Apulia. Southern Italy. Adriatic coast of Italy - resorts. Puglia: recreation, beaches, attractions, shopping

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

The region is characterized by low rainfall, mild winters and hot summers with low humidity levels. Sometimes the Mediterranean climate gives rise to surprise - it can snow here! As for the temperature, in summer it rises to 28-33 degrees, and in winter it remains between 6-15 degrees Celsius. In Puglia there are no natural barriers in the form of massive mountain ranges, and therefore the weather is quite often windy. Rain is a fairly rare occurrence. As a rule, they come in late autumn and winter.

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.

The best places to stay in Italy “without Russians”.
The beaches and attractions of the Lower Adriatic coast, Abruzzo and Puglia are regions unspoiled by mass tourism, and therefore very attractive for a great pastime, both for lovers of a relaxing holiday on the beach, and for those who want to devote their vacation to walks through picturesque areas and inspection of ancient treasures , architectural heritage and enjoying delicious gastronomy.

The space of the Lower Adriatic, which includes "Green Heart" of Italy - Abruzzo to the cape Leuca in Puglia on the “heel” country, defines the weaving together of centuries-old history and culture, traditions, customs and hospitality of the inhabitants of the Italian Adriatic coast, who formed their character on the rich heritage of local tribes, Normans, Greeks and Byzantines. Everyone who decides to spend their holiday among Italian treasures receives, along with beautiful nature, the richness and colors of a delightful culture, the hospitality of local residents, whose characters are unique in their own way. Among other things, the traveler is offered thousands of opportunities for an unforgettable holiday on a wonderfully equipped coast, both in modern hotels and in ancient castles and masserias that meet the highest requirements.

When to go. Best time to visit

Swimming season in Abruzzo and Puglia begins at the end of May, but “walruses” and daredevils have been occupying sun loungers on the deserted beaches of the Lower Adriatic since mid-April. In mid-spring, in these regions most often, although it does not happen from year to year, warm, comfortable weather sets in, and the air temperature warms up to 19-21 degrees Celsius.
You can enjoy the sea and nature of two picturesque regions until the end of October. But we strongly we do not recommend coming on the southern coasts of Italy in general, and Apulia in particular, from 7 to 21 August- “time of exodus”, when the “northerners” in a single impulse leave their homes and rush to the magnificent beaches from Gargano to Gallipoli and beyond everywhere.

How to get to the Lower Adriatic

Thanks to the well-developed transport system, getting to Abruzzo and Puglia is easy. Holidays in the Lower Adriatic can be easily combined with excursions to Milan and Rome, also to Pescara and Bari, if desired, you can get there by rented car from Rimini (Emilia-Romagna region) and Ancona (Marche region).
You can also get to Pescara from Rome by train in 2 hours 30 minutes.
Or fly to Bari in a way convenient for you:
— on direct airline flights Mistral Air, tours to Puglia for 7, 14, 21 and 28 nights are exclusively presented by the tour operator ICS Travel Group. The flight program begins on June 2, and you can enjoy a comfortable and inexpensive holiday on the “heel” of Italy until the fall.
- with a transfer in Rome. To make your ticket more economical, first book flights on the Moscow route (or any other departure city in Russia) - Rome – Moscow, it’s worth staying in Rome for a couple or three nights and then flying along the route Rome - Bari - Rome, on domestic airline flights Alitalia.
If you don’t have much time for rest, but you really want to visit Puglia (before the wave of mass tourism hits the region), book your flights along the route Moscow – Brindisi – Moscow. It is convenient and you will have the opportunity to see the best beaches in the region in 7–10 days.

How to plan your trip to the Lower Adriatic

Along the easternmost section of the Tronto River, up to its mouth, lies the administrative border between the regions of Marche and Abruzzo. The coastline of the Abruzzo region is incredibly varied: low and sandy in the north, becoming increasingly rocky and rugged in the south. Resorts Teramo, from Martinsicuro before Sylvie Marina And Alba Adriatica, Dzhuliyanova, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Pineto, as well as beaches Pescara And Francavillas al Mare offer travelers accommodation in hotels of the highest level and unlimited opportunities for all kinds of entertainment. And if your soul is in the mood for cruises and sailing trips on comfortable yachts, then Pescara has a modern tourist port.
Closer to the south, the landscape of the Lower Adriatic changes radically: from Orton before Vasto and further until San Salvo Islands of greenery suddenly appear, covered with gorse thickets and small vineyards, which alternate with wide sandy shores, framed by dense Mediterranean greenery. Picturesque overflows, and in some places lonely palafites - residential buildings on stilts, rising into the sea from San Vito Chietino And Fossacesia, testify to the existence here since time immemorial of the art of fishing.
Particularly suitable for families looking for a relaxing holiday, the Abruzzo coast is even more attractive due to the presence of a variety of hotels to suit every taste and budget. If lazy relaxation on the beach is not your thing, then fans of active recreation will find water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing.

All hotels in the region on the map

Continuing our journey south, to Molise, a delightful coastline of velvet beaches awaits you, 30 kilometers long. We especially recommend paying attention to the spacious Rio Vivo beach in Termoli, beaches on the south coast Sant Antonio. Calm sea near the ancient town Petacciato and liveliness Campomarino Lido- this is only a small part of the opportunities that the Molisan region offers for a summer holiday full of sea and sun.
A bit further The territory of Apulia begins on the Gargano Peninsula. Gargano is a large karst cape that has no equal in the world. Its area is approximately 2000 square kilometers and its height above sea level reaches 1055 meters, the highest point of the cape is Mount Calvo, whose bare peak rises above the coastal pines of Aleppo and the beeches of the Umbrian forest. The spur of the Italian boot cuts approximately 70 kilometers into the Adriatic Sea. In ancient times, it was an island, and even today its territory, in terms of environmental characteristics, is very different from those of the adjacent valley. On the Gargano coast you can still find grottoes, lonely rocks rising in the sea, and deserted bays in areas of untouched beauty.
There is an abundance of seaside resorts: Lezina And Vareno located on the lakes of the same name, separated from the sea by a thin strip of sand Rodi Garganico and a small medieval town Peschici; Vieste And Pugnociuso, which are the most famous and equipped tourist centers; Mattinata And Manfredonia.

The unique riot of nature serves as a backdrop for places of unprecedented beauty, located a little further from the sea, through which religious and pilgrimage routes pass. Suffice it to mention San Giovani Rotondo in the province of Foggia, birthplace of Father Pio da Pietrelcina, a monk of the Capuchin order and famous throughout the world, Monte San Angelo, a Norman settlement - the location of an unusual sanctuary located in a grotto, a place visited in the Middle Ages by pilgrims on the way to the Holy Land, and, of course, the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari.
The blue of the sea leads into the distance into magical settlements Province of Bari: from perfect and refined beauty Molfetta to daring arrays Polignano a Mare, to which the town seems to want to conquer the waters, and at the same time, submitting to them itself, sheltered many small and large charming grottoes; from Trani, stretching along the coast with noble mansions and the magnificent Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Pilgrim, to the city of thousands of churches Monopoly. While traveling along the coast of Puglia, do not miss the opportunity to visit its hinterland by visiting the grottoes Castellana and trulli in Alberobello And Locortondo.
Heading south you'll find yourself in Brindisino: a land of unique nature, great art and history, a coast of amazing beauty, where vacations proceed leisurely and measuredly and for those who would like to plunge into idleness at sea, as well as for those who have a desire to go along uncharted paths in search of caves, castles, cathedrals, settlements, trulli and ancient buildings. In places like Torre Canne or Marina di Ostuni, the traveler will find the warmth of genuine hospitality, where each new guest will be given personal attention and where he can enjoy the opportunity to indulge in his favorite activities.
The next travel destination for those who want to see all the treasures of the Lower Adriatic will be province of Lecce. Its territory is located on the Salento Peninsula, stretching between two seas, the Adriatic and Ionian, which influenced the formation of its morphology and history.
When traveling through Salento, it is impossible to pass by one of the main treasures of Puglia - the city of Lecce. Stroll through the streets of the city, experience the full range of feelings while looking at the Basilica of Santa Croce, be sure to try the masterpieces of local gastronomy and learn the secrets of the masters who create unique papier-mâché sculptures. And then go further for the treasures of the seas, to the sunny beaches for new impressions.

Along the coastal route, there are large and small settlements here and there, located along the sandy coast towards the south of Torre Rinalda, Torre Chianca And Frigole before San Cataldo(only 12 kilometers from the beautiful city of Lecce), to the centers San Foca, Roca Vecchia, Torre del Orso And Sant Andrea and further until Otranto, which is one of the most impressive seaside towns in southern Italy. Otranto attracts travelers with its extraordinary history and culture, preserving the pearls of military and religious architecture, placed in an atmosphere in which the subtle breath of the East is felt.
Crossing Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its healing waters, and descending along the coast, strewn with caves, many of which are of great archaeological importance, we reach the extreme point of Cape Leuca, where the Adriatic Sea merges with the Ionian Sea and is lost beyond the horizon. The sea rocks the history of lands and peoples on its waves, and your vacation takes on the fabulous coloring of ancient myths.

If you are planning your holiday in the regions of Abruzzo or Puglia, but are unsure whether you have enough experience and knowledge to create the perfect dream trip, we recommend that you contact our Italy experts. In this case, you will be spared unnecessary hassle and the stress of the unknown, because all you have to do is enjoy the sea, the sun and the gastronomy of hospitable regions.

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. After they are over, 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 of squares, 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.

Puglia is the eastern part of Italy, it is located on the so-called “heel” of Italy. Since this region has the longest coastline in Italy, about eight hundred kilometers, here you can thoroughly enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea and incredible landscapes. “Heel” is washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian and includes six excellent provinces, each of which is known for its attractions and beautiful views. Don't know what to see in Puglia? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of popular places in this region, which includes the most interesting sights of Puglia.

What to see first in Puglia

The most visited place by tourists in Puglia is the capital Bari. There are several architectural monuments here that are definitely worth a visit. For example, Bari Castle, built back in one thousand one hundred and thirty-two. Since the castle was worked on over several centuries, it combines several styles. During its existence, the majestic and powerful building managed to act as a defender from enemies, a prison with barracks, and at the moment a historical museum, as well as a venue for various exhibitions and all kinds of cultural events.

Bari Castle in the capital of Bari in Puglia Palickap

Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The main attraction of Puglia in Italy, the capital of this region of Bari, for which tourists come there from all over the world, is the Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Here, starting from the year one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven, his relics are located. Saint Nicholas is one of the most famous saints. This applies to both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. He is the prototype of the beloved and well-known Father Frost or Santa Claus. Being young, he helped poor people in every possible way, and then in the city of Mira he was recognized as a Christian bishop, where his life ended in three hundred and forty-three. The basilica looks very beautiful and majestic. The ancient building is somewhat similar to a medieval citadel. Inside there is not only the tomb of the miracle worker, but also the tomb of Bona Sforza, the famous Polish queen born in these places, and the throne of Bishop Elijah. The Lviv Portal looks majestic. It’s worth coming to Bari just for this miraculous and unique place.

Tomb of Queen of Poland Bona Sforza Porcullus

There is a Cathedral in the city called San Sabino, where the relics of Bishop Savin are located. The remains ended up in Bari in the ninth century. The modern building of the Cathedral makes an indelible impression. It was built between the end of the twelfth and the end of the thirteenth centuries. Previously, the Cathedral of the Byzantine Empire was located on this site; you can even see its remaining traces. During the reconstruction, the saint's relics were located in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The cathedral building itself is made in the Apulian-Romanesque style. The church has a very austere interior decoration; perhaps only the emporas, the so-called tribunes, stand out.

Cathedral of San Sabino in Bari Berthold Werner

Feel the atmosphere of Puglia in this beautiful video!

City of Alberobello

The visiting card of Puglia is undoubtedly the city of Alberobello, located in the very south of Italy. Translated, the name means “tree” and “war”. The fact is that for a long time entire oak groves were located here. Trees were actively used to build reliable and powerful military mechanisms. This city is definitely worth a visit; here you can not only lie on the Adriatic coast, but also provide yourself with vivid impressions.

Trulla houses in the town of Alberobello in Puglia Mona Varga

The “trulla” houses, which are not found anywhere else in the world, brought incredible fame to the city. For their uniqueness, they were included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list in nineteen ninety-six. Externally, they are cylindrical white stone structures with a cone-shaped roof. They are constructed using the dry masonry method. The peculiarity of such houses is that by removing one stone from the base of the roof, it was possible to completely destroy the entire settlement. At the end of the seventeenth century, one count decided to evade paying taxes, so it was decided to build houses that could be quickly and easily destroyed. Such houses have fairly thick walls, which makes it easy to withstand the heat. The light source is the only entrance hole. Everyone can see this landmark of Puglia in Italy.

Lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca in the town of Santa Maria di Leuca Mentnafunangann

City of Santa Maria di Leuca

For those who love nature and incredible landscapes, you need to get to the delightful city of Santa Maria di Leuca. It is the junction point of two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. The name of the city itself translates as “white”, since in this place this color dominates everywhere. The tourist port in this town is one of the largest. The coast has rocky and sandy areas. It is interesting that stone pavilions that served for women are still preserved here. So, while swimming, they were closed from men. The coast is interesting with its mysterious and incredibly beautiful grottoes, which can be reached by fishing boats. Lovers of legends and connoisseurs of beauty should definitely visit these places. Here on the cape is the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca, opened back in one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six. The height is about forty-eight meters above the ground and one hundred and two meters above sea level. On the coast there are beautiful old villas, built at the end of the nineteenth century specifically for the relaxation of the rich. Also in the city you can visit the church of Santa Maria de Finibus Terre, the Tricase forest and much more.

White Grotto - Castellana karst cave in Puglia ReMagio

The Castellana karst cave is one of the most majestic. In fact, the cave is a real underground labyrinth. Located one kilometer from the town of Castellana Grotte. The entrance to the cave itself is a sixty-meter long tunnel. The entire length of this complex is about three kilometers. Karst caves amaze with the large number of stalactites and stalagmites formed over three million years. You can walk through the entire system in two hours, during which time you can thoroughly enjoy the stunning views. The Castellana Cave is one of the most beautiful on the entire planet. Inside is a bust of Franco Anelli, the man who discovered and explored the stunning complex.

Medieval castle of Castel del Monte in Puglia Verity Cridland

Sights of Puglia: what else to visit while in Puglia

Puglia is home to one of the most mysterious and beautiful medieval castles in the whole world - Castel del Monte. Translated, its name means “castle on the mountain”, since it is located on a hill five hundred and forty meters high. The place is very beautiful, there is lush vegetation and water all around. Unfortunately, very little is known about the history of this structure. It is known that the building took ten years to construct. As legends say, it was used as a hunting lodge, a prison, and a refuge during the plague. The building itself has a unique design - the shape of a regular octagon. An octagonal tower was erected at each corner. Inside there is a courtyard of a similar shape. The building is two-story, each with eight rooms. For a long time the castle was abandoned. Only in the twentieth century did restoration begin, and in 1996 it was included in the World Heritage List.

The ideal resorts for a family holiday in Puglia are undoubtedly:

• Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. There are incredible rocky bays, pristine beaches;

Beach of Torre del Orso in the province of Lecce in Puglia Freddyballo

• Gallipoli, and more specifically the snow-white beach of Lido San Giovanni, just two kilometers from the town of Foggia. The sea here is very calm;

Gallipoli beach in Puglia in Southern Italy Nikater

• Margherita di Savoia, famous not only for its beautiful and cozy beaches, but also for its healing thermal baths.

Margherita di Savoia beach in Puglia Deblu68

These are just a few of the attractions of beautiful Puglia. The whole family can explore the delightful provinces. Majestic cathedrals, stunning capes, karst caves, beaches, bays, cuisine - this is not all that this region has in store for its tourists. Read also about and get inspired for your further journey through Italy.