PUGLIA, ALSO KNOWN AS APULIA
Puglia is the southern region that forms the heel of the ‘boot’ of Italy, stretching from northern Bari to the very edge of Salento. It is one of Italy’s most spectacular and beautiful destinations, known for its whitewashed hill towns, magnificent Norman cathedrals, centuries-old farmland, thousands of ancient olive groves, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and endless picturesque narrow streets.
Puglia lies between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and has the longest coastline in all of mainland Italy. It offers stunning beaches with crystal clear water, 15 of which have been awarded a blue flag for environmental management…
Have you ever heard the names Bari, Alberobello, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Otranto, Monopoli, Gallipoli, Brindisi, Locorotondo? Each of these cities enchants in its own way and wonderfully reveals authentic Italy.
Bari, the region’s capital, is a lively port city on the Adriatic and has a rich history where you can find many architectural and ancient buildings such as the 11th century church and the Basilica of San Nicola. Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”, is one of the most impressive Baroque cities in the world. The city fascinates with archaeological remains of Roman rule, known here as “Lecce Baroque”.
Polignano a Mare sits on a cliff and offers breathtaking views over the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. The historic core of the city, a center inhabited since the Neolithic period, consists of a collection of white houses surrounded by a fortress. In Alberobello and the Itria Valley there are the famous ‘Trulli’, with their striking conical roofs.
These trulli have become a symbol of Puglia and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The remarkable drywall construction (mortarless), a prehistoric construction technique, is still used in this region.
Ostuni, the ‘White City’ is located six kilometers from the sea and sits almost majestically on three hills at an altitude of almost 300 meters. In the old town, all houses are whitewashed, as any other color is not permitted. Ostuni is also officially called the City of Art in Italy (Città d’Arte). Here you will find ancient house portals, round arches, churches, noble palaces and countless stone steps through which you can explore the city.
Matera is considered the third oldest inhabited city in the world with a history spanning over 10,000 years. The ancient quarters, known as Sassi di Matera, consist of a series of limestone-carved grottoes on the edge of a gorge, inhabited since the Paleolithic period, and are among the most unique and spectacular places to visit anywhere. You can be sure that no matter which part of Puglia you visit, it will definitely be an unforgettable experience.
THE GASTRONOMY
Puglia has made a name for itself gastronomically with its famous rustic cuisine called “Cucina Povera” (literally “poor cuisine”). The residents had to live in hardship and poverty for centuries, which led them to be extremely creative in their use of vegetables and grains. They have always made the most of the local bounty that the land and sea have produced, creating many unique Italian dishes. The selection of delicious specialties is so enormous that only a few can be listed here. You’ll have to discover all the others yourself!
What makes Puglia particularly famous is its olive oil production. With 60 million trees, it’s all about olive oil. After all, more olive oil is produced here than in the rest of the country! The olive oil obtained here is known for its fruity taste, slightly bitter and spicy notes, as well as its nutritious and healthy properties.
Starting with Stuzzichini, commonly referred to as antipasti, these bite- sized treats represent Puglia tradition at its most authentic. These may include plump, juicy olives, local cheese and charcuterie boards, sun-dried tomatoes or tarallini. These crispy little rings date back to the 14th century and although they are a common snack today, they were originally made for special occasions and holidays. They consist of dough baked with olive oil, either plain or with different flavors such as fennel seeds, hot chili (peperoncino) or even sweet.
Puglia has a long wine tradition with numerous indigenous grape varieties and quality wines. The region produces more wine than any other region in Italy. The fertile soil, hot sun and sea breeze create an ideal climate for wine production. The best known include the Primitivo di Manduria DOP, the Negroamaro, the Nero di Troia and Verdeca.
Puglia is also famous for its cheeses, made using ancient production methods and valued for their soft texture and delicate and intense flavors. One of the most popular and well-known cream cheeses is certainly Burrata cheese. Burrata is made with whole milk and cream (not goat cheese!) and has a sweet and buttery taste. This unique Italian cheese should be consumed within 1-2 days of production.
Fresh pasta is one of the gastronomic excellences of Puglia. The most famous varieties include the handmade Orecchiette and the Cavatelli. They are made from durum wheat semolina and water and are often served with sauces based on vegetables or legumes. Orecchiette con le cime di rapa is definitely Puglia’s most iconic food. Orecchiette literally “little ears” is a pasta shape from around 1500.
Among the traditional sweets, the “pasticciotto” (small cake) is the most famous and is eaten for breakfast, as a dessert or as a snack. The filled pastry, which depending on the region can traditionally be filled with either ricotta cheese or egg cream, was invented near Lecce and is essentially the Italian equivalent of the Portuguese natas.
