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INTRODUCTION
PUGLIA
see & do
ART & HISTORY In many ways this region reserves the biggest surprises of southern Italy. A long strip of land, 240 miles to the southern most tip of Italy's heel in Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian and the Adriatic seas meet. Puglia was for centuries colonised, invaded and conquered, by just about every major power, from the Greeks to the Spanish, each ruling dynasty left its own distinctive mark on the landscape and architecture. The Normans covered Puglia with splendid ornate cathedrals. For an insight into Puglia's historical heritage, head to Trani and Bari both hosting a wide range of Norman castles and cathedrals. Remote Castel del Monte is definitely worth visiting. Built in the mid 13th Century, it is considered to be one of the most sophisticated secular buildings of the middle ages. Amongst Levantine influences, Norman castles, baroque splendour and centuries old olive trees, combine with the unique 'Trulli' houses. These small white dwellings with stone walls and conical shaped roofs are very typical.
To encounter some of the wonderful sandy beaches and sparkling clear blue waters of the Adriatic, start from Monopoli and head down south on the coastal road towards Torre Canne and Ostuni Marina. Not far from the coast, perched on the hillside is Ostuni, completely white-washed town also known as `the white queen of the olive trees'. Aiming further in the parched, dry landscape, there is a profusion of olive groves, orchards and vineyards, dotted with strange circular buildings with conical roofs, you are approaching Alberobello, the Trulli capital. The origins of the strange whitewashed buildings is traditionally linked to ancient round tombs found in the Roman countryside. Not far from Alberobello head toward Fasano and visit some of the local Masserias to purchase some strong bodied wine or olive oil. Tucked away on the Salentine peninsula, Baroque style Lecce is definitely another Puglian gem to see. It flourished in the 17th Century and earned the name `Florence of the south'. Among the main sights are Palazzo Vescovile in Piazza Duomo and Santa Croce. The 2nd Century AD Roman column is found in the Piazza Sant' Oronzo.
At the southern side are the remains of a Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 1st Century BC. Also not to be missed is the Gargano Peninsula, a high, rocky spur jutting into the Adriatic Sea, the Gargano is a dramatic wilderness dotted with coves and cliffs, crystal clear green sea and ancient forests with magnificent flora and fauna. Also don't miss Otranto, once an important Roman port and perfectly placed for exploring from Gallipoli or Lecce. Finally, When you have reached Santa Maria di Leuca, you have hit the bottom of the heel of Italy. FOOD & DRINK Puglia is also a wonderful place to try inexpensive wines, renowned for being strong and full bodied as their vines thrive is this hot dry climate.
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1 Beautiful Gallipoli in Puglia, a fishing harbour 2 Lucera Castle, Puglia 3 Gallipoli on the Puglia coast 4 Di Santa Croce Basilica 5 Unique Alberobella houses 6 Santa Maria di Leuca port
PUGLIA REGIONAL MAP
Mattinata Foggia
INFORMATION Capital: Bari. Airport: Fly into Bari airport directly or into Brindisi via Rome. See p12-13 for flight information. Transfers: We have included AVIS car hire group `A' for all holidays to Puglia to give you the freedom to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. If you prefer to have return transfers from Bari airport these are available at a supplement on request. For car hire conditions and extensions see p14. Shopping: Most shops open Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 3.30-7.30pm, although you may find some food shops closed Mon am or pm. Banks: Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-1 or 1.30pm and 2.30 or 3-4pm.
p Bari
PUGLIA CAMPANIA BASILICATA
Monopoli Fasano Torre Canne Brindisi
Alberobello Marina Di Ostuni Taranto
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Otranto
Lecce Gallipoli
Corigliano O'Otranto
Capo Santa Maria di Leuca
call 01306 747746 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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