Best attractions in Puglia

Puglia represents the eastern part of Italy, it is located on the so-called “heel” of Italy. Since this region has the longest coastline in Italy, about eight hundred kilometers, you can enjoy plenty of beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea and incredible scenery. “The heel is washed by two seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian - and has six excellent provinces, each of which is known for its sights and beautiful views. Don’t know what to see in Puglia? We’ve compiled a list of the most popular places in the region for you, including the most interesting sights in Puglia.

What to see in Puglia first

The most visited place by tourists in Puglia is the capital city of Bari. There are several monuments of architecture that are definitely worth a visit. For example, the castle of Bari, built back in one thousand one hundred and thirty-second year. The castle was built over several centuries, so it combines several styles. During its existence, a majestic and powerful building has managed to serve as a protector from enemies, a prison with a barracks, and at the moment a historical museum, as well as a place to hold various exhibitions and all kinds of cultural events.

Official website: http://www.musei.puglia.

Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The main attraction of Puglia in Italy, the capital of this region, Bari, for which tourists go there from all over the world, is the Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Here, since one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven years, there are his relics. St. Nicholas is one of the most famous saints. This applies to both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. He is the prototype of the beloved and well-known Santa Claus or Santa Claus. As a young man, he helped the poor in every way, and then in the city of Mira was recognized as a Christian bishop, where he ended his life in the three hundred and forty-third year. The basilica looks very beautiful and majestic. The ancient building somewhat resembles a medieval citadel. Inside there is not only the tomb of the miracle worker, but also the tomb of Bona Sforza, the famous Polish queen who was born in these places, the throne of Bishop Elijah. The portal of the Lions looks majestic. It is worth coming to Bari just for the sake of this miraculous and unique place.

There is a cathedral in the city called San Sabino, where the relics of Bishop Savin are housed. The remains ended up in Bari in the ninth century. The present-day building of the Cathedral makes a lasting impression. It was built between the end of the twelfth and the end of the thirteenth centuries. The site was once the Cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, and one can even see the remnants of it. During the reconstruction, the relics of the saint were located in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The building of the cathedral itself is in the Apulian-Romanesque style. The church has a very austere interior, with only the emporiums, the so-called tribunes, standing out, perhaps.

City of Alberobello

The city of Alberobello, in the south of Italy, is the landmark of Puglia. In translation the name means “tree” and “war”. The fact is that long ago there were whole groves of oak trees. Trees were actively used for the construction of robust and powerful military vehicles. This city is definitely worth a visit, here you can not only lie on the Adriatic coast, but also provide yourself with a vivid experience.

The town is incredibly famous for its “trulla” houses, which are not found anywhere else in the world. Because of its uniqueness, they were in 1936th year on the list of cultural heritage of UNESCO. Externally, they are the white-stone structures of a cylindrical shape with a cone-shaped roof. They are built by the method of dry masonry. The peculiarity of these houses is that by removing one stone at the base of the roof, it was possible to destroy the entire settlement. At the end of the seventeenth century, one count decided to evade taxes, so it was decided to build houses that could be quickly and easily destroyed. Such houses have thick enough walls to easily withstand the heat. The source of light is the only entrance hole. Everyone can see such a landmark of Puglia in Italy.

City of Santa Maria di Leuca

For those who love nature and incredible scenery, the delightful town of Santa Maria di Leuca is a must visit. It is the juncture of two seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian. The name itself translates as “white” because in this place this color is everywhere dominant. The tourist port in this town is one of the largest. The coast has rocky and sandy areas. Interestingly, there are still preserved stone pavilions, which served for women. So, swimming, they were closed from the men. The coast is interesting with its mysterious and incredibly beautiful grottoes, which can be accessed by fishing boats. Lovers of legends and connoisseurs of beauty should definitely visit these places. It is also the site of the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca, discovered in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six. It is about forty-eight meters above the ground and one hundred and two meters above sea level. On the coast there are beautiful old villas, built at the end of the nineteenth century specifically for the rest of the rich. Also in the city you can visit the church of Santa Maria de Finibus Terre, the forest of Tricaze and much more.

The Castellana Karst Cave is one of the most majestic. In fact, the cave is a real underground labyrinth. It is located one kilometer from the town of Castellana Grotte. Directly the entrance to the cave is a tunnel of sixty meters long. The entire length of this complex is about three kilometers. Karst caves amaze with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites formed over three million years. One can walk through the entire system in two hours, and enjoy the stunning views. Castellana Cave is one of the most beautiful caves on the entire planet. Inside is a bust of Franco Anelli, the man who discovered and explored the stunning complex.

Official website: http://www.grottedicastellana.it/en/

Attractions of Puglia: what else to visit while in Puglia

Puglia is home to one of the most mysterious and beautiful medieval castles in the entire world, Castel del Monte. In translation, its name means “castle on the mountain” because it is located on a hill five hundred and forty meters high. The place is very beautiful, surrounded by lush vegetation and water. Unfortunately, not much is known about the history of the structure. It is known that the building was under construction for ten years. According to legends, it was used as a hunting lodge, prison, a shelter during the plague. The building itself has a unique design - the shape of a regular octagon. At each corner was erected octagonal tower. Inside there is a courtyard of similar shape. The building is two-storey, on each made of eight rooms. For a long time the castle was in a derelict condition. Only in the twentieth century restoration began, and since one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six years it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

Official website: http://www.casteldelmonte.

The ideal resorts for family time in Puglia are undoubtedly:

• Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. It has incredible rocky coves and the cleanest beaches;

• Gallipoli, more specifically the snow-white beach of Lido San Giovanni, just two kilometers from the town of Foggia. The sea here is very calm;

• Margherita di Savoia, known not only for its beautiful and comfortable beaches, but also for its healing thermal baths.

These are just a few of the attractions of beautiful Puglia. You can explore the delightful provinces as a family. Majestic cathedrals, stunning promontories, karst caves, beaches, coves, cuisine - this is not all that this region has in store for its tourists. Read also about sights of Bari and be inspired for further travels in Italy.

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• Europe
• Italy