Puglia

The Southeastern Jewel of Italy

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is the most southeastern region of Italy and occupies the “heel” of the Italian “boot.” Spanning an area of 19,366 square kilometers and home to a population of 4 million, Puglia is bordered by Molise to the north, Campania to the west, and Basilicata to the southwest. Across the Ionian Sea to the east lies Greece, while Albania is situated across the Adriatic. The capital of Puglia is Bari, and the region is divided into the provinces of Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto.

Geography and Landscape

Puglia stands out as the least mountainous region in Italy, characterized by its expansive plains and gently rolling hills. The only significant mountainous features are the Gargano promontory and the Dauni mountains in the north, both of which do not exceed 1,150 meters in elevation. The Tremeti Islands in the Adriatic Sea are also part of Puglia. The region is known for its hot and dry climate. A few rivers cross the “Tavoliere delle Puglie,” a fertile plain at the foot of the Gargano promontory. This area is one of Italy’s largest and most productive plains, renowned for its significant production of both wine and olive oil.

Cultural and Architectural Highlights

The baroque town of Lecce, located in the Salento area of Puglia, is a favorite destination for visitors and is often referred to as “The Florence of the South.” Lecce is filled with impressive baroque monuments and is renowned for buildings constructed from the distinctive “Lecce Stone,” which is one of the city’s main exports.

Another unique feature of Puglia is its “Trulli” houses. These white, conical structures were traditionally built without mortar to avoid paying taxes. Trulli houses vary in size from single-room stores to multi-room homes with several conical roofs. Today, they are highly sought after as holiday homes. The town of Alberobello is particularly famous for its concentration of Trulli houses, with hundreds of whitewashed, circular dwellings clustered together, creating an extraordinary sight that is well worth a visit.

Coastlines and Tourism

Puglia’s strategic location between two beautiful coastlines makes it a paradise for tourists. The region boasts miles of unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky coves. Combined with superb weather, picturesque towns, and lovely countryside, these features make Puglia a highly popular holiday destination.

Regional Wine and Food

Puglia is blessed with abundant sunshine, which nourishes radiant fruits and vegetables with exceptional flavor. The region is also known for its production of wheat, olives, and robust wines. Olives and almonds play a central role in Puglian cuisine. Notable grape varieties cultivated in the region include Castel Del Monte, Locorotondo, Moscato di Trani, Primitivo, and Salice Salentino.

Puglia is celebrated for its cheeses, considered among the best in Italy, such as Burrata di Andria, Caciocavallo del Gargano, Stracciatella, Pallone di Gravina, Mozzarella for di Latte, Giuncata, Cacioricotta, and Canestrato Pugliese. Local pasta varieties include Troccoli, Tria, Strascinati, Capunti, Cavatelli, and Orecchiette.