Polignano a mare, "In the blue painted blue"
In ancient times it was a Roman port along the ancient Via Traiana, today a characteristic medieval village perched on a high and jagged coast from which the sparkling blue of the sea embraces. Leaving behind the statue of Domenico Modugno, "Mister Volare", world-famous singer, you can access, via a staircase a terrace from which you can enjoy a breath-taking view. Lama Monachile, two rock walls overlooking the sea and enclosing a small cove, seem to be a corner of paradise overlooking the blue of the sea. Visible by boat is Grotta Palazzese and the sea caves that dot the surrounding area, suggestive rock caves originating from millenary erosion phenomena.
The small historic centre is marvellous and characterized by the alternating Byzantine, Spanish and Norman testimonies, which can be accessed through the Arco della Porta. Not to be missed is the “Pino Pascali” Museum Foundation, dedicated to the famous sculptor, hosting permanent exhibitions, seminars and home to the prestigious “Premio Pino Pascali” event.
Bari, the city of San Nicola
The historic centre, enclosed between the two city ports, is a maze of alleys where you can breathe the true soul of the city. Here stands the Pontifical Basilica of San Nicola, a meeting place between Roman Catholic and Greek-Orthodox culture and the Cathedral of San Sabino with its sumptuous floor mosaic and the Norman-Swabian Castle. Located here was once the residential area of the catepano, the Byzantine governor stationed in the city as well as an infinity of other churches and historic buildings. Not to be missed, testimony of the strong link that binds the city to opera music and classical dance is the Petruzzelli Theatre, with a centuries-old history and tradition. Finally, with a walk along the Imperatore Augusto promenade that surrounds the whole area of Barivecchia, visitors can reach the beach of Bari. The Molo di San Nicola, in fact, embodies the popular essence of the city: Every morning, local fishermen are busy selling their catch, octopuses, red lobsters, mussels and many other delicacies and is a meeting place most loved by the people of Bari.
Monopoly
Less than fifty kilometres from Castellaneta visitors reach Monopoli, characterized by the historic centre and famous buildings like the Cathedral of Maria della Santissima della Madia and the Castle of Charles V, dating back to the period of Spanish domination. The centre is surrounded by the city walls, once an artillery post, the Palazzo Martinelli Meo-Evoli, built on the city walls and overlooking the blue sea. The symbol of the city is the old port where, next to the moored boats, fishermen repair their nets according to ancient maritime traditions. The coast is mostly rocky and with deep sea-beds, with the exception of Capitolo, which offers tourists white beaches with crystalline depths that slope gently.
Finally, Cala Porta Vecchia, the city beach with crystal clear sea and sandy bottoms is a meeting place for locals.
Castellaneta, in the land of Rudolph Valentino
Castellaneta, in the heart of the Gravine Regional Park, is a charming historic village near the pine forest of Bosco Pineto and the Castellaneta Marina, a well-known tourist destination overlooking the Ionian Sea with its crystalline sea and fine sandy beaches.
The medieval old town is full of prestigious buildings such as the Baroque-style Cathedral of San Nicola, the church of San Domenico and the eighteenth-century Bishop's Palace. To grasp the true essence of a land so rich in history and culture, let yourself be conquered by the unique charm of the historic farms that dot the surroundings of Castellaneta, some of which overlook the Gravina Grande. Finally, you cannot miss a guided tour in the bowels of the earth, under the historic center of Castellaneta, to discover apogee sites such as the wine cellars of the Marquis Giovinazzi, the undergrounds of Palazzo Viscardi.
Matera, the city of the Sassi
World Heritage Site, Matera is one of the most fascinating and evocative pages of Italian history ever written, a unique example in the world of the indissoluble bond between man and nature. The city harmoniously envelops the mountain and the houses carved in the monochrome stone of Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, becoming one. Even the most ancient houses, similar to caves with a bare appearance, actually contain comfortable environments within them, the result of the skilful work of man while a real urban miracle takes shape through a network of houses, squares, tunnels and alleys, fruit of the magic and passion of the artisans of the past.
The oldest Matera, that of the Civita district, houses the Romanesque Cathedral built on the acropolis and inside which the Byzantine Madonna "Della Bruna" dominates. Extending over an immense area between Matera and Montescaglioso, do not miss a visit to the Natural Historical Archaeological Park of Murgia and the Rock Churches in search of the numerous traces dug into the tuff since prehistoric times.
Alberobello, the city of Trulli
One of the most popular locations in Puglia, whose architectural uniqueness has earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and the election to one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Famous all over the world thanks to its trulli, a conical dry-stone construction characteristic of the Valle d'Itria dating back to the 14th century.
Alberobello is a fairy-tale town with the Church of Sant'Antonio da Padua standing out on the hill. United on the top but with entrances on different roads, the Siamese trulli house includes numerous shops of typical food and wine products. To admire a breath-taking landscape, in Piazza Gian Girolamo D’Acquaviva D’Aragona, a stop at the Belvedere terrace or Terrazza Santa Lucia is not to be missed.
On the contrary, to breathe the atmosphere of the old medieval village and encounter the famous Trullo Sovrano museum, a visit to the Aia Piccola district is highly recommended. Finally, Casa Pezzolla is a museum featuring fifteen communicating trulli, to learn about the history and culture of the area through peasant period objects. For the more curious, we recommend a delicious stop in one of the trullo-restaurants to taste the delicious recipes based on turnip tops.
