto Cesareo looks no less striking, famous for its karst caves and excellent diving conditions. The town of Gallipoli, in the province of Foggia, is recommended for family holidays. In addition, international sailing competitions are regularly held here. In the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, the resort of Margherita di Savoia stands out, with its ethereal landscapes and healing thermal springs. Of course, among connoisseurs of bright sun and clear sea waters, the coast of Monopoly is popular, as is the coastline of Polignano a Mare, which belongs to the province of Bari. In Brindisi, the most attractive resort is Ostuni, with wide beaches and beautiful natural landscapes. Those wishing to experience the healing properties of thermal waters are recommended to Santa Cesaria Terme, which has long been famous for its sulfur springs. The beaches in the region have both sand and pebble surfaces, so before traveling to a particular resort, this information should be clarified separately.
Attractions and entertainment
In addition to such large cities as and Brindisi, where the main historical and cultural monuments of the past are located, Apulia has other interesting places. Among them are the unique ancient town of Alberobello, famous for its quaint houses with cone-shaped roofs, called “trulli”, the system of karst caves in Castellana Grotte, the medieval castle of Castel del Monte, 16 km from Andria, the ancient city of Martina Franca, surrounded by serfs walls and the fabulous village of Ostuni, with red earth and silver olive trees. These attractions are just a small part of the rich variety of beauties and wonders that fill the Apulia region. Among the most significant holidays celebrated on its territory, the annual summer opera festival held in Martina Franca and the grandiose events in honor of St. Nicholas Day in the city of Bari, held there in early May, stand out.
Kitchen
The main culinary components of dishes in the region are considered to be olive oil, vegetables and durum wheat. Among the most famous culinary creations are the Orecchiette pasta, the Tiella terracotta pot seasoned with rice, potatoes and mussels, and the seafood sauté called Ciambotto. Among the red wines, Primitivo di Manduria and Salice Salentino are popular. Of the whites, the most reputable are “Martina Franca” and “Locorotondo”. As in any part of the country, special attention is paid here to ice cream and other various desserts.
Shopping
The best cities for shopping in Puglia are the shops of Bari, the craft markets of Alberobello, which open in August, the antique market in Gallipoli, open every first Sunday of the month, and the large monthly market in Brindisi, where you can buy completely unique items at low prices. The same applies to Madonna del Ponte, where the market opens in September, when the city hosts a major festival. Almost every locality in the region has souvenir shops and shops with high-quality goods, so shopping lovers usually do not leave here disappointed.
Puglia is one of the most colorful tourist destinations in. It is unlikely that it can compete in popularity with the northern part of the country or Sicily, but, nevertheless, this region can also offer its guests a lot of entertainment for every taste, including excellent wide beaches, beautiful natural landscapes and a whole scattering of historical places of great interest for true travel lovers.
