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Villas with Pools, Trulli, Farmhouses, Apartments,
Hotels, B&B and Self Catering Properties in Puglia (Apulia), Southern Italy
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Trulli, Villas with Pools,
Farmhouses, Apartments, Beach Properties, Bed &
Breakfast and Self Catering Properties
Tailor-made
Holidays, Rentals and Accommodation Specialists
in Puglia (Apulia) Southern Italy
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"Your personal guide to Puglia"
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The Puglia
(Apulia) Region, its History and the Towns and
Cities of Puglia
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There are many interesting and fascinating regions for you to discover during
your holiday in Puglia. All are located within easy reach of all of the
accommodation advertised on this website.
Alberobello ~ ‘Capitale dei Trulli’
Alberobello is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and fascinating towns to
discover in Puglia. Dating back to the 15th Century, it was founded by the
Counts of Acquaviva who are responsible for creating its unique history.
Alberobello is the capital town of the “Trulli”, unique dry stone dwellings
with round or square whitewashed bases and conical shaped roofs. The roofs are
constructed from local “Chiancarelle” limestone slabs, closed in at the apex
with a pinnacle. The Trulli are also painted
with astrological and Christian symbols and
there are various shaped pinnacles which all
have their own symbolism and meaning.
There are over 1500 Trulli in Alberobello with over 700 in the two main areas
of Rione Monte and Aia Piccola alone as well as many more in the surrounding
countryside. These quaint Trulli line the meandering and winding streets like a
magical scene from a fairytale.
Among these unique structures, some of the most outstanding examples to visit
include the Trulli Church of S. Antonio, Trullo Soverano (the only Trullo with
2 floors), Trullo Siamesi (2 Trulli which share an adjoining roof), Casa
D’Amore (the first Trullo constructed using bricks and mortar).
Why not have a cappuccino in one of the traditional cafes in the Piazza del
Popolo, or sample one of the many bars and good restaurants serving typical
Apulian dishes such Orrechiette with Cime di Rape, before visiting the
Basilicata of S.Cosmo e S.Damiano with its magnificent architecture and
incredible murals and sculptures inside.
Ostuni
Ostuni is known as the “Citta Bianca” (the White City) due to its distinctive
white washed Mediterranean buildings. The town sits high upon the Murgia hills
and with a little imagination, from a distance is said to resemble a large
tiered wedding cake! The town offers spectacular views of the Adriatic
coastline.
As you walk through the winding and climbing streets lined with antique shops
and authentic osterias and trattorias, you will feel as if you have stepped
back in time to a well preserved 14th Century historical centre. Its white
walls dazzling in the sun and the balconies and doorways blossoming with
bougainvillea and other colourful exotic flowers, make it an ideal photo or
painting for any budding artists. Take time to wonder amongst the whitewashed
labyrinth of the unique town houses.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a quaint fishing town, with markets in the harbour selling freshly
caught Mediterranean seafood which all creates a relaxed traditional
atmosphere. You can also sample a variety of restaurants which are renowned
throughout Puglia for their quality and Pure Puglia would be happy to recommend
some of the best seafood restaurants to suit your tastes and budgets.
Monopoli can also offer may cultural attractions as well as several piazzas
with a wide variety of bars, cafes and gelaterias.
Cisternino
Cisternino boasts fantastic views of both the Valley D’Itria, with Trulli
dotting the landscape and the Adriatic Coastline. The town itself dates back to
the Messapians who inhabited various areas of Puglia previous to the Greeks and
Romans.
The architecture has an oriental feel due to the monks fleeing from the East
and settling here during this era. The main characteristics of the town are the
tall buildings, which are constructed very close to each other, some with
unique external staircases and courtyards. All this makes Cisternino a mystical
place, with plenty of history to discover and yet is only a 20 minute drive
from the sea.
Castellana Grotte
Castellana boasts over 3 km of underground caves with millions of stalactites
and stalagmites weaving paths into caverns and underground lakes. First
discovered in 1938 by Franco Anelli, the Black Grotto and the Cave of Monuments
make up just some of the spectacular aspects of the Grotte. Guided tours in
English are available and visitors able to complete the 3km exploration will be
rewarded when they reach the mesmerising Grotta Bianca.
The town of Castellana dates back to the 10th Century, so there are many
churches, monastery and mansions to visit and enjoy.
Polignano Al Mare
Polignano is a wonderful town to visit, built upon the cliffs of the Adriatic
shores and offers spectacular views over the Apulian coastline. The historic
centre is made up of piazzas and wandering alleys all with stylish bars and
restaurants tucked away, perfect for some al fresco dinning.
The church of Matrice dell Assunta with its renaissance portal is well worth a
visit, as are the impressive caves, which also have a restaurant for truly
atmospheric dining. All this combines to make Polignano Al Mare a romantic and
a favourite with young Italian lovers on their first dates!
Martina, Locorotondo and Valle D’Itria
Locorotondo is one of the towns that sit high over the Itria Valley looking
down on the Trulli of the nearby towns of Alberobello and Martina Franca.
The name Locorotondo comes from the circular structure of its historical centre,
(tondo in Italian meaning round).
The town is characterised by its whitewashed buildings and iron balconies
flowing with beautiful flowers, as well as the famous church of Madonna Della
Greca, which is a national monument. Every year in honour of Saint Rocco,
Locorotondo holds a large festival with a spectacular fireworks display
competition to conclude the festivities
Surrounded by vineyards Locorotondo is also famous for its wine productions and
Pure Puglia are able to offer visitors a wine tasting tour of the local area.
Martina Franca sits on the hill opposite Locorotondo and is very popular with
lovers of architecture due to its baroque style buildings, monuments, villas
and mansions. Its elegant streets are lined with numerous boutiques and antique
shops and each year plays host to one of Italy’s most prestigious Opera
Festivals in the central piazza, which draws visitors both nationally and
internationally.
Bari
Bari is one of the largest principal cities in Puglia. As well as being one of
the commercial centres and the hub of industry, its historic quarter is a
cultural mecca to visitors of Puglia. Bari is a coastal city and its port is
still used for trading today, as it has been for over 10 centuries, as well as
being the main departure point for boats and ferries sailing to Greece and
Croatia.
Bari’s history is based upon the story of Saint Nicholas, with attractions
including the Basilicata of Saint Nicola, which holds relics in its crypt,
after they were brought back to Bari, by local sailors, after they were stolen
and exported to Turkey.
The historical quarter is very picturesque with its narrow streets, but for
those who wish to do some shopping during their visit, Bari is also a
cosmopolitan city and in the new quarter there are over 150 different shops to
keep visitors occupied.
Beaches and Adriatic
Coast
The coastal areas of Puglia are among some of the best and well kept beaches in
Italy, as demonstrated by the Blue Flags awarded to the Beaches that make up
the Adriatic coastline for cleanliness. The three main beaches to visit on this
region of the coastline are Capitolo, Salveletri and Torre Canne.
Capitolo is a lively beach, which is popular with locals, having a variety of
bars and restaurants that transform into nightclubs during the evenings, making
it the main entertainment district in the summer months.
Salveletri is a small fishing town, populated with locals, that has a wonderful
selection of little bars and gelaterias for those delicious, Italian homemade
ice creams.
Torre Canne is a fantastic beach with its soft sand and shallow warm sea,
making it ideal for families with young children, particularly as it received
one of the first Blue Flag awards. It also boasts a variety of water sports
including pedalows.
Visitors may also want to visit the beaches heading further south along the
Adriatic coastline such as Pilone and Rosa Marina.
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