Places to visit in Puglia
The richness of history and traditions of Puglia is reflected in the diversty of castles, cathedrals and pretty villages scattered amidst vineyards and centuries old olive groves. This region has been influenced by different cultures, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Goths, Norman and Spanish, all of which contributed in shaping the Puglia we can visit today.
Without any doubts you will be fascinated by the enchanting villages of the Itria Valley distributed around The Trullo Horti Japygi: each one of them have a unique history and diverse culinary traditions to discover.
Ancient town whose origins goes back to the XVII and XIV century BC, Ceglie is one of these places that are difficult to find these days. A place where tourism is only just starting and authentic traditions are still alive. Ceglie offers an excellent culinary pedigree at very good prices. Getting lost in the old whitewashed streets and the Norman castle of the town centre whilst digesting one of the abundant and tasty traditional meals is an experience not to miss. (picture1) (picture2)
Another ancient town originating back to the VII century BC, Ostuni is known as the "white city" due to its amazing whitewashed houses. Within its narrow streets you will discover plenty of romantic corners, nice details, and elegant restaurants offering good food. There are various shops selling souvenirs such as the traditional clay whistles ("fischietto"). Ostuni is one of the most renouned and most visited places of the Itria Valley, were tourism is already established, and prices could be slightly higher. Not to miss especially for a romantc dinner by night! (picture1) (picture2)
Originally known as Sturnium, it was destroied by the Goths and rebuilt around the VII century AD by Basilian monks. Cisternino is a lovely town with cobbled streets, nice shops and a pleasent surprise at night: in the city centre the butchers - called "macellerie" - start serving the traditional charcoaled skewered-meat feast in their back rooms, including succulent sausages, the delicious stuffed meat roll speciality named "bombette" and stakes. These are laid back, non-expensive and simple places were you can experience and taste local life at its best! You definitely have to try them if you like meat. (picture1) (picture2)
A UNESCO World heritage site, the historic centre of Alberobello is entirely made up of Trulli, which gives it a unique fairy tale landscape. This fascinating village, known as the capital of the Trulli, is a tourist attraction that would make a fantastic day out.
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Fascinating town rich in history and located in a stuning seaside with cristal clear waters. Founded by the greeks, it was an important commercial port for centuries, until the turkish pillage in 1480, where the last 800 citizens left defending the city refused to convert to islam and were slaughtered. The turkish cannon balls fired during the siege can still be seen as ornaments. In Otranto there's an excellent blend of art and natural beauty, with its XI century's cathedral containing the biggest mosaic in Europe, the first European University College, its castle and its stunning beaches.
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Wanderful 3km long caves with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. These is considered the most beautiful cave complex in Italy . The short tour is 1 hour walk, whereas the complete one takes 3 hours. You might kueue for a while, but this is something not to miss, as you will enjoy every minute of the tour. It's really amazing!
For more informations about the caves
click here
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There's plenty more to enjoy in Puglia:
Grottaglie is the apulian capital of pottery. The multitude of traditional clay studio-shops in the ceramic quarter are amazing, and the skills of the craftsmen are incredible!
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Lecce, known as the Florence of the south, is a city renowned for its many beautiful Baroc monuments
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Locorotondo is a charming whitewashed old town with fanyastic views over the Itria Valley, famous for its white wine. As its name suggest, Locorotondo (Loco=place, rotondo=round) is a round shaped town. Definitely worth a visit, especially if going to Alberobello from our Horti Japygi Trullo
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Gallipoli, known as the Salento's pearl for its beuty, is an old fishing town with a lot to see: the castle, the cathedral, the undergroung oil mill presses and its fish restaurant. Ah...the beach is amazing!!
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Martina Franca is one of the most fascinating villages of the Itria Valley, with narrow streets, squares and buildings of architectural interest. A chocolate box. If you stop there look out for the traditional wine cured ham "capocollo di Martina", a delicacy! In Martina there's an excellent cheese factory as well that produces fantastic mozzarella and burrata.
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Oria, whose legendary origins date back to the year 1007 BC, is a beautiful fortified town with an amazing Castle still standing in all its glory.
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Polignano a Mare is a wonderful fisherman town build onthe edge of a cliff overlooking the Adriatic sea. Is definitely worth stopping to enjoy this charming town and enjoy the amazing views over the sea.
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Beaches: in Puglia there's a big variety of beaches with cristaline waters, from the sandy to the more rocky ones. On the East coast Torre Canne is a handy beach from the trullo Horti Japygi, but there's plenty to explore particularly going South towards Otranto and on the the Ionio sea coast (e.g. Campomarino and Torre Lapillo).
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