Apulia, Historical region in southeastern Italy.
Description
Apulia is a region in southeastern Italy stretching along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, shaped by coastal plains, rolling hills, and limestone formations. Wide fields of olive groves and vineyards define the countryside between small towns with white houses and narrow lanes.
History
Greek settlers established trading posts along the coast starting in the 8th century BCE, which later came under Roman control. The Middle Ages brought the construction of castles and churches by Normans and Hohenstaufen rulers, whose traces remain visible in many towns today.
Culture
During festivals in rural towns, elderly residents often wear traditional clothing and participate in religious processions handed down through generations. The local cuisine relies on simple ingredients like durum wheat, olive oil, and vegetables, which remain central to daily family life and can be experienced by visitors in trattorias and open-air markets.
Practical
The main cities like Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi lie along the coasts and are connected to smaller inland towns by country roads. During summer the heat can become intense, so visiting in spring or autumn is often more comfortable.
Did you know?
The underground caves near Castellana Grotte are home to bats and blind fish that have adapted to complete darkness. These limestone caverns reach depths of up to 60 meters (about 200 feet) and display formations in rare shapes.
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Apulia's campgrounds and holiday villages sit right along the Mediterranean shore, giving you easy access to the water and beaches. You'll find a mix of accommodations here, from tent and camper spots to mobile homes with air conditioning and comfortable bungalows with everything you need. Most...
Castel del Monte
22 km
Paestum
143.1 km
Trullo
65.9 km
Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel
90.7 km
Pollino National Park
123.1 km
Certosa di Padula
104.2 km
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
32.9 km
Trani Cathedral
31.5 km
Cristo Redentore
131.7 km
Castellana Caves
55.5 km
Velia
148.7 km
Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park
142.9 km
Teatro Petruzzelli
32.8 km
Second Temple of Hera in Paestum
143.1 km
Ponte Acquedotto
22.6 km
Réserve naturelle Foresta Umbra
99.6 km
Fasanolandia
72.4 km
Otranto Cathedral
192.9 km
Basilica di Santa Croce
157.9 km
Zoosafari Fasanolandia
72.1 km
Lecce Cathedral
157.8 km
Gargano National Park
101.4 km
Metapontum
70.8 km
Cathedral of San Sabino
32.7 km
The Trulli of Alberobello
65.9 km
Grotte di Castellana srl
55.5 km
Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church
103.1 km
Grotta Zinzulusa
196.6 km
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