Discovering Puglia
Castel Del Monte (BA): in the wild setting of the Murgia, the castle, built by Frederick II, majestically overlooks the surrounding lands from the summit of a green hill. It is one of its kind in the world because of its octagonal structure and the mystery and legends that surround it.
Grotte di Castellana (BA): with its splendid caverns and immense alabaster concretions.
Monte Sant’Angelo (FG): with its sanctuary in a cave were the Archangel Gabriele appeared several times.
Gargano National Park: excursions in the Umbra Forest and to Lesina Lake.
Other villages: Alberobello, Cisternino, Lucera, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Gravina in Puglia, Ostuni, Noci, Troia, Trani.
Tastes and flavors in Puglia
Burrata: cream-filled mozzarella; the one from Adnria is famous.
Cotognata: typical quince cake.
Friselle: crisp bread, of ancient origin, spread with oil, oregano and small tomatoes.
Troccoli: typical square spaghetti from Foggia.
Wines: Moscato, Rosati Salentini, Rosso di Barletta, Primitivo di Manduria, Sansevero and Squinzano.
Handicrafts in Puglia
Alberobello ‘bisacce’: handmade articles with graphic motifs taken from the Balkan tradition.
Grottaglie ceramics: strolling through the streets that ascend towards the castle, we can admire the old artisan workshops situated in old cellars or in old oil mills. Characteristic ochre-colored plates, with the traditional blue and green rooster decoration.
Terracotta whistles: at one time used by shepherds to gather their flocks.
Lecce stone: typical stone sought after worldwide for decorating churches, villas and palaces. Today it is used to make various objects and furnishing accessories.
Puglia: events & exhibitions
Bari: May 8th – Festival of St. Nicholas. With the historical Procession of the Caravel, a procession on land and on sea of the statue of St. Nicholas.
Barletta: February 12-14 – Anniversary of the ‘Disfida’ (Duel). Reconstruction of the event in period costumes.
Ostuni: 2nd Sunday of every month - "Zaccheredde" Market - With exhibitions of antique furniture, collector’s items, clothes and trousseaus.
Putignano: from December 26 to the end of February - Carnival. The longest Carnival celebration in the world.