Apulia

Discovering Apulia

Apulia is a treasure trove of art, history and nature. It is the land of sun and hospitality, located in the southeastern part of Italy, in a strategic position in the heart of the Mediterranean. Centuries of history and enchanting landscapes are some of the wonders that make this place unique for a journey in which to live unforgettable experiences.

Nature

Two dream seas embrace Apulia with its 800 kilometers of coastline and 400 kilometers of length. The Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea draw a varied coastline, with sheer cliffs on colorful seabeds and golden beaches that slope down into crystal clear waters offering the perfect habitat for a great variety of fishes.

In the hinterland, vast plains and gentle hills are the pristine kingdom of nature, where secular olive trees and vineyards alternate with lush woods and surprising Mediterranean canyons, the ravines. Apulia presents a famous natural cave in Castellana Grotte, a well-known tourist attraction worldwide.

History and art

Many civilizations lived in Apulia, from the ancient Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, and Angevins. These cultures brought to light numerous archaeological excavations and architectural treasures: menhirs, rock churches, medieval castles, Baroque and Romanesque cathedrals, and noble residences. An exceptional heritage with three Unesco sites: Castel del Monte, the mysterious fortress of Emperor Frederick II, near Andria; the trulli of Alberobello, characteristic dry-stone buildings, unique in the world; the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo, a masterpiece of medieval art.

Tradition

A magical atmosphere envelops Puglia, where the past marries the contemporary. Ancient popular and religious traditions are preserved intact. Devotion to the patron saints animates choreographic celebrations and festivals, which color the towns and cities of Puglia with a thousand lights and sounds. Here the costumes of the past are perpetuated in the rites, linked to the harvest and the fishing, and in the work of the master craftsmen. On summer days, you can be a part of an out-of-time experience, being involved in a historical reenactment without realizing it. A good example is the Bari patron’s celebration, the “Festa di San Nicola” on May 7th.

Apulia is waiting for you. Let yourself be conquered by this extraordinary land…