Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is known for its whitewashed hill towns (especially in Ostuni), centuries old farmland, with miles and miles of Mediterranean coastline. The Capital Bari is a vibrant port with a big university presence. This region of Italy is like no other. It is unique in every way. From the terrain, to the coast, to the AMAZING food. Renting a car is by far the best way to get around Puglia. It is possible by train or bus, but public transport is slow and limited.
LECCE
Lecce, which is known as the “Florence of the South” for its baroque architecture, is also known for its paper mâché (cartapesta in Italian) , as well as handmade leather goods (sandals, bags, and shoes).
Some beautiful sites to see:
Piazza del Duomo -The Duomo was built originally in 1144 but with the arrival of the Baroque zealots in the mid-17th century it was given an upgrade and a 70m-high bell tower for good measure.
The Basilica di Santa Croce has one of the most beautiful and intricate Baroque facades in Italy. The level of detail is quite stunning and took over 200 years to complete before it was finally opened for worship in 1695.
The Church of Saints Niccolo’ and Cataldo is a unique Norman church built by King Tancred of Sicily in 1180. It's beautifuly embellished with statues and other decorative art from the early 1700s. The result is a fascinating mix of Norman and Italianate Baroque style.
While on your stroll, you can visit and sit at the many cafe, bars and restaurants flanking the streets. They offer front row seats to see the comings and goings of the locals daily business.
OSTUNI
Ostuni is a city in Italy’s Apulia region that's known for its whitewashed old town. Ostuni Cathedral combines Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine elements, while the arched Porta San Demetrio is one of 2 remaining medieval gates. The Civic Museum and Archaeological Park houses Ostuni, the skeleton of a woman from Paleolithic times. Northwest of town is the Santuario di Sant’Oronzo complex, with a triumphal arch
accomadations:
ALBEROBELLO
while Alberobello and the Itria Valley are home to “trulli,” stone huts with distinctive conical roofs. The streets are beautiful with some great cuisines, homemade liquor, crafts, and jewelry.
BARI
The biggest highlight of our trip was the caves of Castellana. A spectacular crystalline concretions and spectacular scale of natural tunnels, the Castellana Caves, is an extraordinary complex of natural formation that is considered to be one of Italy's and Europes biggest treasures.
We also loved the Bari Vecchia overlooking the sea. Since this city is pretty tight and no more room to expand, you will find that most of the day to day life is lived on the streets.
As we wandered down the narrow alleyways, we felt like we were walking through someone’s home. We would see entire families from grandparents to babies sitting outside their homes chatting, playing, and making the traditional Puglia Orecchiette pasta (shaped/looks like ears).
TOUR GUIDE
Marialuisa Dibello, who is under the Mali Puliya tours was our amazing tour guide for 2 days. Marialuisa showed us all the hidden gems of this beautiful area, and made it all worth while.
AMAZING CUISINES:
- Da Tuccino (Polignano a Mare) seafood - Il Bastione (Polignano a Mare) seafood - Osteria Piga (Polignano a Mare) meat
- Il Guazzetto (Monopoli) seafood
- Evo ristorante (Alberobello) bar, Pasteries, Gelatos and B&B
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