Visiting the Heel of the Boot
1. Introduction
Puglia, or Apulia, is the region of southern Italy often referred to as the “heel of the boot.” Much of the region is coastline with picturesque seaside towns, great beaches, and clean sea water. Inland, visitors will discover unique sights, castles, and historic towns.
The region encompasses five provinces centered around the major cities of Puglia: Foggia, Bari, Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce. Bari serves as the capital of Puglia.
Top attractions in Puglia include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the distinctive conical houses found around Alberobello.
2. Alberobello and the Trulli Zone
Puglia’s most famous sight is the trulli, unique houses with conical roofs found in the area around Alberobello. Although trulli dot the countryside of central Puglia, the highest concentration is in the town of Alberobello itself. Its trulli zone has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first settlements featuring trulli buildings date all the way back to the Bronze Age, while the structures visible today date back to around 1350. While these structures are strong, they were originally designed to be temporary, leading to the destruction and reconstruction of the older and uneven structures multiple times.
3. Salento Peninsula
Puglia’s southernmost region is known as the Salento Peninsula, which boasts numerous beautiful beaches and picturesque towns with architecture reminiscent of Greece, such as Otranto and Gallipoli. Moreover, this area features ancient ruins and buildings from both Greek and Roman times.
This region is also characterized by extensive olive groves, producing the high-quality olive oil that Puglia is famous for, along with vineyards known for Primitivo and Salice Salentino wines.
4. Bari
Bari is one of the largest cities in Puglia. Visitors should explore its compact and intriguing historic center, featuring narrow, winding streets coupled with a castle on one side. Its most iconic landmark is the Church of Saint Nicholas, historically linked to Christmas.
The city offers a pleasant seaside promenade, a bustling pedestrian street of modern shops, a lively square adorned with bars and restaurants, harbors, and a theater. Being one of the main stops on the train line, Bari also has an airport.
5. Trani
Trani is one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside towns. Its cathedral, beautifully situated on the harbor near the castle, stands as one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Puglia. The church features extraordinary exterior carvings and mesmerizing floor mosaics within the crypt.
6. Lecce
The Baroque city of Lecce, often referred to as the Florence of the South, marks the southern terminus for the Italian rail line along the east coast. Known for its historic center filled with ornate Baroque monuments, Lecce also boasts remnants of Roman heritage.
Additionally, the city offers excellent opportunities for walking and shopping, as it is famous for paper mache handicrafts, including a museum dedicated to paper mache figurines housed in the Castello di Lecce.
7. Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte, located about 30 kilometers southwest of Trani, is one of Puglia’s premier castles and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This remarkable castle, built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, is renowned for its distinctive octagonal shape. The architecture of Castel del Monte combines elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient, and north European Cistercian Gothic.
Perched atop an isolated hill, the castle is visible from afar and provides a stunning 360-degree view from its summit. This impressive castle is also featured on Italy’s one euro coins.
8. Ostuni, the White City
Ostuni boasts several towns with whitewashed buildings, yet it stands out as one of the largest and most striking. Sitting on a hill, its white structures contrast beautifully against the blue sky, creating a stunning image.
Visitors can explore the charming alleys of its historic center, which is a pedestrian zone within ancient walls, and relish the panoramic views from the hilltop.
9. Gargano Promontory
Puglia’s Gargano Promontory features diverse environments for visitors. The coast is dotted with clean beaches and charming seaside towns.
Moreover, much of inland Gargano comprises a national park known as the Foresta Umbra. The highest point of the promontory is the picturesque medieval town of Monte Sant’Angelo, where pilgrims visit the Archangel Michael Sanctuary. Additionally, another notable pilgrimage destination is the Padre Pio Shrine.
Other attractions include the cathedral, the episcopal palace, the Abbey of Santa Maria of Ripalta, and the volcanic rocks known as “Black Stones,” which date back to the Triassic Period.
10. Unique Places to Stay
Puglia features some uniquely charming lodging options. Various accommodations, particularly around Alberobello, have transformed traditional trulli buildings into hotels or vacation homes.
For a more upscale experience, the Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, located about 4 km from Alberobello, provides a beautiful atmosphere with extensive grounds, a swimming pool, and a trulli village.
Furthermore, renovated farm manor houses (masseria) throughout the countryside present guests with accommodations that range from rustic to luxurious.
