Puglie italy. Apulia. The old town of Bisceglie

Puglia is located in the south of Italy, occupying the "heel of the Apennine boot", and is the easternmost region. It stretches along the sea, forming a picturesque coastline that is considered one of the most beautiful and cleanest in Italy.
Puglia has preserved monuments of antiquity, medieval heritage and sights included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The southern region boasts ancient traditions and numerous legends.

The capital of Puglia is Bari, which is divided into a modern and an old part. First of all, the city is famous for the Basilica of St. Nicholas, where the relics of the revered wonderworker are kept.

A brief history of Puglia

Territory of Puglia

When to go to Puglia

How to get to Puglia

Get inspired by Puglia

What to visit in Puglia

The capital of Apulia is Bari. The city's cathedral houses a relic revered in the Orthodox world - the relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant.

Lecce
In the southern part of Puglia is the Salento Peninsula, which is ideal place for sea ​​recreation with a long strip of sandy beaches. The city of Lecce located here is considered one of the most beautiful cities Apulia and is a striking example of the Apulian Baroque.

Gallipoli - beautiful city on the coast, which is famous for its giant shrimps.

Trulli - white stone dwellings built without cement are the symbol of Puglia. Alberello is the most famous place where you can see the trulli.

Castel del Monte is considered one of the most mysterious and enigmatic castles in Italy.

The grottoes of di Castellana
Impressive caves di Castellana with an enchanting white cave.

Trani is located in the northern part of Puglia on Adriatic coast... The most beautiful part of the city is the square with the Cathedral overlooking the sea.

Ostuni is called the white city.

Nardo "
Nardo "- the city of the Apulian Baroque.

Salento is the birthplace of the most famous and titled Apulian wine Primitivo di Manduria, the production center of which is located in the village of Manduria.

Otranto is located in the south of Puglia on the Adriatic coast and is the easternmost point of Italy. The historic center of Otranto is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Taranto was founded by the Greeks, it is worth going down to one of the many dungeons and see the imposing castle.

A picturesque medieval town, best visited during a festival or fair.

Nice little town painted white.

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".

More recently, Puglia (Puglia - Italian) was a completely non-tourist destination in Italy, the more wonderful the rest in this region: the local flavor and originality are manifested here much more vividly than in Rome or Milan.

What is Apulia famous for in the first place? Lovely baroque-style towns, traditional local houses (the locals call them trulli), which look like a cross between a hobbit's hut and a house for the inhabitants of Oz. There is a lot of sun, magnificent olive groves and orchards, miles of sandy beaches and delicious cuisine.

And by the way, the sea is not the only one 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 rest here is somewhat different. During the hottest months, when there is a ringing heat in the Mediterranean resorts, there is always a light breeze in Puglia.

Apulia is a predominantly rural area, whose inhabitants, since the time of the ancient Greek colonies, made their living from agriculture. 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 an absolutely unique thick aroma.

Of the sights, there are several ancient Greek cities, Roman settlements, church architecture from the Middle Ages and several majestic castles.

Despite the relatively recent tourist boom, Puglia has many options for a comfortable stay - from modern hotels and apartments to the so-called "masseria" - large manor houses in the center of rural estates.

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

How to get to Puglia?

Apulia's main airport is located in Bari, the capital of the region. Officially, the airport is named after Karol Wojtyla. There are regular flights from many European countries... Often in the summer there are charter programs with a direct flight from Russian tour operators and carriers (although, basically, such programs are offered from Moscow).

Bari airport is quite large and convenient, there is a taxi-free point, a VIP room, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, car rental and others. modern services.

Another way to get to Bari is high-speed trains from Rome, Milan and others major cities having regular flights with Russia. For example, a trip from Rome will take about 2 hours, from Milan - 8 hours. Transportation is carried out by the national carrier of Italy Trenitalia.

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

For the sake of fairness, it must be said that Puglia with other regions of Italy is also connected 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, which often do not even have a clear website.

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

Puglia climate

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

But May and October are more suitable for lovers of walking and sightseeing: there is no sweltering summer heat during these months, 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, therefore both heat and cold are more easily tolerated than in more wet areas... Another difference between Puglia and most of the Italian provinces is the flat terrain. There are no mountains in Puglia, so even in the hottest months there is a light breeze.

Puglia transport

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

The requirements are standard: you must be over 21 years old, you must have an international driver's license and a plastic card of any bank to issue a pledge.

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

If you have booked a vacation in a small remote town or countryside, you just need a car, since transport connection in Apulia, as in other provincial regions of Italy, it is not very well developed.

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

If car rental is not available for you for some reason, you can use the local railway lines. It will be a separate adventure 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.
• In the relatively large cities of Puglia, there is urban transport, mainly buses. Tickets are sold at tobacco kiosks (shops with a Tabacchi sign or simply the letter "T"). Sometimes a ticket can be bought directly from the driver
• Many residents and guests of the region prefer to travel around the cities by bicycle. Large and small rental offices can be found in any city, the price compared to renting a car is quite acceptable, and the distances are quite short

Peculiarities of rest in Puglia

Since Puglia has only recently begun to develop as a tourist region, there are several points to consider 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 will be able to express yourself well enough "on your fingers"

• Shops, banks, tourist offices, rental offices and other establishments work here according to their own schedule, which is not too tourist-oriented. Here you will hardly find night buses or 24/7 supermarkets and exchange offices.
• In small villages and towns, such infrastructure may be completely absent. Therefore, in advance, survey the area for the most important institutions for you and study their schedule so as not to get into trouble.

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

• Italians are not very punctual and obligatory. Here it is perceived as a norm to be late for 30-40 minutes, 5-10 minutes and is not considered late at all. Shops and banks may not open and close at the specified time, buses and trains may be slightly behind schedule
• In small cities, the bus driver can, at his discretion, slightly change, or even completely cancel the route if it seems to him that there are not many passengers and the trip is not profitable

• Unlike residents who are accustomed to everything, traditionally tourist places(Rome, Milan, Venice) the inhabitants of Puglia are quite conservative, patriarchal and pious. They are simple and friendly in communication exactly as long as you observe decency (in their understanding)
• If you showed disrespect in something, you may be quite emotionally reprimanded or publicly discussed your "inappropriate" act

• Italians - especially southerners - are not particularly polite. It is considered normal here 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 be rude if you did 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".

The main resorts of Puglia

Marina di Andrano

Marina di Andrano is perhaps the most popular beach resort. The coastline here is indented with shallow bays, grottoes and rocky headlands, which makes the sea calm and protected from the wind in any weather. The entrance to the sea in the bays is rather shallow, the bottom is clean sand, and the water is especially transparent.

In general, the main attraction of this resort is nature, the beauty of sea sunsets and 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 city by local standards. The main architectural masterpieces of the city are the numerous churches built during the Middle Ages.

Gallipoli

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

Despite its small size, there are quite a few attractions of the most 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 unhurried vacation. Here is the residence of the Duke of Anjou, one of the rulers of this area in the Middle Ages. Here you will also find many amazingly beautiful corners and landscapes.

Gallipoli is also famous for its unique culinary traditions, especially with regard to seafood. For an evening pastime, here you can find a lot of cafes and souvenir shops, 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 suitable primarily for lovers of long walks and beautiful landscapes. The main attractions here are the rocky coast, fascinating with its views, olive groves descending to the sea with terraces, rocky paths along the coast and many historical monuments scattered around the neighborhood.

Recently, the regional government adopted a program for the restoration of 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 above all thermal springs and everything related to them. The baths of Margherita di Savoia are considered the best in the whole of southern Italy, therefore the city is very popular with holidaymakers, and rest here is considered prestigious and very healing.

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

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

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

Santa Cesarea Terme

Santa Cesarea Terme is another thermal resort in Puglia. Unlike Margherita de Savoy, 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 huge numbers in the vicinity of the city. Santa Cesaria Terme is located on a rocky coast, and its many streets with terraces descend to the sea, which gives a special beauty to the local landscape.

As a thermal resort, Santa Cesaria Terme began to develop 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 palazzios here. As a result of this popularity, the city is today a gem. architectural styles popular in the 18-19 centuries.

Alberobello

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

These houses are unique and not 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 the building: they were all built without the use of cement or other bonding mortar. When erecting a trulli, the stones are stacked in such a way that when one stone is removed at the base, the entire house instantly collapses.

This feature is historically due to the fact that local peasants did not pay tax on housing. When the tax collectors approached, the whole village in an instant turned into a heap of bricks, and the collectors left not salty. It all ended with the fact that local rulers issued a decree prohibiting the construction of such houses. The ban continues to this day.

Matera

Matera is another city of Puglia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Matera is famous for its houses built right in 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 dwellings, erected churches and monastic cells in caves.

Basically, the houses in the caves were built by the poor for reasons of economy and building material: in fact, these are a kind of slums that have 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 the caves to the modern quarters, since the sanitary conditions of these dwellings had long ceased to meet modern standards.

Nowadays, the surviving cave houses are often used by filmmakers. different countries for filming of historical nature (for example, it was here that Mel Gibson filmed his "Passion of Christ"), in some of them there are 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 the local Lecchizu limestone, the natural structure of which gives the buildings the most bizarre shapes and exquisite decorations.

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

In addition, Lecchisa has 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 do not leave the illusion that all houses are built of pure gold.

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

Brindisi

Since the time of ancient Rome, Brindisi has been considered the Gateway of Italy to the East. Thanks to its advantageous position, Brindisi has been an important fort and trade center since its inception. Throughout 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 our times. Here you can find unique medieval churches and antique buildings, brutal defensive structures and aerial palazzios.

Of the modern buildings, the Monument to the Italian Sailor can be noted - a very controversial structure, but unambiguously remembered by all visitors.

Bari and its attractions

Bari is the second most important city in southern Italy after Naples. Historically, its significance is due to the fact that it was an important strategic point of Via Traiana - 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. During its long history, Bari has been repeatedly destroyed and revived again.

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

All the provincial administrative centers, the main universities and government offices, the largest trade and passenger terminals (both sea and rail) 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 Saint Nicholas

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is an important religious center not only in Puglia, 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 pilgrimage sites for the entire Christian world.

Bari castle

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

V different time the castle served as a fortification, a prison for prisoners, the residence of local rulers. Currently, the castle houses a historical museum.

Old city

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

In the Old Town, you can find many old buildings - from churches to the residences of noble townspeople. It has a typical European medieval atmosphere with characteristic narrow streets, pavements and architectural masterpieces different eras.

Pinakothek Bari

The Pinakothek is the largest museum visual arts in southern Italy. The exposition of the museum includes a wide variety of canvases, from the antique period to painting of the 19th century. Mainly, there are works by local artists, as well as samples found during excavations in the Puglia region.

Theater Petruzzelli

Teatro Petruzzelli is one of the largest theaters in Italy. It was built in late XIX centuries by local patrons and since then serves as the main cultural platform of the Bari region and the whole of Puglia.

A land characterized by great diversity, not immediately revealing all its many faces - such is Puglia, "Heel" Italian "Boot", a region enchanting with its beauty and wealth - nature, history, traditions, delicious cuisine and high spirituality. You can come here all 12 months of the year!

Those who love seaside vacations will be delighted with the breadth of choice: you can bask on the magnificent sandy beaches Torre del Orso and Porto Cesareo, or you can go to the most picturesque rocky shores Otranto and in Santa Maria di Leuca, - the place where the waters of the clear and serene Ionian and bright blue Adriatic seas meet, or go to any of the resorts located between the "pearl of Salento", the town Gallipoli, and the "Spur of the Italian Boot", Cape Gargano, protruding into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, where Tremiti Islands.
The kingdom of virgin nature - National park Murje and Gargano Park, which contains the virgin forest of the Foresta Umbra, salt marshes and lakes. You should definitely visit the marine reserve Torre Guaceto, look at the deep ravines of the Laterza area and the wide valleys of the area Altamura, - a typical landscape of the interior of the region.

For those wishing to immerse themselves in history, Puglia offers a range of sites that tell about the ancient origins of this area: from prehistoric times to the period of Ancient Greece, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the lush Baroque monuments in Lecce and in the Salento region.
A striking evidence of the region's peasant past are the unusual white houses with conical roofs of gray stone - "trulli", for example, in the Valley d'Itria, and numerous castles make up a real treasure south coast area, recalling the times when both goods and dangers came to Apulia from the sea.
Lovers of traditions and folk music should definitely visit at least one of the many festivities and gastronomic festivals that take place in succession during the summer in many Apulian towns.
Provinces of Puglia: Bari(administrative center of the region), Barletta Andria Trani ,Brindisi , Foggia , Lecce , Taranto .

There are enough attractions in Puglia for every taste, from the monuments of Antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, from castles lined up along sea ​​coast to small medieval towns "Borgi", where local artisans make real masterpieces.

All travelers, and especially pilgrims, should definitely visit the town San Giovanni Rotondo in the province of Foggia. There is a grave, memorial sites and sanctuaries associated with life. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: the Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he died in 1968 Padre Pio and a new church, opened in 2004, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.

You need to stop by Alberobello - a wonderful town where you can fully immerse yourself in history and local traditions... Alberobello is the birthplace of ancient, characteristic stone houses with conical roofs, built by hand without the use of any cement mortar - "trulli". These unique structures have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1996.

Not far from the city of Andria, there is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, a unique masterpiece medieval architecture- Castel del Monte, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen. It is curious that the "magic" number of this castle is the number 8: the building in the plan has the shape of an octahedron, on the first and second floors there are 8 halls, forming an octagon, and massive towers surrounding the castle, also 8, while, of course, each of them has 8 faces.

Paradise in miniature and eye candy five islands the Tremiti archipelago: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa.
Here, in the splendor of alluring landscapes, nature and history are ideally combined.

Apulia is washed by the seas on both sides, so the options active rest in the bosom nature there are many. Those who like to discover the fascinating and mysterious world seas.

Crystal clear waters near Tremiti Islands in combination with delightful views of bays, caves and depths of the sea, decorated with dense vegetation and inhabited different kinds fish. Santa Maria di Leuca located on the border between Ionian and Adriatic seas, also worthy of the travelers' attention. Depth seabed in some places it reaches 90 meters, and the life forms inhabiting the local underwater kingdom create a unique color scheme. Lovers aquatic species sports can be practiced all year round windsurfing and kitesurfing.

And yet Apulia is not only the sea.
You can discover the nature of this region, its history and traditions by bike. You don't have to be experienced cyclist to go on a trip on two wheels: just want to try something new, and do not forget about a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun. The choice of routes is huge: you can enjoy nature by cycling along the trails Gargano reserves(Parco del Gargano) or Murje(Parco delle Murge); explore history by contemplating the many monuments, or travel inland to enjoy the measured lifestyle of this region away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Throughout the year, throughout Puglia, there are many festivities, gastronomic events and theatrical reenactments of memorable historical events. The most popular are the Putignano Carnival, Saint Nicholas Day in Bari and the historic duel Disfida di Barletta... Young people and not only should at least once in their life get to the festival of traditional local dances: pizza and tarantella, which takes place annually at the end of August in the town Melpignano... For a festival called the Night of Taranta (Notte della Taranta), guests from all over Europe come to sing and dance together in the moonlight to a resounding drumbeat.

The cuisine of Puglia, long known as the "kitchen of the poor" because of the simplicity of the products used in it, is able to cater to the whims of even the most discerning gourmet. It is based on three main ingredients: durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, which, in combination with meat and fish, create original dishes with a natural, incomparable taste. The local cuisine is based on homemade pasta. For the dough, durum wheat or a mixture of durum and soft flour are used. A kind of symbol of the region is "recchietelle" or "orecchiette" - in all the variety of dishes prepared from them, "strushinati", which were once considered the food of the poor and are now very popular in best restaurants... Popular in Puglia and other original pasta: "minyuikche", feneshekchie "," troccoli "," sagnier "ncannuate", "chikatadde"; they are still prepared according to old recipes. But it is precisely in the combination of pasta and vegetables that the main feature of Apulian dishes lies: "strushinati" with cabbage and fried brisket or spaghetti with green beans, tomatoes and cacoricotta cheese. Puglia is, in fact, a large colorful vegetable garden full of vegetables unique in taste and aroma, which, in combination with homemade pasta, fresh sea fish or fresh meat, give an unforgettable taste experience. For lovers of fish and seafood, this amazing region, washed on both sides by seas with a coastline of 800 km, will simply spoil you with a selection of all kinds of fish dishes. Seafood prepared in a variety of ways will satisfy the tastes of any gourmet: fresh fish, raw or marinated, great thick fish soups and even fish combined with Kachio cheese. There are also many temptations for those with a sweet tooth: a variety of delicacies based on dried fruits, honey, thick wine cotto grape syrup, candied fruits and chocolate. Among the excellent quality food products that have earned the name DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) or IGT (Indication geographical origin), it is necessary to note the very popular aromatic, crispy bread of the city from the town of Altamura; tangerines "clementines" growing on the shores of the Taranta Bay, famous for their sweet and juicy pulp; Bella della Daunia olives grown in the vicinity of Foggia since the 15th century; as well as famous wines and extra virgin olive oil. Each variety of wine or olive oil has its own unique flavor, depending on the place where it is grown and produced.

If someone tells you that (Puglia) is comparable in beauty to Tuscany, and the city Lecce(Lecce) this is southern Florence: kill the speaker, and fry his liver with thyme and rosemary and eat it, because it is a lie, n ... w and a provocation.

Terre di Puglia, Apulia is a part of Italy, which is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula, popularly called the “Italian boot” and there is a necessary part of it - a heel with a spur.
According to Wikipedia, this region of Italy ranks first in winemaking and olive oil production.

I readily believe in this: the vineyards and olive plantations in the region are constantly “an eyesore”.
But nevertheless, on the roads of Puglia, you will not find the tasty and coveted signs of Vino Testing, Oil Vende.
These places are hidden from prying eyes, the eyes of tourists, and therefore one has to be content with visiting wineries in villages and small towns.

The landscapes here are sad and dismal: the plain is planted with cultivated trees or bushes.
Plain plowed and planted with wheat.
A plain cut by low fences of stacked stones, as well as some ruins of the same cobblestones.

Small towns and villages here are dull and sad: identical boxes with flat roofs, folded from foam concrete and plastered in pastel colors.
The streets are rectangular and in general all this strongly resembles some Kolpino or Kapotnya with typical houses cut down to the second floor.

People here speak Italian, but they understand little jokes and make contact.
The closeness with Albania, it seems to me, influenced this part of Italy, that I suspect a potential Albanian in every inhabitant of Puglia I meet.

The food here is not interesting at all. Moreover, I want to say that in this area of ​​Italy, Italians have become Albanians and have forgotten how to cook.
Local gastronomic specialties are based on bread: these are bagels and pasta with huge holes in which you can shove ... fingers, as well as pasta reminiscent of our "ears".

The fish apparently caught everything, since in restaurants local fish costs from 70 euros per kilo, octopuses are prepared here so that it is better to immediately throw them into a handbag hanging behind a nearby chair. Mashed peas plus stewed greens reminiscent of roadside weeds are the gastronomic specialties of Puglia.

What seafood is represented more or less: mussels, the catch of which is well established, and there is even a small fleet of ships that deliver fresh food to restaurants.

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Primitivo wine is the most famous and I can say that I like it.
At least I like something in Puglia. Any red. Take it and drink it - you can't go wrong: in terms of its richness and softness, it reminds me of the recent experience in Georgia with Kinzmarauli.
The color is dark ruby, easy to drink and goes well with cheeses and soft cottage cheese, which is also produced here.
White Chardonnay is more noble than the classic Chardonnay, which I am simply afraid to drink because of the floral-fruity flavor (for example, in Australia, Chardonnay can only be used for the production of moonshine).

An interesting serving of wine in Puglia: here, when asked to give a liter of "casa wine", they put a bottle on the table.
Well, I did not find here homemade wine in jugs, but we have already formed a dose for dinner - 1 liter.
You have to take 2 bottles and take away the unfinished one with you.

What else to add about Puglia?

Probably worth writing about beaches in this region as the local coastline is the longest of all regions of Italy.
As you yourself probably know: quantity (in this case, length) does not always translate into quality.
I can say that the sandy beaches I have seen are something garbage, which, of course, will be removed with a rake by the season and a price tag for a sunbed and an umbrella will be put on the day.
In the first two days in this region there was bad weather: it rained and stormy and therefore I could not compose and will not be able to convey the correct review about the beaches and the sea, but you can see what I saw in the photo below

The water is icy. At night +12 in the afternoon the wind - in general, in May it is quiet and deserted - beach hotels are closed, and who would think of settling in beach hotel Apulia at the end of May (although I swam on the Amalfi coast of Italy on the May holidays)

But if you are still going to come to these parts to relax on the sea, then I would advise ...
Yes, I will not advise anything.

A little about cities?
Not much at all, since I avoid the city - they make me bored and I can only use them as a place for shopping ( about shopping in Bari I wrote in a separate article :) or an emergency overnight stay when all restaurants are closed in the countryside.

In the historic center Bari it's nice to take a walk late in the evening - when the buses have already taken away the Korean tourists, and the Albanians have gone to work in their parts of this port city. Narrow streets, along which it is pleasant to wander and even, I am not afraid of the word, to inhale the smell of perfume for linen, which is dried according to the old Albanian tradition - under a film of dust, but rather from rain.

Trulli(trulli) in Alberobello- these are traditional dwellings, which were built not by trolls, but by completely law-abiding Italians.
These dwellings have a distinct and recognizable conical roof as well as walls made of uneven cobblestones.
The walls are thick, whitewashed on the outside - so it is cool in these dwellings in summer. But in the cold season, you need good heating to heat such a pencil.

Why am I writing so confidently about this?
Yes, because yesterday we lived in such a house. I can advise the hotel - a very good owner who, without my asking, added me to his friends on fb as soon as he saw my passport.

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It's no secret that Italy occupies almost the entire Apennine Peninsula, which resembles a boot in its shape. The Puglia region is located on the Salintina peninsula and is considered its heel.

Puglia is located in southeastern Italy and has the longest coastline among the mainland regions of the country. The main city of the region is (Bari), which is located from (Roma), the capital of Italy, at a distance of 430 km.

4 million people live in Puglia, and its area is 19 thousand km2. The main language is Italian, but French and various dialects are also widespread here: Tarantino, Franco-Provencal, as well as Italian-Ruman, derived from Greek, Arbere (a mixture with Albanian) and some others.

The region includes six provinces:

• Foggia (Provincia di Foggia) - north;
• Barletta-Andria-Trani - between Foggia and Bari;
• Bari (Provincia di Bari) - in the center;
• Brindisi (Provincia di Brindisi) - between Bari and Lecce, in the east of the region;
• Taranto (Provincia di Taranto) - between Bari and Lecce, in the west of the region;
• Lecce (Provincia di Lecce) is the southernmost province.

https://youtu.be/f8P2Ugq3Hj4

In the southeast, Apulia is washed by the Adriatic Sea (Mare Adriatico), in the southwest - by the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio). Both bodies of water are part of Mediterranean Sea(Mar Mediterraneo). In the west, Puglia is bordered by the regions (Campania) and (Basilicata), in the north - with Molise.

There are not many mountains here: 53% of the territory is occupied by plains, 45% - by hills. The highest point in the region is the Monte Cornacchia limestone mountain, which is 1152 m high. It is located in the northwest of the region in the Monti Dauni mountains.

There are two national parks on the territory of the region - Gargano (Parco nazionale del Gargano) and Alta Murgia. There are also 11 regional parks, 24 nature reserves. At the same time, forests occupy only 7.5% of the region's area. This is the lowest rate in Italy.

In the north of Puglia, towards the Adriatic Sea, the Ofanto rivers, which are 170 km long, and the Cervaro, 93 km long, flow. Among the large rivers, one can also highlight the Carapelle, which is 98 km long, and the Candelaro (70 km).

History

The name Apulia translated from ancient Greek means "exodus". But the local lands were inhabited much earlier than the ancient Greeks came here. On the territory of the region, a skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found, which lived here 250-187 thousand years ago. He is known as the Man of Altamura (L'Uomo di Altamura) because he was found near this city.

In the VIII Art. BC. Greeks settled on the lands of Apulia. At that time, the Apula and Messap tribes lived here, so the Greeks began to call the local residents Yapigs. The main settlement was Taranto, which became a major trade center.

The Romans came here in the III century. BC, after the Greeks lost to the Italian tribes. But they also had to fight the Samnites. When the resistance was broken, the Romans began to settle down, and in honor of the ancient inhabitants of the region they named the area Apulia.

During the times, the region flourished. The city of Brindisi became the largest seaport of the Romans on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, with a population of 100 thousand people. All Roman trade with the countries located in the east went through Brindisi and Taranto. Roads were built in the region, which connected big cities and Rome. The main export commodities were wheat and olive oil.

In 216 BC. the Battle of Cannes took place on the banks of the Aufid River (modern Ofanto), during the course of the army of Hannibal from Carthage, the vastly superior Romans were completely defeated. This battle was included in the list of the bloodiest battles in the history of mankind in terms of the number of soldiers killed per day.

In the V century. the fall of the Western Roman Empire took place, and the Ostrogoths settled on the territory of Apulia. After that, the region passed from hand to hand for a long time, and therefore military operations almost did not stop here until 1861, when Apulia became part of the united Italy (Regno d'Italia). Since then, there has been relative calm, which has created conditions for normal development. Agriculture, which is still flourishing.

Climate

What attracts people to Puglia since ancient times? First of all, it is the sea, sandy beaches and the typical Mediterranean climate.

There are more sunny than cloudy and cloudy days, snow is a rare occurrence. The monthly weather in Puglia is as follows:

• January: during the day 7 ° С, at night 1 °, sun - 12 days, rain - 3 days;
• February: 8 ° С during the day, 2 ° С at night, sun - 8 days, rain - 4;
• March: 12 ° C during the day, 4 ° C at night, sun - 14 days, rain - 4;
• April: 17 ° С during the day, 6 ° С at night, sun - 14 days, rain - 5;
• May: 20 ° C during the day, 8 ° C at night, sun - 18 days, rain - 6;
• June: during the day 25 ° С, at night 12 ° С, sun - 22 days, rain - 6;
• July: during the day 29 ° С, at night 14 ° С, sun - 28 days, rain - 3;
• August: 29 ° С during the day, 14 ° С at night, sun - 29 days, rain - 2;
• September: 24 ° C during the day, 12 ° C at night, sun - 19 days, rain - 4;
• October: 18 ° С during the day, 9 ° С at night, sun - 14 days, rain - 5;
• November: 13 ° С during the day, 6 ° С at night, sun - 11 days, rain - 5;
• December: during the day 8 ° С, at night 2 ° С, sun - 16 days, rain - 2;

Such weather and long beach line attracts tourists from all over the world.

The beach season begins in June, when the water temperature warms up to + 22 ° С. But some daredevils start swimming in May at a sea temperature of + 17 ° C. The beach season ends in September. Although the water is cold in October, it is good time for sightseeing in Puglia.

Cities and landmarks

Puglia is a region with a long history. There is something to see here, therefore tourism is very well developed here. Castles, ancient temples, museums, National parks and nature reserves, olive groves attract the attention of people from all over the world.

Bari

The province of Bari is located on the Atlantic coast. North of it - Barletta-Andria-Trani, in the south - Taranto and Brindisi. It is the most populated province of Puglia with over 1 million inhabitants. It is in this province that the city of Altamura is located, near which the remains of a man two thousand years ago were found.

In the main city of the region, Bari, at 13 Largo Abate Elia, (Basilica di San Nicola) is located. This temple appeared in the XI-XII centuries. for storing the relics of St. Nicholas, who were brought to the city in 1087. They are located in the crypt, which can only be entered by organized groups of pilgrims by prior arrangement.

This basilica should not be confused with the church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola), which was built in Bari at the beginning of the last century in the style of Russian architecture of the 15th century. and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is located at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130, and is also known as the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Tourists will definitely like the symbol of the city, the Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), the construction of which dates back to the XII century. The burgundy and white Teatro Petruzzelli with statues at the top looks original, which is the fourth largest temple of Melpomene in Italy. Such artists as (Luciano Pavarotti), Carla Fracci (Carla Fracci), Eduardo De Filippo performed here.

Brindisi is located in the south of Bari, in the east is the Adriatic Sea. The length of the coast is 81 km, while partly it consists of beaches, partly of their rocks. Large rivers do not flow through the province, but there are many freshwater lakes.

The main city of the province is Brindisi. It is a major seaport. The history of Brindisi dates back to the ancient Romans, and it was from here that they traded with the countries that are located in the east. In 40 BC. in this city the military leader Marcus Antonius and the founder of the Roman Empire (Octavianus Augustus) reconciled, and twenty years after this meeting, the poet Virgil (Publio Virgilio Marone) died in Brindisi.

During the reign of the Romans, 100 thousand people lived in the city. It lost its significance during the Middle Ages, when trade moved to Bari. Nevertheless, the path of the crusaders to the Holy Land began from here.

Currently, there are not many old buildings here. Basically, these are churches, a castle by the sea Castello svevo (Brindisi), a sea fort. There is also an antique column that signified the end (lat.Via Appia). It was the most important public road from Rome.

Taranto is located south of Bari and Lecce, west of Brindisi. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. There are both plains and hills. The height of the highest hill, Monte Angiulli, is 440 m.

The main city of the province is Taranto. It was founded by the Spartans in the VIII century. BC. Their descendants lived here for several centuries, until the Romans captured the city, selling 30 thousand inhabitants into slavery. They also turned Taranto into a large seaport, which it is to this day.

Many ancient buildings have survived here. Here you can find not only Christian churches, but also places of pagan cults, the remains of a Greco-Roman necropolis and burial chambers. Of course, there are castles, defense forts (Castello Aragonese, Fortezza de Laclos), numerous museums. Among them is the underground Spartan Museum (museo spartano di Taranto), where you can see the history of the city from the day it was founded until the 18th century.

Barletta-Andria-Trani

Barletta-Andria-Trani is the youngest province in the region. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea. In the south - the province of Bari, in the north - Foggia. This province is governed by three cities at once - Trani, Barletta and Andria. The first two cities are located on the coast, and therefore are considered resorts, the third is from the sea in the distance.

There are a lot of palaces and churches in Barlet. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Basilica del Santo Sepolcro). You can also highlight the defensive structures - walls, gates and the castle of Barleta (Castello di Barletta). Its construction dates back to the XII century. Another attraction of the city is a huge statue of the Roman emperor, which is known as the Colosso di Barletta.

The city of Trani is also interesting. Here is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Pelegrino (La Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino), the Church of Santa Maria di Colonna (La chiesa di Santa Maria di Colonna) and the adjacent monastery. The Swabian Castle (Castello svevo) is notable. Also in Trani there are several towers of the XI century, city gates and a lot of palaces.

In Adria, you can look at the city gates, castles, see the clock tower from the time of Francesco II del Balzo, who lived at the end of the 15th century. You can also book a tour of the undergrounds and caves of the city, where in medieval times people lived and worshiped God.

Lecce

Lecce is the southernmost and easternmost province of the region, which is entirely located on the Salentina peninsula. Its uniqueness is that it has access to both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. It is mostly plain, with few hills in the south, la Serra dei Cianci.

The coastline is 222 m, sandy beaches are constantly replaced by rocky cliffs. There are many caves along the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea, among which is the Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave goes at least 250 meters deep, and during the excursion you can see stalactites, stalagmites, several crystal lakes pure water... Also, bats and sea inhabitants live here, which you will not find anywhere else.

The capital of the province of Lecce bears the same name. There are many ancient cathedrals, castles, forts and towers. There is also an amphitheater with 25,000 seats. It was built in the 1st-2nd centuries. AD

Foggia

Foggia is the northernmost province of Puglia, washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the least arid provinces in the region, as the Ofanto rivers flow here, which is a natural border with Barletta-Andria-Trani, and Fortore. The province is notable for the fact that 50% of the tomatoes from the entire Italian crop are harvested here.

The main city of the province bears the same name. He suffered from repeatedly. Nevertheless, many historical buildings have been preserved here. Among them - Cathedral(la Cattedrale di Foggia), national monument the church of the Crosses (La chiesa delle Croci), as well as the church of St. Thomas (la Chiesa di San Tommaso), the oldest basilica in the city, built in the XI century. You can also go to the city of Leccera, where the Staufen fortress (Fortezza svevo-angioina) rises on a hill, and there is also an antique amphitheater.

Resorts

One of the most popular resorts Puglia is located in Lecce Marina di Andrano. Rocky shores, numerous bays, clear sea water attract tourists here from all over the world. The most famous beaches are Zona Grotta Verde and Zona Botte. One of them is the location of the beautiful La Grotta Verde cave.

Another resort in the province of Lecce, Gagliano del Capo, is in no less demand among tourists. It is located almost in the southeast of the province at an altitude of 150 m above sea level. In addition to the beaches, there are many cliffs and several interesting historical caves. Diving enthusiasts can go to Porto Cesareo.

But for people who prefer thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme is suitable. This resort is also located in this region.

(Ostuni) in the province of Brindisi boasts a beautiful coastline. One of the most popular holiday destinations is Monopoli in the province of Bari, where there are twenty-five beaches.

Fans of combining beach and outdoor activities can go to the Gargano Peninsula in Fuji province. This place is called "the spur of the Italian boot". Here is located national reserve: there are not only beaches, but also mountains, caves, as well as the salt lakes of Lezina and Varano, which are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land.

Folklore

Despite the fact that the beach season in Puglia lasts from June to September, you can safely go here at other times of the year. Here you can see not only the sights, but also visit various festive events, including:

• 01.17: Carnival in Massafra (Taranto);
• 17-18.01: Celebration of fire in Novoli (Lecce);
• 02.14: "Orange" day of St. Valentine in Vieste (Foggia). Here two holidays coincided on the same day - Valentine's Day and the Orange Festival;
• 18-19.03: Tables of San Giuseppe in Giurdignano (Lecce). During these days central square transforms into a large restaurant, the tables of which are decorated with flowers and an icon of St. San Giusepe. Before dinner, people pray, food is sanctified;
• 04/28: Sagra (festival) of wine and bagels in (Alberobello), the city of trulls;

• 7-9.05: Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari;
• Third Sunday in June: Feast in Fasano (Brindisi), dedicated to the victory over the Turks in 1678;
• July: Red Onion Day at Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari), the most popular vegetable in the area;
• End of July: Octopus Days in Fasano and Torre Canne (Brindisi), as well as a local cutlet festival in Grottaglie (Taranto);
• Early August: Feast of local beer in Leverano (Lecce);
• Second Sunday in August: Tournament of Knights in Oria (Brindisi);
• Late August - September: Festival of Locals in Taranto;
• Third Sunday in October: Feast of Calzone in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari) - on this day you can taste the local closed pizza in all interpretations;
• 5-6.11: Noci Wine and Chestnut Festival (Bari)
• December - January: Presepe “Living” is celebrated everywhere. Presepe is Jesus' manger, created by the hands of folk craftsmen. This is the period of the widespread celebration of Christmas.

This information can be taken into account when planning a trip to Puglia. They will help you develop your route so that the journey is as interesting and fun as possible.

Winemaking

Winemaking traditions go back to the ancient Greeks, who in the VIII century. BC. brought here the grapevine and the technology of making wine. Nowadays vineyards in Puglia occupy 100 thousand hectares, and not long ago inexpensive varieties were produced here. But gorgeous climatic conditions and fertile soil helped to improve the quality of wine and strengthen the leading position.

Now Puglia produces 17% of all wines in the country.

Their advantage is an excellent price-performance ratio. The Castel del Monte experts are highly rated. 22 varieties of wines are produced under this brand.

• Gravina and Gioia del Colle in Bari;
• Brindisi in Brindisi;
• Alezio, Galatina, Copertino, Leverano in Lecce;
• San Severo, Rosso di Cerignola in Foggia.

Like olive oil, wines in Puglia are served with many of the local cuisine.

How to get there

Puglia can be reached by car, bus, train, air and water.

Railway and bus connections are very well developed between the main city of the region, Bari, and other regions and provinces. The same applies to seaports: they are equipped in all cities that are located on the coast.

The province has three airports where passenger flights arrive. One is located in Bari, and is named after Pope Karol Wojtyła: Aeroporto internazionale di Bari "Karol Wojtyła". it international Airport and it accepts flights from Germany, Great Britain, Romania.

The second airport is located in Salento (Brindisi) and is called L'Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale. It is also established here international traffic: people fly here from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, England.

Another airport is located in Foggia. This is Aeroporto di Foggia "Gino Lisa". It is used for domestic flights, as well as for helicopter flights to the Isole Tremiti Islands, which belong to this commune and to the Gargano resort.