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CHECK THE WEATHER IN LECCE
P U G L I A - A P U L I A
(the heel of the Italian boot)
ART - HISTORY - FOOD - WINES |
A long strip of land, along the Adriatic Sea, the region of Apulia (or Puglia
as native Italians refer to it) forms the heel of Italy's boot-shaped perimeter.
From white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters lapping the coastline, to vast
agricultural plains and the caverns of Castellana Grotte (an intriguing system
of natural underground caves), the area offers unique scenery unmatched elsewhere.
Apulia can be easily reached by car, trai, or air from all over Europe beside Milan and Rome. Bari is connected, weekly, with a no-stop flight from New York, many of the low-cost European airlines are serving the region. Train is good and relatively inexpensive. Two of the major autostrade (toll-road) Bari-Milan and Canosa-Naples depart from Apulia.
Italy Driving Distances
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Architecturally the area has some special offerings. Some of Italy's most exquisite
churches are situated here. Scattered throughout the Murge district visitors
marvel at white-washed stone buildings with conical roofs, or trulli, which are
believed to have ancient origins. Today they serve as residential dwellings,
offices and retail space. A roof-line view of the town of Alberobello is simply
a phenomenal site given that a fourth of its buildings are of this style.
Bari, the capitol of Apulia, serves as a major seaport. Interesting buildings
here include its castle (or Castello, first built by the Normans in 1131), te
Basilica of St. Nicholas (built 1097-1197) and its renaisance duomo. Another
port is that of Brindisi where a 65-foot marble column close to the harbor marks
the finish of the Appian Way. Elsewhere along the coast lie numerous fishing
villages, resorts and the marine grotto of Polignano.
Agricultural products, from this region, are appreciated worldwide. The color
and contour of the landscape transitions from dense areas of olive trees in the
northern section to grapevine fields prevalent in the southern section. Wine
lovers will be delighted to find some outstanding DOC Apulian wines: whites from
San Severo, Ostuni and the rare and highly-prized "Verdeca" of Gravina and reds
from Castel del Monte, San Severo and Squinzano, besides others.
The exquisite Mediterranean cooking offered here relies on regional extra virgin
oil (unlike any found elsewhere in Italy), hard wheat pastas, fresh vegetables,
an abundant supply of fresh fish, and grilled meats. The wood of native olive and
oak trees, used in grilling, imparts a unique aroma and ultimately marvelous taste
to traditional Apulian cuisine.
Festivals practically year-round provide an opportunity to experience the carefree,
celebratory nature of the people living in this area. In contrast relaxation is an
important part of the lifestlye.
Excellent lodging facilities all over the region. As in other Italian regions a great deal or historical buildings, villas, farmhouses, masserie have been restored with great taste strictly respecting their original architecture.
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Italy Driving Distances
APULIA INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
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