Puglia is 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, here you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea and incredible landscapes. The Heel is washed by two seas – the Adriatic and the Ionian and consists of six excellent provinces, each of which is known for its sights and beautiful views. Don’t know what to see in Puglia? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of popular places in this region, which includes the most interesting sights of Puglia.
What to see in Puglia first of all
The most visited tourist destination in Puglia is the capital Bari. There are several architectural monuments here that are definitely worth a visit. For example, the Bari Castle, built back in one thousand one hundred and thirty-two. Since the castle has been worked on for several centuries, it combines several styles at once. During its existence, the majestic and powerful building has managed to act as a defender from enemies, a prison with a barracks, and at the moment a historical museum, as well as a venue for various exhibitions and various cultural events.
Bari Castle in the capital of Bari in Puglia Palickap
Official website: http://www.musei.puglia .
The Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The main attraction of Puglia in Italy, the capital of this region of Bari, for which tourists come there from all over the world, is the Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. His relics have been located here since one thousand one hundred and ninety-seventh year. Saint Nicholas is one of the most famous saints. This applies to both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. He acts as a prototype of the beloved and well-known Santa Claus or Santa Claus. When he was young, he helped poor people in every possible way, and then in the city of Mira he was recognized as a Christian bishop, where his life ended in the three hundred and forty-third year. The basilica looks very beautiful and majestic. The ancient building is somewhat similar to a medieval citadel. Inside there is not only the tomb of the wonderworker, but also the tomb of Bona Sforza, the famous Polish queen who was born in these places, the throne of Bishop Elijah. The Lviv Portal looks majestic. It is worth coming to Bari only for the sake of this miraculous and unique place.
The Tomb of Queen Bona Sforza of Poland Porcullus
There is a Cathedral in the city called San Sabino, where the relics of Bishop Savin are located. The remains turned up in Bari in the ninth century. The modern building of the Cathedral makes an indelible impression. It was built between the end of the twelfth and the end of the thirteenth centuries. Previously, the Cathedral of the Byzantine Empire was located on this site, you can even see its remaining traces. During the reconstruction, the relics of the saint were located in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The cathedral building itself is made in the Apulian-Romanesque style. The church is distinguished by a very strict interior decoration, perhaps only the emporia, the so-called tribunes, stand out.
San Sabino Cathedral in Bari Berthold Werner Feel the atmosphere of Puglia in this beautiful video!
The city of Alberobello
The hallmark of Puglia is undoubtedly the city of Alberobello, located in the very south of Italy. Translated, the name means “tree” and “war”. The fact is that for a long time there were entire oak groves here. Trees were actively used for the construction of reliable and powerful military mechanisms. This city is definitely worth a visit, here you can not only lie on the Adriatic coast, but also provide yourself with vivid impressions.
Trulla houses in the town of Alberobello in Puglia Mona Varga
The incredible fame of the city was brought by the houses of “trulla”, which are no longer found anywhere else in the world. For their uniqueness, they were included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in one thousand nine hundred and ninety-sixth year. Externally, they are cylindrical white stone structures with a cone-shaped roof. They are constructed using the dry masonry method. The peculiarity of such houses is that by pulling out one stone at the base of the roof, it was possible to completely 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, which makes it easy to tolerate the heat. The light source is a single inlet. Anyone can see such a landmark of Puglia in Italy.
Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse in Santa Maria di Leuca Mentnafunangann
The city of Santa Maria di Leuca
For those who love nature and incredible landscapes, it is necessary to get to the delightful city of Santa Maria di Leuca. It is the junction point of two seas – the Adriatic and the Ionian. The very name of the city translates as “white”, because in this place this color dominates everywhere. The tourist port in this town is one of the largest. The coast has rocky and sandy areas. Interestingly, the stone pavilions that served for women are still preserved here. So, while bathing, they were closed from men. The coast is interesting with mysterious and incredibly beautiful grottoes, which can be reached by fishing boats. Fans of legends and connoisseurs of beauty should definitely visit these places. The Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse is located here on the cape, opened back in one thousand eight hundred and sixty-sixth year. The height is about forty-eight meters above the ground and one hundred and two meters above sea level. There are beautiful old villas on the coast, built at the end of the nineteenth century specifically for the recreation of the rich. Also in the city you can visit the church of Santa Maria de Finibus Terre, the Tricase forest and much more.
White Grotto – Castellana karst cave in Puglia ReMagio
The Castellana karst cave is one of the most majestic. In fact, the cave is a real underground maze. It is located one kilometer from the town of Castellana Grotte. The direct entrance to the cave is a tunnel sixty meters long. The entire length of this complex is about three kilometers. Karst caves are amazing with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites formed over three million years. You can go through the entire system in two hours, during which time you can enjoy the stunning views. The Castellana Cave is one of the most beautiful on the whole planet. Inside there is a bust of Franco Anelli, the man who discovered and explored the stunning complex.
Official website: http://www.grottedicastellana.it/en/
The medieval castle of Castel del Monte in Puglia Verity Cridland
The sights of Puglia: what else to visit while in Puglia
Puglia is home to one of the most mysterious and beautiful medieval castles in the whole world – Castel del Monte. Translated, its name means “castle on the mountain”, since it is located on a hill five hundred and forty meters high. The place is very beautiful, there is lush vegetation and water around. Unfortunately, little is known about the history of this building. It is known that the building was under construction for ten years. According to legend, it was used as a hunting lodge, prison, and shelter during the plague. The building itself has a unique design – the shape of a regular octagon. An octagonal tower has been erected at each corner. There is a courtyard of a similar shape inside. The building is two-storied, with eight rooms on each floor. For a long time, the castle was in an abandoned state. It was only in the twentieth century that restoration began, and since nineteen ninety-six it has been included in the World Heritage List.
Official website: https://www.casteldelmonte .beniculturali.it
The ideal resorts for family time in Puglia are undoubtedly:
- Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. There are incredible rocky coves, pristine beaches;
Torre del Orso beach in Lecce province in Puglia Freddyballo
- Gallipoli, and more specifically the snow-white beach of Lido San Giovanni, just two kilometers from the town of Foggia. The sea is very calm here;
Gallipoli Beach in Puglia in Southern Italy Nikater
- Margherita di Savoia, famous not only for its beautiful and cozy beaches, but also for its healing thermal baths.
Margherita di Savoia Beach in Puglia Deblu68
These are just a few of the attractions of beautiful Puglia. You can explore the delightful provinces with the whole family. Majestic cathedrals, stunning capes, karst caves, beaches, coves, cuisine – this is not all that this region prepares for its tourists. Read also about the sights of Bari and be inspired to travel further in Italy.
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