Port city in Puglia, Italy. Regions of Italy. Region of Apulia. Attractions and entertainment

Puglia, known in Italy as Puglia, is a region located in the south of Italy. If you look at the map, Apulia will be the heel of the “Italian boot”.

Until recently, Puglia (Puglia - Italian) was not a tourist place in Italy at all, which makes holidays in this region even more wonderful: the local flavor and originality are much more pronounced here than in Rome or Milan.

Apulia on the map of Italy

What is interesting about Puglia?

What is Puglia famous for first of all? Cute towns in the baroque style, traditional local houses (local residents call them trulli), which in appearance resemble a cross between a hobbit’s hut and the house of the inhabitants of Oz. There is a lot of sun, magnificent olive groves and orchards, many kilometers of sandy beaches and delicious cuisine.

And by the way, there is more than one sea here. On the left, Apulia is washed by the Ionian Sea, and on the right by the Adriatic. Although they are part of the Mediterranean, the holiday here is somewhat different. In the hottest months, when the Mediterranean resorts are scorching hot, there is always a light breeze in Puglia.

Puglia is a predominantly rural area whose inhabitants have made their living from agriculture since the days of the ancient Greek colonies. The scale of fruit and olive plantations amazes the imagination even today: these are not just gardens and groves, these are many kilometers of forests that fill the air with a completely unique thick aroma.

Among the attractions here are several ancient Greek cities, Roman settlements, church architecture from the Middle Ages and several majestic castles.

Despite the relatively recent tourism boom, Puglia can offer a lot of options for a comfortable holiday - from modern hotels and apartments to the so-called "masseria" - large manor houses in the center of rural estates.

Often, when staying in a masseria, the owners offer additional services, such as spa treatments at the local thermal springs, of which there are countless, or cooking classes.

How to get to Puglia?

The main airport of Puglia is located in the city of Bari, the capital of the region. Officially, the airport is named after Karol Wojtyła. There are regular flights from many European countries here. Often in the summer there are charter programs with direct flights from Russian tour operators and carriers (however, such programs are mainly offered from Moscow).

Bari Airport is quite large and convenient, there is a taxi-free point, a VIP lounge, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, car rental and other modern services. The airport is connected to the city by several bus routes - to the center and to the main railway station, see routes and schedule. You can also get to the city by metro; the schedule can be viewed.

Another way to get to Bari is by high-speed trains from Rome, Milan and other large cities with regular flights to Russia. For example, a trip from Rome will take approximately 2 hours, from Milan - 8 hours. Transportation is carried out by the national carrier of Italy Trenitalia; you can find out more about train routes with Puglia.

There is also a ferry service between Bari and other ports of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece (Corfu). Before traveling to Puglia from Montenegro, make sure you have a valid Schengen visa as Montenegro, unlike Greece and Croatia, is not a Schengen country.

To be fair, it must be said that Apulia is also connected with other regions of Italy by intercity bus routes, but it is almost impossible for a foreigner to understand the intricacies of this type of transport. Trips are organized by small local carriers, often without even a clear website.

The drivers and cashiers do not speak English, and the websites are also only available in Italian. There are a great variety of route options; you often need to change trains. The schedule is followed very conditionally; the names of the stops may not be announced. So traveling by bus is a guaranteed risk of getting lost, unless you speak Italian.

Climate of Apulia

Puglia has a typical Mediterranean climate. Winters here are quite cool and windy. From December to February, storms and hurricane winds are common. The best time to visit Puglia is from May to October. Moreover, the period from mid-June to mid-September is suitable for a beach holiday - it is at this time that the water temperature remains at a comfortable 23-25 ​​degrees.

But May and October are more suitable for lovers of hiking and sightseeing: during these months there is no sweltering summer heat, the air temperature during the day does not exceed 22-24 degrees, and at night it usually does not drop below 18-20.

Unlike other regions of the Mediterranean, Puglia has a drier climate, so both heat and cold are more easily tolerated than in more humid areas. Another difference between Puglia and most Italian provinces is its flat terrain. There are no mountains in Puglia, so even in the hottest months there is a light breeze.

Transport in Puglia

Most tourists coming to Puglia prefer to rent a car. At the airport and at the railway station of Bari you can find at least a dozen different rental offices, where you will certainly choose the car that suits you.

The requirements are standard: you must be over 21 years old, have an international driver's license and a plastic card from any bank to apply for collateral. You can see a list of rental companies with offices at Bari Airport.

Also, many rental companies offer additional services such as free road guides, navigators, child seats and similar services.

If you have booked a holiday in a small, remote town or rural area, having a car is essential, since transport links in Puglia, as in other provincial areas of Italy, are not very well developed.

In addition, having a car will give you some freedom to travel around the region, since the landscapes of Apulia deserve a short voyage along the coast and inland.

If for some reason car rental is not available to you, you can use local railway lines. It will be an adventure of its own, filled with local flavor and a certain charm. Tiny trains connect the small towns of Puglia with each other and with neighboring regions.

• The schedule of such trains is a little lame, but the pleasure of the trip compensates for these inconveniences. A website where you can view routes and schedules can be found, however, all information is presented only in Italian
• The relatively large cities of Puglia have public transport, mainly buses. Tickets are sold at tobacco kiosks (shops with the Tabacchi sign or simply the letter “T”). Sometimes you can buy a ticket directly from the driver
• Many residents and visitors to the region prefer to get around the cities by bicycle. Large and small rental offices can be found in any city, the price is quite reasonable compared to renting a car, and the distances are quite short

Features of holidays in Puglia

Since Puglia has only recently begun to develop as a tourist region, there are several points to take into account when organizing your trip.

• Here, of course, there are no Russian-speaking employees in hotels, restaurants and museums. Moreover, few people speak English either. You should definitely take an Italian phrasebook with you if you are not sure that you can express yourself well enough on your fingers.

• Shops, banks, tourist offices, rental offices and other establishments here operate according to their own schedule, which is not too tourist-oriented. Here you are unlikely to find night buses or 24-hour supermarkets and money changers
• In small villages and towns, such infrastructure may be completely absent. Therefore, survey the area in advance for the establishments that are most important to you and study their schedules so as not to get into trouble.

• Absolutely all establishments here close for siesta - a midday rest that can last several hours. As such, there is no common siesta schedule for everyone; each establishment sets its boundaries at its own discretion, but on average it lasts from 12:00-13:00 to 15:00-16:00

• Italians are not very punctual and obligatory. Here, being 30-40 minutes late is perceived as the norm, 5-10 minutes is not considered late at all. Shops and banks may not open and close at the specified times, buses and trains may be slightly behind schedule
• In small towns, the bus driver can, at his discretion, slightly change or even cancel the route if he feels that there are not enough passengers and the trip is unprofitable

• Unlike the inhabitants of traditional tourist places (Rome, Milan, Venice), who are accustomed to everything, the inhabitants of Apulia are quite conservative, patriarchal and pious. They are simple and friendly in communication as long as you maintain decency (in their understanding)
• If you have shown disrespect in some way, you may be quite emotionally reprimanded or publicly discussed about your “inappropriate” act

• Italians - especially southerners - are not particularly polite. Here it is considered the norm to show your emotions as they are. Unlike northern Europe, here they will not smile at you out of politeness, they may not answer questions like “how to get to the library,” or they will be rude if you have done something wrong. You should not take such moments to heart - this is just a manifestation of the local mentality. Each nation has its own “cockroaches”.

Main resorts of Puglia

Marina di Andrano

Marina di Andrano is perhaps the most popular resort for a beach holiday. The coastline here is indented with small bays, grottoes and rocky capes, which makes the sea calm and protected from the wind in any weather. The entrance to the sea in the bays is quite flat, the bottom is clean sand, and the water is particularly transparent.

In general, the main attraction of this resort is nature, the beauty of sea sunsets and snow-white sand combined with clear turquoise water. The most picturesque grottoes are located in the area of ​​the Zona Botte and Zona Grotta Verde beaches.

The center of the resort is Andrano, a large town by local standards. The main architectural masterpieces of the city are the numerous churches built during the Middle Ages.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli means "beautiful city" in Greek. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Southern Italy, founded by the ancient Greeks.

Despite its small size, there are quite a lot of attractions from different eras, especially in the Old Town, which is located on an island separate from the modern part of Gallipoli and is connected to it by a bridge.

The city is suitable for a quiet, leisurely holiday. Here is the residence of the Duke of Anjou, one of the rulers of this area in the Middle Ages. Here you will find many amazingly beautiful corners and landscapes.

Gallipoli is also famous for its unique culinary traditions, especially seafood. For an evening pastime, you can find a lot of cafes and souvenir shops, and several attractions for children. The beaches in the Gallipoli area are ideal for families with children.

Galliano del Capo

Holidays in Galliano del Capo are primarily suitable for lovers of long walks and beautiful landscapes. The main attractions here are the rocky coastline, mesmerizing with its views, olive groves sloping down to the sea in terraces, rocky paths along the coast and many historical monuments scattered throughout the surrounding area.

Recently, the regional government adopted a program to restore historically significant objects. Therefore, in the vicinity of Galliano del Capo you can feel the real course of history - from ancient times to the present day.

Margherita di Savoia

Margherita di Savoia is, first of all, thermal springs and everything connected with them. The baths of Margherita di Savoie are considered the best in all of Southern Italy, so the city is very popular among holidaymakers, and holidays here are considered prestigious and very healing.

Local thermal baths can offer a healing course for all types of diseases from ENT to gynecology and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, since local salts and muds have a very wide spectrum of action.

Margherita di Savoia has been known as a thermal resort since the times of the ancient Romans, when only very wealthy and titled people could afford treatment here.

In addition to the thermal baths, Margherita di Savoia boasts unique architectural structures (mainly churches) and the world’s only salt museum, which contains the entire history of the extraction, processing and industrial use of salt marsh deposits.

Santa Cesarea Terme

Santa Cesarea Terme is another thermal resort in Puglia. Unlike Margherita de Savoie, it is relatively young, and the treatment centers here offer therapy sessions directly in karst caves with a unique healing microclimate, which are located in large numbers in the vicinity of the city. Santa Cesaria Terme is located on a rocky coast, and its many terraced streets descend to the sea, which gives special beauty to the local landscapes.

Santa Cesaria Terme began to develop as a thermal resort only in the 18th century. The main clients of the local baths at that time were numerous aristocrats from the surrounding areas, who built luxurious residences and palazzos here. As a result of this popularity, today the city is a jewel of architectural styles popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alberobello

Alberobello is one of the most amazing places in Puglia. This city resembles a fairy-tale village of gnomes, because most of the buildings here are trulli houses, traditional for this area - snow-white round houses with an unusual cone-shaped roof. To complete the experience, you can even stay for a couple of nights in one of the houses.

These houses are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In 1996 they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The houses are unique not only in appearance, but also in the peculiarity of their construction: all of them were built without the use of cement or other fastening mortar. When constructing a trulli, the stones are stacked in such a way that when one stone is removed from the foundation, the entire house instantly collapses.

This feature is historically due to the fact that local peasants did not pay housing taxes. When the tax collectors approached, the entire village in an instant turned into a pile of bricks, and the tax collectors left without a slurp. It all ended with the local rulers issuing a decree prohibiting the construction of such houses. The ban is still in effect today.

Matera

Matera is another city of Puglia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Matera is famous for its houses built right into the rocks. Moreover, the first such settlements here date back to the Neolithic. During the early Middle Ages, Matera was chosen by fugitive Byzantine monks, who, along with their dwellings, built churches and monastic cells in the caves.

Basically, houses in caves were built by the poor for reasons of saving money and building materials: in fact, these are a kind of slums that existed in Matera for many centuries.

In the middle of the last century in the 1950s, the authorities began to forcibly evict the inhabitants of Matera from caves to modern quarters, since the sanitary conditions of these dwellings had long ceased to meet modern standards.

Currently, the surviving cave houses are often used by filmmakers from different countries for filming historical scenes (for example, this is where Mel Gibson filmed his “Passion of the Christ”), some of them house museums, fashionable restaurants and apartments.

Lecce

Lecce is the capital of the region of the same name in Puglia, a city unique in its beauty. Most of the houses here are built from local limestone “leccisu”, the natural structure of which allows the buildings to be given the most bizarre shapes and exquisite decorations.

Thanks to these properties of the material, the architecture of Lecce stands out from other cities with its unique beauty and grandeur of buildings.

In addition, “lecchiza” is characterized by a unique golden hue, which is especially noticeable in sunny weather. Thanks to this, on a clear day in the historical quarters of Lecce, tourists are haunted by the illusion that all the houses are built of pure gold.

Most of the buildings date back to the Baroque era. Also in Lecho you can find numerous buildings of earlier times, starting from ancient times.

Brindisi

Brindisi has been considered Italy's Gateway to the East since ancient Rome. Due to its advantageous position, Brindisi has been an important fort and commercial center since its founding. Over its long history, Brindisi has experienced many rulers, each of whom tried to leave their mark on the architectural appearance of the city.

Among the numerous historical buildings, you can trace the history of the city from antiquity to the present day. Here you can find unique medieval churches and ancient buildings, brutal defensive structures and airy palazzi.

Among the modern buildings, one can note the Monument to the Italian Sailor - a very controversial structure, but definitely memorable for all visitors.

Bari and its attractions

Bari is the second most important city in southern Italy after Naples. Historically, its significance stems from the fact that it was an important strategic point on the Via Trajana, the Roman imperial route to the Middle East.

After the fall of Rome, Bari continued to be a tasty morsel for many empires and conquerors due to its advantageous location.

Saracens and Byzantines, Normans and Venetians, Bourbons and kings of Aragnon fought for the right to own it. Over its long history, Bari was destroyed and reborn several times.

The city experienced its greatest prosperity during the reign of Napoleon. Bari retains its strategic importance to this day. Bari is the capital of the Apulia region.

All the administrative centers of the province, the main universities and government institutions, the largest trade and passenger terminals (both sea and railway) are located here.

From a religious point of view, Brai also plays an important role - it is here that the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Santa Claus, the patron saint of all children and travelers, are kept.

Basilica of St. Nicholas

The Basilica of St. Nicholas is an important religious center not only in Apulia, but throughout Italy. It has been in operation since the 9th century. The relics of St. Nicholas are kept here, so the basilica is one of the main objects of pilgrimage throughout the Christian world.

Bari Castle

Bari Castle is a fortification built under the Normans. Over its long history, it was rebuilt many times by different rulers. The castle acquired its main shape during the reign of Aragon.

At various times, the castle served as a fortification, a prison for prisoners, and the residence of local rulers. Currently, the castle houses a historical museum.

Old city

The Old Town is an area surrounded by medieval walls. This part of Bari received its name in the century before last, when city buildings went beyond the old fortress walls. The new quarters, as opposed to the medieval ones, began to be called the New Town.

In the Old Town you can find many old buildings - from churches to residences of noble citizens. The typical atmosphere of the European Middle Ages reigns here with characteristic narrow streets, pavements and architectural masterpieces of different eras.

Pinacoteca Bari

The Pinacoteca is the largest fine art museum in Southern Italy. The museum's exhibition includes a wide variety of paintings, ranging from the ancient period to paintings of the 19th century. It mainly displays works by local artists, as well as examples found during excavations in the Apulia region.

Petruzzelli Theater

Teatro Petruzzelli is one of the largest theaters in Italy. It was built at the end of the 19th century by local patrons and has since served as the main cultural platform for the Bari region and the whole of Puglia.

In addition to local celebrities, world-famous stars often give concerts here. At various times, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti and others performed here.

Via Venezia

Via Venezia is a pedestrian street that is laid over the fortress walls of the Old Town, demolished by order of the Napoleonic governor of Bari, Gioachino Murata. The street is located on a slight elevation compared to other buildings, so it offers magnificent views of the Old Town and the port.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is an avenue in the New Town, along which the main administrative and financial institutions of the city are located, as well as numerous buildings of the local aristocracy, from the time of Napoleon to the present day. There are also many restaurants and street cafes located here.

Margarita Theater

The Margarita Theater is located in the New Town and is best known for being built right on the water on special stilts. At different times, various performances were held here - from musical shows to classical theater productions. Currently, the theater premises are used for an exhibition of contemporary art.

Palazzo Fizzarotti

Palazzo Fizzarotti is one of the most significant and impressive buildings in the New Town. It was originally built as a residential building for the Fizzarotti family. Currently, the interior of the palace is available for inspection; the palace is often used as a venue for various cultural events.

Castle of Castel del Monte

The most popular attraction in the area around Bari is Castel del Monte, built in the 13th century by Frederick the Great.

In addition to the listed attractions in Bari you can find many churches from different eras, parks and squares, numerous villas and palazzos of the Apulian aristocracy, many historical exhibitions, theaters and exhibitions. Those wishing to receive the most complete information about the city and its attractions will find a complete list of objects. Here you can also find city guides and interactive maps.

Shopping in Puglia

If we talk about shopping, the main shopping centers and malls are located, of course, in the capital of the province, Bari. The main shopping street here is called Sparano di Bari, and this is a real paradise for shopaholics of all stripes, since all the main boutiques and brand stores of the most famous Italian and European brands from luxury to economy class lines are concentrated here.

The second street that deserves the attention of shopping lovers is called Corso Camillo Benso Cavour. Both streets are located in the New Town of Bari.

Lovers of local color will be interested in the Lecce flea market, Gallipoli antique market, and Alberobello craft market. Typically, such markets operate in the main square of the city on Sundays (the exact schedule can be checked with local residents, since the markets do not have an official schedule).

Cuisine of Puglia

Since Apulia is a typical agricultural and fishing region, the local cuisine is rich in recipes with an abundance of vegetables, grains and seafood. Whatever dish you are offered here, it will definitely contain pasta (that is, products made from durum wheat), vegetables, sea creatures and olive oil.

Orecchiette pasta- Looks like typical Russian homemade dumplings, but without filling. Instead of filling, the pasta is generously flavored with herb sauce and olive oil.

Cavatelli pasta- also a type of pasta that looks more like flattened shells. Served with stewed vegetables and seafood in a variety of combinations.

Panzerotti in different variations - these are pies. The filling can be different, so the second word in the name of the dish will mean exactly the filling: panzerotti la proscuito - pies with ham, panzerotti al accuja - pies with anchovies, and so on. These pies are fried in vegetable oil and look like something between sochny and pasties.

Octopus is the most common seafood ingredient. There are a huge variety of octopus dishes here. The simplest thing is octopus baked with potatoes in a pot (the recipe and appearance are the same as the Russian dish of rabbit with potatoes).

Pastichotti– one of the most popular types of sweets in Puglia. It's basically a shortbread with lemon jam inside. Also, different types of sweets are very popular ice cream, the most exotic of which is prepared from the pulp of a sweet Mexican cactus that grows everywhere here.

The most popular wines primitive(young red tart wine) and aleatico(sweet dessert wine).

The best gastronomic establishments in terms of local flavor and adherence to recipes are considered to be masserias - rural hotels and restaurants, something like local estates.

As a rule, at a masseria there is a shop where you can buy products grown on this farm, as well as try real Apulian dishes prepared according to local village recipes.

Video. Holidays in Puglia

Video. “Choose Puglia!”, Pino Campagna

Video. Apulian tarantella

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 will 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 a major festival takes place in the city. 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.

From school we remember that Italy, with its outlines, looks like a real boot. At its “heel” and “spur” is the region of Apulia. It has many characteristic features that distinguish Italy from other countries of the world, and at the same time pleasantly surprises with features that can only be seen here.

Geographical position

Immediately on the shores of two seas - the Ionian and Adriatic - lies the long and relatively narrow region of Apulia.

Italy “gave” it its easternmost tip. The world map clearly demonstrates that this region is very close to Albania, which is only 80 kilometers away. Greece is also nearby. Passenger ferries regularly run from Bari to Patras, Greece. The journey takes about 15 hours, depending on the class of the ship. In addition, from Bari you can sail to the islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, and Corfu. The city has a modern international airport, which also operates local flights from Rome and Milan. You can get to the capital of Puglia by train, bus (from Rome) or car.

Nature of the region

Not everyone likes the monotonous landscapes that characterize Puglia. Reviews from tourists are sometimes full of such epithets as “boring”, “dull”. Indeed, when you drive along the highway, both on the left and on the right, your gaze continually comes across cultivated squares of land and well-groomed olive groves.

There are practically no mountains here, just plains (53% of the territory) and low, gentle hills. The highest point in the region is the Cornacchia peak (1152 meters). But the coastline delights with picturesque, sometimes bizarrely shaped grottoes, cozy bays, and unusual arches created by nature in the rocks. Most of the land is occupied by vineyards, and Apulia is the first country in the country to produce wine and olive oil. Italy is famous throughout the world for these two products thanks to this hardworking region. In addition to agriculture, industrial production is also developed here. There are especially many businesses in Bari and Taranto.

Weather

Among other regions of the country, Apulia has the longest coastline. Italy is famous throughout the world for its wonderful beaches, and its eastern region is no exception. However, weather conditions suitable for a beach holiday exist here only in the summer months.

In Sicily you can swim in December. But in Puglia, even in May the water is quite cool. In summer, the air temperature stays at +28-32 degrees, and in winter it drops to +6. September is still quite warm, but from October to March there are frequent storms at sea, which should be taken into account by those wishing to travel by ferry. There is little rain in Puglia, mainly from the second half of autumn. Showers are usually heavy but short-lived. At the end of them, the sun comes out again, and the weather is quite favorable for exciting excursion walks. In general, the word “Apulia” means “land without rain”. This name was first applied to the region by Emperor Augustus.

A little history

Puglia is famous for its glorious centuries-old history. Over the thousands of years of its existence, Italy has known both dawn and decline. The same can be said about Puglia. The ancient Greek historians Herodotus wrote about it and only called it Iapygia in honor of the son of the mythical Daedalus. His name was Iapyg.

According to legend, he went to look for new lands, saw a wonderful coast, landed and founded a settlement there. The Illyrians moved there next. Their leader was Barion, who further upset the city. Some historians believe that this is where the name Bari comes from. Later this place was occupied by the ancient and famous Trojans. The Trojan route once passed through Apulia. A long time ago the entire coast belonged to Greece. Then it was conquered by the Normans, Byzantines, and Romans. Each of the conquerors contributed to the appearance of the region. As a result, today's Apulia looks quite peculiar. Reviews from lovers of ancient architecture are mostly similar - in the region you can find traces of all the cultures that existed here.

Capital

Bari is the second most important city (after Naples), famous for its port and the Basilica of St. Nicholas. He was a priest in the Greek city of Myra, where he died in the 4th century.

According to legends, after his burial several miraculous healings inexplicable by science occurred (hence Nicholas the Wonderworker). Thousands of pilgrims flocked to the city. But at the beginning of the 11th century, the relics were stolen and secretly taken to Bari. A crypt was built specifically for storing them. Now this city, and with it Apulia, is famous for this artifact. Tours here can be booked not only during the beach season, but also in winter to get to the famous one (December 6). Bari is beautiful at any time of the year. It is divided into new and old parts. For tourists, the greatest interest is the old one, where there are 29 churches and basilicas. The new part is no less beautiful. There are many fountains, surrounded by flowers, parks, museums, theaters and shops for every taste and budget.

Fairytale city of trolls

It is impossible to come to Puglia without visiting the famous Alberobello. This small town is famous for its unusual houses, similar to the dwellings of trolls. These architectural creations are called “trulli”.

They have domed roofs made of flat stones. Once upon a time, trulli were built to avoid paying taxes, because such a dwelling was not considered a home. Now they are protected by UNESCO, and Apulia earns a tidy sum every year. Reviews from tourists, who are plentiful here both in winter and in summer, are always enthusiastic about these unusual houses. Recently, the city mayor's office relocated the bulk of the residents to standard houses. But the trulli are still inhabited. Moreover, Alberobello has shops, restaurants and even a trulli church. And some residents have organized their own business based on such unusual architecture, that is, for a small fee they invite you into their house and show you how it works from the inside.

Rock City

Another interesting place worth a look is the city of Matera, famous for its settlement carved into huge rocks. It is located far from the coast, on the border with another region - Basilicata, and has recently been geographically assigned to it.

However, the Apulians hope that Matera will return to them again; it is not for nothing that this name is translated as “my lands.” The area of ​​the rock settlements is called Sassi, which means “stones”. There are fascinating cave complexes of churches carved into the rocks here. Puglia, whose attractions include many religious buildings, attracts hundreds of tourists with these monumental antiquities. Arriving in Matera, you should definitely visit Convicinio di Santo Antonio, where you can enter through the amazing portal of four churches that are unlike one another. The church of San Giovanni and Santa Maria Idris are carved in the middle of the rock. In addition to these religious buildings, the Lanfranchi Palace, which now houses a museum, is of interest.

Gargano - boot spur

Mountains in Puglia occupy only 1.5% of the territory. And almost all of them are located in Gargano. It is thanks to her that Apulia can boast of extraordinary beauty of mountain landscapes. Reviews from tourists about this region are the most enthusiastic.

Particularly impressive are the relict giant trees, roe deer walking along forested mountain paths, blooming orchids in the meadows and mountain arches and rock fragments sticking out from the azure waters of the coastal line, looking like the teeth of fairy-tale monsters. Almost the entire territory of the Gargano is a national reserve. The famous resorts of Vieste, Mattinata, Peschici are located on its territory. Therefore, prices here are slightly higher than in other areas of Puglia, but Gargano is worth it.

The peninsula has several natural attractions. Tourists are always interested in two lakes with salt water. One of them is Lezina, the second is Varano. Both are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land decorated with flowers and trees. Lovers of mysticism will certainly be attracted by three small beautiful islands lying about 20 km from Gargano. These are San Domino, Caprara and San Nicolo. They form an archipelago, in the central part of which rise the cliffs of Cretacio and La Vecchia. Local residents claim that one is haunted by the ghost of a prisoner who was executed, and the other by the ghost of a spinner.

Lecce - the second Florence

When talking about Puglia, it is impossible not to mention the small town of Lecce. There are so many architectural monuments and fragments of buildings made in the Baroque style that it is rightly called the second Florence.

The most famous building is the 15th-17th century Basilica of Santa Croce. Walking along the shady streets and looking at the extraordinary stone lace of ancient houses, it is impossible to find a similar ornament. Incredibly, they are all different. They say that the ancient architects poured milk over the stucco molding after finishing their work. Over the centuries, it acquired a golden hue, which is especially evident at sunset, and gave this corner a second name - the Golden City. This is how much interesting things Puglia has to offer its guests. Holidays here will undoubtedly appeal to both lovers of sea walks and connoisseurs of ancient masterpieces.

Sea and cuisine

No matter how interesting the sights are, in the summer we all go to the resort to enjoy the sea and sun. The beaches of Puglia are located almost along the entire coastline.

Salento is especially interesting in this regard, where you can simultaneously swim in the waters of two seas at once. It’s a great place to relax with children, as the entrance to the water is smooth and the sand is perfectly clean. In addition, the southernmost part of Puglia is located here, so you can swim in September. Excellent beaches await tourists in all resort areas of the region. Umbrellas and sunbeds on many of them are paid, but if you try, you can find a place where you won’t be driven away even with your towel. No holiday is complete without food. The cuisine of Puglia is famous for its fish dishes, delicious mussels, extraordinary cheeses, special bread and pasta, which are made by hand. You can also order creamy soup with peas, but this is not for everyone. Among the wines, Primitivo is especially popular. It doesn't have much of a name, but it tastes divine. “Salice-Salentino” and “Marina-Franca” also have excellent taste. In general, all the wines of Puglia are excellent. Gourmet restaurants here open in the evening, but you can always grab a bite of freshly made pizza.

Puglia Hotels

One of the most important problems when choosing a holiday destination is where to stay. There are no problems with this in Puglia. In almost every city, the doors of numerous hotels of all types are open to tourists. There are luxury apartments starting from 1,200 euros per night, and there are very inexpensive hostels, very suitable for undemanding tourists. The middle position is occupied by three-star hotels and villas. It makes sense to book a place many days in advance only in the summer months and during national holidays, such as in Bari. Usually, travel agencies can find a decent accommodation option, even if the desire to visit Puglia arose spontaneously.

The cleanest beaches on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, marked with the highest sign in the form of a blue flag, red earth with contrasting crowns of olive trees, cozy churches and touching veneration of the Madonna, polished pavements and the interweaving of cultures of ancient civilizations, amazingly responsive locals who lovingly maintain order on the coast, and housewives who earn extra money cooking right in front of tourists. All this is the region of Puglia, the easternmost of all the regions of Italy. Those who were lucky enough to visit here remember this slightly authentic corner of the Apennine Peninsula with great warmth. On the map it looks like the heel and heel of an elegant Italian boot with a spur.

The administrative center of the Puglia region is located in Bari, a port city with a long and complex but interesting history. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, land roads, sea routes and pilgrim paths crossed here. Until now, the capital of Apulia is a strategically important settlement in southern Italy.

• Among the regions of Italy, Apulia is considered the leader in wine production. The region produces about 40% of olive oil.
• In the Grotta del Cavallo cave, located in the province of Lecce, two human teeth were found, whose age is 43-45 thousand years.
• Bari has the longest seaside promenade in Italy.
• The relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, revered in Orthodoxy, the patron saint of Bari, were secretly taken to Apulia from Byzantium and placed in the crypt of the Catholic Basilica of St. Nicholas.
• The city of Lecce is called the Florence of the south.
• The most famous castle of the Middle Ages is located in the province of Bari. This is Castel del Monte, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In Italian, Puglia sounds like Puglia.
• The end point of the Appian Way, stretching from Rome to the south, was the seaport of Brundisium (today Brindisi). Its construction was completed in the second half of the 2nd century. BC, and the end of the path was marked by two marble columns.
• The Apulian Aqueduct was built only at the beginning of the 20th century. Before this, the region suffered from droughts due to the small number of natural fresh water reservoirs.
• The founder of the school of Italian sculpture, Niccolo Pisano (13th century), and the famous opera singer Farinelli (18th century), who underwent castration at an early age in order to preserve a high timbre of his voice, were born in Apulia.

Cities of Puglia

A little history

Archaeological finds indicate that homo sapiens lived on the territory of modern Apulia back in Paleolithic times. It is assumed that the ancient Greeks appeared in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula around the 8th century BC. They constantly fought with the aborigines - the Messapians, Davani and Apulians, who gave the region its current name. The battles either subsided or flared up with renewed vigor. And this lasted until at the turn of the 4th-3rd centuries. BC. The Romans did not intervene in the situation.

Apulia after the fall of the western part of the Roman Empire (5th century) was plundered. The Goths and the Byzantines visited here, as well as the Lombards and the Saracens. The heyday came only in the 11th century with the arrival of the Normans to these fertile lands, who again organized trade flows between Europe and the East and included the “boot” in the Kingdom of Sicily. But the suffering of the Apulians did not end there. Spanish rule in the 15th and 16th centuries again brought the region into crisis. Interestingly, despite this confusion, in some parts of Apulia the Greek language continued to exist.

The region joined the united Italy in 1861. A little later, the boundaries of the Apulia region were determined. At first it included three provinces - Bari, Lecce and Foggia. In the 20th century, Brindisi and Taranto were distinguished. The most recent one, Barletta-Andria-Trani, appeared in 2004.

Sights of Puglia

The region is famous for the pristine beauty of its natural reserves and parks. Here you can see ancient burials - dolmens and mysterious stone obelisks - menhirs, get acquainted with architectural masterpieces of different eras and priceless works of art. In Puglia, tourists enjoy visiting cathedrals and medieval castles, farms and museum towns, karst caves and grottoes. Travelers' attention is attracted by ancient villages, monuments, castles and much more.

When to go to Puglia

Puglia weather

Beaches with golden sands and crystal waters await guests from late spring to late autumn. Most of them fly blue flags, leaving no doubt about the cleanliness of the Puglia coastal area and the highest level of service. Sunbathing here can be combined with boat trips to remote bays and caves, fishing and active recreation surrounded by pristine nature.

Throughout the year, travelers will find historical monuments and cities of art, museums and castles, basilicas and world heritage sites, the most famous of which are the trulli in Alberobello - funny houses with conical roofs. The colorful villages of Puglia await guests at any time of the year. You can time your arrival for one of the traditional holidays. Each of them is accompanied by colorful rituals or theatrical tournaments.

In order to taste local cuisine, sweet delicacies, fish, Negroamaro, Aleatico and Primitivo wine, unsurpassed burrata cheese, Altamura and Laterza bread - you don’t need to choose a special time. Apulians are always ready to offer tourists the most delicious menu!

Apulia on the map of Italy

The hilly and flat terrain of Apulia is located along the sea coasts of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The length of the coastline is almost 860 km, which is the highest among mainland Italian regions. At the same time, only about 2% of the territory is mountainous, which defines the area as the least elevated. The highest peak belongs to Monte Cornacchia. Its elevation above sea level reaches 1152 meters.

Puglia borders areas such as Basilicata, Campania and Molise. The region unites six provinces. But its territory has another division, including seven historical and geographical zones. Their borders do not coincide with the borders of modern provinces.

How to get to Puglia

9 km north of Bari is the international airport Karol Wojtyła, named after Pope John Paul II. Airplanes flying to/from most European countries, as well as Egypt, Latvia, and Turkey land here. Puglia Airport also serves local airlines. The slightly smaller Papola Casale International Airport is located in Brindisi, 35 km from Lecce.

Puglia is connected by road and rail with other regions of the country. In port cities, maritime passenger traffic is no less developed.

During a trip to the Italian region of Puglia in January, we discovered many interesting places that we had never even heard of before. In this article I will tell you about the cities of Puglia that we were able to visit during the trip.

Puglia is not only the capital city of Bari. These are also medieval towns on mountain tops, olive groves, a cozy Adriatic coast dotted with small towns and snow-white trulli, wine cellars and majestic palazzos. The cities of the Apulia region are located on different seas. Here you are walking around the city of Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, drive just 50 km to the east and find yourself in the town of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea. I’ll move on to a description of what I remember about the individual towns of Puglia that we were able to visit.

Polignano a Mare

In fact, the entire city of Polignano a Mare stands on a rock, under which there are dozens of grottoes. Polignano a Mare is home to Europe's most romantic restaurant and hotel, Grotta Palazzese. The restaurant is built right in a limestone cave and offers incredible views of the nearby grottoes and the Adriatic. The restaurant is closed during winter. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines. This place is not cheap: the average bill exceeds 100 Euros per person. In the evening, candles are lit in the restaurant, which creates an incredibly romantic and unique atmosphere.

Within the city of Polignano a Mare, among the limestone rocks, there is a cozy small beach - a favorite vacation spot for local residents. The beach is pebbly, so don't forget to bring swimming slippers.

Otranto

Italy's easternmost city is famous for its soft white sand beach and turquoise water. It seems that you are somewhere in the Caribbean, and not in the south of Italy. The beach is one of the top Italian beaches and is good not only for swimming and sunbathing, but also for snorkeling.

Monopoly

In Monopoli, you should definitely visit the port with many fishing boats and watch how the fishermen get their catch from them - fish, mussels, shells. Near the port are the ancient fortifications of the Castle of Charles V, dating back to the 16th century.

Trani

Trani is one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia, reminiscent of the northern cities of Italy, unlike other cities in Puglia. The main attraction of Trani is the local cathedral and a powerful, well-preserved castle from the 13th century, as well as a long promenade along the Adriatic Sea. There are many restaurants in the port area where you can eat pizza or seafood.

Barletta

Barletta is a port, non-tourist city. Barletta is famous for its Colossus, a bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II. The height of the statue is 4 meters, making it the largest statue surviving from the late Roman Empire. In Barletta, as in other cities of Puglia, there are cathedrals, churches, and a powerful fortress. The city is industrial; cement and concrete are produced here. We didn’t particularly like the beach: it is located next to a cement plant and is generally not equipped for relaxation. Along the perimeter of Barletta beach there are summer houses and cabanas. In Barletta, we appreciated the delicious cakes at the Gelateria Bonelli coffee shop and gelateria.

Lecce

There are more than 40 churches in Lecce; the ruins of a powerful amphitheater are preserved in the city center. Thanks to the baroque architecture of the city, Lecce is often called the “Florence of southern Italy”. The most interesting place in the city is the central square Piazza del Duomo with the cathedral, in the vicinity of which you can find decent restaurants and gelaterias. Be prepared for the fact that not everyone in Lecce understands English. Despite the fact that Lecce is one of the largest cities in southern Italy, its entire historical center can be easily walked on foot; it will take 1-1.5 hours. Top attractions of Lecce - Basilica of Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a very interesting place to walk around the old town and along the sea. The city is surrounded on all sides by the sea, and is connected to the mainland only by a bridge. Gallipoli is surrounded by strong fortified walls and has many churches. Local residents fish and work in the tourism sector. Here they catch tuna, sea bass, brown perch, and sea pike and immediately cook them in seaside restaurants.

Matera

The majestic white city is located in the province of Basilicata, neighboring Apulia. The old town - Sassi di Matera - is notable for the fact that it is located on a hill, on which the houses seem to be stuck on top of each other. Matera is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is believed that these places were the first human settlements in Italy. Matera is the center of Christian churches. Unique views of the city appeared in the films “The Passion of the Christ”, “The Gospel of Matthew”, “King David”.

Ostuni

A white city on a hill, the number of inhabitants in which triples in the summer. Ostuni produces high quality olive oil and wine. Ostuni is nicknamed the white city for its white walls and architecture. The largest building in Ostuni is the cathedral. Ostuni is a favorite place to live for Englishmen in Italy who move here to retire. In good weather, when approaching Ostuni by car, you can take beautiful photographs: in contrast with the blue sky, the white houses of the city look amazing.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo is a small white town of just 14,000 people, famous for its wines and the circular layout of the city's historic core. Locorotondo is one of the most picturesque villages in Italy. Locorotondo is one of the most famous wine-growing areas of Puglia. The light white wine Locorotondo DOC is produced here. Locorotondo is also included in the Guinness Book of Records as the only city whose name uses as many as five letters “O”.

Alberobello

A fairy-tale town with traditional dwellings - trulli. People come here for unforgettable photographs with views of snow-white limestone houses with dark roofs. There are more than 1,500 trulla houses in the village. Perhaps it was the Trulli who glorified the Apulia region throughout the world. In summer there are no crowds of tourists here, so come here in autumn or winter. In addition to this village, trulli are found in other cities.

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