Puglia, apulia, bari, barletta-andria-trani, brindisi, foggia, lecce, taranto, salento, alberobello, trulli, gargano promontory, dauni mountains
heel of italy, ionian sea, tremeti islands
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Profile of Puglia
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is the most southeastern region, occupying the 'heel' of the 'boot' of Italy. Puglia has an area of 19,366 square kilometres and a population of 4 million. It borders the Italian regions of Molise to the north, Campania to the west, and Basilicata to the southwest. Across the Ionian Sea to the east lies Greece and across the Adriatic lies Albania. The capital city of the region is Bari and the provinces are: Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce and Taranto.
Puglia is the least mountainous region of Italy, consisting of broad plains and low-lying hills. The only mountainous areas, the Gargano promontory and the Dauni mountains, do not exceed 1,150 metres and are in the north of the region. The Tremeti Islands, in the Adriatic, are also a part of Puglia. Puglia is a very hot and dry region. There are a few rivers found on the 'Tavoliere delle Puglie'at the foot of the Gargano promontory. This area is one of the largest and most productive plains in Italy where a significant amount of both wine and olive oil is produced.
The baroque town of Lecce, in the Salento area of Puglia, is a favourite destination for visitors. Nicknamed 'The Florence of the South', the town is full of impressive, baroque monuments and has been built from the distinctive, 'Lecce Stone' which are the city's main export. Another attraction of the region are the unique 'Trulli' houses. These strange, white conical houses were traditionally built without using mortar in order to avoid paying taxes. They can vary is size from a single roomed store, to a complete house formed with multiple conical rooves. These days they are much sought after as holiday homes. Alberobello is a town made up entirely of Trulli houses. The site of hundreds of whitewashed, circular houses with conical rooves, all huddled together is extraordinary and it is certainly worth a visit
Puglia's location, between two beautiful coastlines, makes it a tourist's paradise. There are miles and miles of unspoilt beaches, spectacular cliffs and rocky coves. This, together with superb weather, beautiful towns and lovely countryside make Puglia a very popular holiday destination.
Puglia Climate (Bari)
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Provinces of Puglia
Bari
The province of Bari is right in the centre of the region of Puglia, is the capital of the region and home to the capital city of the same name, Bari.
This cultural crossroads is an important province for Puglia, it is fertile, has important tourist destinations, a large commercial harbour, an airport and an excellent university. It is also the second most important economic centre of Southern Italy after Naples.
The large, fertile plains of Bari stretch inland from the coast and the main produce is olives, vines and almonds. The old houses in this region are interesting, ranging from the ancient masserie (old fortified farmhouses) and the very popular, much photographed conical houses called trulli. Monopoli and the surrounding area has one of the best coastlines in the province.
As with the rest of Puglia, the province of Bari is full of imposing castles, cathedrals and other buildings of important historical interest.
In the city of Bari itself there is the imposing Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the remains of the famous saint, as well as the Cathedral of Bari with its tall bell tower and decorated rose window.
To the north of Bari is the town of Ruvo di Puglia, an agricultural area producing an abundance of olive oil and wine and also home to one of the most famous cathedrals in the region. The Co-Cathedral is an example of Apulian Romanesque architecure and is noted for its architectural lines.
The southern part of this province borders the Itria Valley which is known as the 'Land of the Trulli' and the most famous village here is Alberobello which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
In the small town of Conversano is a 6th century medieval castle with four large towers overlooking the city.
On the coast there is the old village of Putignano perched on a sheer cliff overlooking the sea with its famous Castellan Grotte and carnival which is the oldest and longest in Italy. The carnival originated in 1394 and takes place every year from the day after Christmas until Shrove Tuesday
The province of Bari is right in the centre of the region of Puglia, is the capital of the region and home to the capital city of the same name, Bari.
This cultural crossroads is an important province for Puglia, it is fertile, has important tourist destinations, a large commercial harbour, an airport and an excellent university. It is also the second most important economic centre of Southern Italy after Naples.
The large, fertile plains of Bari stretch inland from the coast and the main produce is olives, vines and almonds. The old houses in this region are interesting, ranging from the ancient masserie (old fortified farmhouses) and the very popular, much photographed conical houses called trulli. Monopoli and the surrounding area has one of the best coastlines in the province.
As with the rest of Puglia, the province of Bari is full of imposing castles, cathedrals and other buildings of important historical interest.
In the city of Bari itself there is the imposing Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the remains of the famous saint, as well as the Cathedral of Bari with its tall bell tower and decorated rose window.
To the north of Bari is the town of Ruvo di Puglia, an agricultural area producing an abundance of olive oil and wine and also home to one of the most famous cathedrals in the region. The Co-Cathedral is an example of Apulian Romanesque architecure and is noted for its architectural lines.
The southern part of this province borders the Itria Valley which is known as the 'Land of the Trulli' and the most famous village here is Alberobello which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
In the small town of Conversano is a 6th century medieval castle with four large towers overlooking the city.
On the coast there is the old village of Putignano perched on a sheer cliff overlooking the sea with its famous Castellan Grotte and carnival which is the oldest and longest in Italy. The carnival originated in 1394 and takes place every year from the day after Christmas until Shrove Tuesday
Barletta-Andria-Trani
The province of Barletta-Andria-Trani is newly established (June 2009) from ten communities in Bari and Foggia. The three cities, from which the province takes it's name, Barletta, Andria and Trani, share the administrative duties. It is bordered by the Puglian provinces of Foggia to the north and Bari to the south, the Basilicatan region of Potenza to the west and by the Adriatic Sea to the east.
The coastline around Barletta and Trani has white sand and clear, blue water which is full of sea life, making it an ideal area for snorkelling and diving. Stretching inland from the blue waters of the sea to the unusaual limestone plateau of the Murgia, this corner of Puglia is open, peaceful, unspoiled and steeped in history. Away from the coast the terrain is an endless sea of green, broken by white rocks and dense woodland. There are olive trees, vineyards, gentle hills and an undisturbed, natural habitat. Puglia is famous for its virgin olive oil and this area produces some of the best.
Puglia is a region full of interesting castles, cathedrals and historic examples of architecture, and this province has more than its fair share.
Barletta has the elegant Palazza Caccetta with its Gothic façade, the Museo Civico, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and a white, 12th century castle.
Just a few kilometres away from the town of Andria is Castel del Monte; a perfect and important example of Swabian architecture. It was built by Frederick II of Swabia and with its unique appearance and mysterious aura it has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Trani Cathedral is one of the finest in Puglia and is dedicated to San Nicola Pellegrino (Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim). With its 59 metre high bell tower, decorative bronze door and lancet windows it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
The province of Barletta-Andria-Trani is newly established (June 2009) from ten communities in Bari and Foggia. The three cities, from which the province takes it's name, Barletta, Andria and Trani, share the administrative duties. It is bordered by the Puglian provinces of Foggia to the north and Bari to the south, the Basilicatan region of Potenza to the west and by the Adriatic Sea to the east.
The coastline around Barletta and Trani has white sand and clear, blue water which is full of sea life, making it an ideal area for snorkelling and diving. Stretching inland from the blue waters of the sea to the unusaual limestone plateau of the Murgia, this corner of Puglia is open, peaceful, unspoiled and steeped in history. Away from the coast the terrain is an endless sea of green, broken by white rocks and dense woodland. There are olive trees, vineyards, gentle hills and an undisturbed, natural habitat. Puglia is famous for its virgin olive oil and this area produces some of the best.
Puglia is a region full of interesting castles, cathedrals and historic examples of architecture, and this province has more than its fair share.
Barletta has the elegant Palazza Caccetta with its Gothic façade, the Museo Civico, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and a white, 12th century castle.
Just a few kilometres away from the town of Andria is Castel del Monte; a perfect and important example of Swabian architecture. It was built by Frederick II of Swabia and with its unique appearance and mysterious aura it has been declared a World Heritage Site.
Trani Cathedral is one of the finest in Puglia and is dedicated to San Nicola Pellegrino (Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim). With its 59 metre high bell tower, decorative bronze door and lancet windows it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture.
Brindisi
The province of Brindisi is low, flat and blessed with a mild climate and sandy beaches. Although mainly coastal it is very fertile and grows artichokes and fruit along with vines and olives. For this reason it is a popular holiday destination and has a healthy tourist industry.
The capital city, Brindisi, is a natural port on the Adriatic Sea which has been known since ancient times as the 'Gateway to the East'. Still a major port today for trade with Greece and the Middle East it was once an important port for Roman troops and later for the merchants of Venice.
Two Roman columns were the symbol of Brindisi and although one remains the other has crumbled. It is thought that they were built to mark the end of the Appian Way but instead, they were used as navigation points by ancient mariners.
There are two prominent castles in the city of Brindisi, Castello Grande built in the 13th century and the Aragonese castle Forte a Mare which is often referred to as the 'Red Castle' due to the colour of the bricks it was built from.
Other towns and cities of note in this province are beautiful whitewashed Ostuni with its cathedral and Cisternino, the centre of the Itria Valley and an interesting old town.
The province of Brindisi is low, flat and blessed with a mild climate and sandy beaches. Although mainly coastal it is very fertile and grows artichokes and fruit along with vines and olives. For this reason it is a popular holiday destination and has a healthy tourist industry.
The capital city, Brindisi, is a natural port on the Adriatic Sea which has been known since ancient times as the 'Gateway to the East'. Still a major port today for trade with Greece and the Middle East it was once an important port for Roman troops and later for the merchants of Venice.
Two Roman columns were the symbol of Brindisi and although one remains the other has crumbled. It is thought that they were built to mark the end of the Appian Way but instead, they were used as navigation points by ancient mariners.
There are two prominent castles in the city of Brindisi, Castello Grande built in the 13th century and the Aragonese castle Forte a Mare which is often referred to as the 'Red Castle' due to the colour of the bricks it was built from.
Other towns and cities of note in this province are beautiful whitewashed Ostuni with its cathedral and Cisternino, the centre of the Itria Valley and an interesting old town.
Foggia
The province of Foggia, the capital town of which is also called Foggia, is the largest of the provinces of Puglia and in fact, the second largest in Italy. This is the northernmost province of Puglia and borders Molise to the south and Campania to the east.
The province of Foggia can be divided into two parts, one called Tavoliere which is inland and has the town of Foggia at its centre, and the other called Gargano which is the small area making up the spur of the 'boot' of Italy.
Tavoliere (taking its name from the italian word for plate 'tavolo') is flat, agricultural lowland with its most important crop being durum wheat. Because so much wheat is grown in this area it is also commonly known as the granary of Italy. Vast areas of the plains were once used as pasture land for flocks of sheep passing through in the winter from Abruzzo, Molise and Basilicata. Today, it has become a place of pilgrimage as the sanctuary of Padre Pio is in San Giovanni Rotondo.
By contrast, Gargano is a peninsula and is partly mountainous and partly wooded with thick, ancient forests. Gargano is home to the last remaining part of the oak and beech Forest Umbra that once covered most of central Europe.
The coastline of Gargano is rugged and consists of beautiful bays and cliffs as well as being home to the spectacular Tremiti islands. This area of Foggia is very popular for holidays and the tourists are very well catered for.
The province of Foggia, the capital town of which is also called Foggia, is the largest of the provinces of Puglia and in fact, the second largest in Italy. This is the northernmost province of Puglia and borders Molise to the south and Campania to the east.
The province of Foggia can be divided into two parts, one called Tavoliere which is inland and has the town of Foggia at its centre, and the other called Gargano which is the small area making up the spur of the 'boot' of Italy.
Tavoliere (taking its name from the italian word for plate 'tavolo') is flat, agricultural lowland with its most important crop being durum wheat. Because so much wheat is grown in this area it is also commonly known as the granary of Italy. Vast areas of the plains were once used as pasture land for flocks of sheep passing through in the winter from Abruzzo, Molise and Basilicata. Today, it has become a place of pilgrimage as the sanctuary of Padre Pio is in San Giovanni Rotondo.
By contrast, Gargano is a peninsula and is partly mountainous and partly wooded with thick, ancient forests. Gargano is home to the last remaining part of the oak and beech Forest Umbra that once covered most of central Europe.
The coastline of Gargano is rugged and consists of beautiful bays and cliffs as well as being home to the spectacular Tremiti islands. This area of Foggia is very popular for holidays and the tourists are very well catered for.
Lecce
The province of Lecce is truly the 'heel' of Italy, sitting between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The Adriatic coastline is unspoiled and has imposing cliffs and pine forests rising up from little sandy bays lapped by blue water. The Ionian coastline is flatter and with beaches and a seabed of fine white sand the water is crystal clear.
The area consists of gently rolling hills interspersed with plains and ancient villages. Organised vineyards and olive groves contained by low drystone walls dominate the landscape. There are two large lakes in the province, Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo which form part of an important nature reserve.
Lecce, the capital city of the province, is often referred to as the 'Florence of the South' and is known world wide for its wonderful architecture, mostly constructed from local stone.
The town of Otranto lies on the southernmost extremity between the Adriatic and Ionian and the lighthouse there, Faro della Palascia marks the most easterly point of the Italian mainland.
Other towns of note are Gallipoli, a Greek word meaning 'Beautiful City', Squinzano, famous for its red and rosé DOC wines made principally from Negro Amaro grapes...
... and Santa Cesarea Terme, an important thermal spa establishment with theraputic waters coming in from four caves.
The province of Lecce is truly the 'heel' of Italy, sitting between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The Adriatic coastline is unspoiled and has imposing cliffs and pine forests rising up from little sandy bays lapped by blue water. The Ionian coastline is flatter and with beaches and a seabed of fine white sand the water is crystal clear.
The area consists of gently rolling hills interspersed with plains and ancient villages. Organised vineyards and olive groves contained by low drystone walls dominate the landscape. There are two large lakes in the province, Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo which form part of an important nature reserve.
Lecce, the capital city of the province, is often referred to as the 'Florence of the South' and is known world wide for its wonderful architecture, mostly constructed from local stone.
The town of Otranto lies on the southernmost extremity between the Adriatic and Ionian and the lighthouse there, Faro della Palascia marks the most easterly point of the Italian mainland.
Other towns of note are Gallipoli, a Greek word meaning 'Beautiful City', Squinzano, famous for its red and rosé DOC wines made principally from Negro Amaro grapes...
... and Santa Cesarea Terme, an important thermal spa establishment with theraputic waters coming in from four caves.
Taranto
The province of Taranto is surrounded by the Puglian provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce, the Basilicatan region of Matera and on its longest side is bordered by the Ionian sea. It has over 140km of beautiful coastline with sheer cliffs, sandy beaches and clear sea which reflects the green of the maquis. The small, inland stretch of the region of Taranto has gently rolling hills, wide open valleys and areas of rock and scrubland. The whole area is peppered with ancient villages and there is evidence of ancient rock dwellings. As with the rest of Puglia, it is a fertile region with wine and olive oil being the main products.
The capital city of the region is Taranto and this is the third largest city in Southern Italy and an important commercial port and naval base.
In this city there is an Aragonese Castle 'Castel Sant'Angelo' which overlooks the sea, is in excellent condition and currently used by the Italian Navy. Also in the city of Taranto there is an important archaeological museum with one of the largest collections in the world of Greek terracotta figures.
In the south of the region, in the area known as Salento, there are some beautiful coastal resorts with white beaches and clear water, such as the stunningly beautiful Marina di Pulsano.
In the north, the charming baroque town of Martina Franca overlooks the the Itria Valley.
In this region there is one of the largest canyons in Europe, the Ravine of Laterza, which is 12km long and 500m wide. It is of great importance historically as it has exposed an ancient village with settlements dating back as far as the 1st century AD. This ravine is also home to many rare species of wildlife.
The province of Taranto is surrounded by the Puglian provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Lecce, the Basilicatan region of Matera and on its longest side is bordered by the Ionian sea. It has over 140km of beautiful coastline with sheer cliffs, sandy beaches and clear sea which reflects the green of the maquis. The small, inland stretch of the region of Taranto has gently rolling hills, wide open valleys and areas of rock and scrubland. The whole area is peppered with ancient villages and there is evidence of ancient rock dwellings. As with the rest of Puglia, it is a fertile region with wine and olive oil being the main products.
The capital city of the region is Taranto and this is the third largest city in Southern Italy and an important commercial port and naval base.
In this city there is an Aragonese Castle 'Castel Sant'Angelo' which overlooks the sea, is in excellent condition and currently used by the Italian Navy. Also in the city of Taranto there is an important archaeological museum with one of the largest collections in the world of Greek terracotta figures.
In the south of the region, in the area known as Salento, there are some beautiful coastal resorts with white beaches and clear water, such as the stunningly beautiful Marina di Pulsano.
In the north, the charming baroque town of Martina Franca overlooks the the Itria Valley.
In this region there is one of the largest canyons in Europe, the Ravine of Laterza, which is 12km long and 500m wide. It is of great importance historically as it has exposed an ancient village with settlements dating back as far as the 1st century AD. This ravine is also home to many rare species of wildlife.
Facts on Puglia
Flag of Puglia
Area: 19,366 km²
Population: 4 million
Density: 210/km²
Capital: Bari
Provinces:
Bari
Barletta-Andria-Trani
Brindisi
Foggia
Lecce
Taranto
List of Comunes within:
Population: 4 million
Density: 210/km²
Capital: Bari
Provinces:
Bari
Barletta-Andria-Trani
Brindisi
Foggia
Lecce
Taranto
List of Comunes within:
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