Apulia, known in Italy as a pool - is the region that is located in southern Italy. If you look at the map, then Apulia will be the heel of the "Italian boot."
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More recently, Apulia (Puglia - Ital.) Was completely not a tourist place in Italy, the more beautiful the rest in this region: local flavor and identity are much brighter here than in the same Rome or Milan.
What is Apulia interesting?
What is Apulia in the first place? Cute towns in the baroque style, traditional local houses (the local inhabitants call them trolli), which seemed to resemble something between the hut of the hobbit and the house of the inhabitants of the country of Oz. There are a lot of sun, magnificent olive groves and fruit gardens, multi -kilometer sandy beaches and delicious cuisine.
And by the way, there is not one sea here. The ionic sea washes Apulia on the left, and on the right - Adriatic. Although they are part of the Mediterranean, the rest here is somewhat different. In the hottest months, when there is ringing heat in the Mediterranean resorts, there is always a light breeze in Apulia.
Apulia is mainly rural areas, whose inhabitants have earned agriculture from the time of ancient Greek colonies. The scale of fruit and olive plantations is amazing today: it is not just gardens and groves, these are multi -kilometer forests that fill the air with a completely unique thick aroma.
Of the attractions, there are several ancient Greek cities, Roman settlements, church architecture from the Middle Ages and several majestic castles.
Despite the relatively recent tourist boom, Apulia can offer a lot of options for a comfortable rest - from modern hotels and apartments to the so -called "Masseria" - large landowner houses in the center of rural estates.
Often, when living in the massist, the owners offer additional services, such as spa treatments on local thermal sources, of which they cannot be counted there, or culinary courses.
How to get to Apulia?
The main airport of Apulia is located in the city of Bari - the capital of the region. Officially, the airport is the name of Karol Voitila. Here is a regular air traffic from many European countries. Often in the summer, charter programs with a direct flight from Russian tour operators and carriers are found (though such programs are mainly offered from Moscow).
Bari Airport is quite large and convenient, there is a dachshund, VIP room, free wi-fi, exchange of currencies, car rental and other modern services. The airport connects several bus routes with the city - to the center and to the main railway station, routes and schedule see here. You can also get to the city by metro, the schedule of movement can be viewed here.
Another way to get to Bari is high -speed trains from Rome, Milan and other large cities with regular air traffic with Russia. For example, a trip from Rome will take about 2 hours, from Milan - 8 hours of journey. Transportation is carried out by the national carrier of Italy Trenitalia, more about the routes of railway communication with Apulia can be found out here.
There is also a ferry message between Bari and other ports of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece (O. Korfu). Before you go to Apulia from Montenegro, make sure that you have a valid Schengen visa, since Montenegro, unlike Greece and Croatia, is not part of the Schengen agreements.
For the sake of justice, it must be said that Apulia with other regions of Italy is also associated with intercity bus routes, but it is almost impossible to understand the foreigner in the intransigence of this type of transport. Trips are organized by small local carriers, often not even having a clear site.
Drivers and cashiers do not speak English, sites are also available only in Italian. There are a lot of routes of routes, often you need to make a transplant. The schedule is observed very conditionally, the names of stops may not be announced. So the trip by bus is a guaranteed risk of getting lost, unless you own Italian.
Apulia climate
Apulia has a typical Mediterranean climate. Winters here are quite cool and windy. From December to February, storm and hurricane winds are not uncommon. The best time to visit Apulia is from May to October. Moreover, for a beach holiday, the period from mid-June to mid-September is suitable-it is at this time that the water temperature is kept on comfortable 23-25 \u200b\u200bdegrees.
But May and October are more suitable for lovers of hiking and attractions: in these months there is no exhausting summer heat, the air temperature does not exceed 22-24 degrees, and at night it usually does not fall below 18-20.
Unlike other regions of the Mediterranean, in Apulia a more dry climate, therefore, the heat and the cold are easier to carry than in more humid areas. Another difference between Apulia and most Italian provinces is a flat area. There are no mountains in Apulia, so even in the hottest months a light breeze blows here.
Apulia transport
Most tourists, coming to Apulia, prefer to rent a car. At the airport and at the Bari railway station, you can find at least a dozen different rolling offices, where you will probably pick up the car option for you.
Standard requirements: you should be more than 21 years old, you need the availability of a driver’s license and a plastic card of any bank for deposition of a pledge. The list of rolling offices with offices at Bari Airport can be viewed here.
When registering a lease, it is recommended to learn in detail about the insurance content sometimes it includes a minimum set, and for a small difference you can increase the insurance coating and provide additional risks.
Also, many rental offices offer additional services like free road guide guides, navigators, children's seats and the like.
If you booked a vacation in a small remote city or rural areas, the availability of a car is simply necessary for you, since transport communication in Apulia, as in other provincial areas of Italy, is not developed too well.
In addition, the presence of a car will provide you with a certain freedom in a trip to the region, since the landscapes of Apulia deserve a little voyage along the coast and deep into the mainland.
If the car rental for some reason is not available to you, you can use local railway lines. This will be a separate adventure filled with local color and a certain charm. Tiny trains connect small cities of Apulia among themselves and with neighboring regions.
- The schedule of such trains is a little “lame”, but the pleasure of the trip will compensate you for these inconvenience. A site on which you can see the routes and the schedule, you can find hereTrue, all information is presented only in Italian
- In relatively large cities of Apulia there are city transport, mainly buses. Tickets are sold in tobacco kiosks (shops with a Tabacchi sign or just the letter “T”). Sometimes a ticket can be bought directly from the driver
- Many residents and guests of the region prefer to move around cities on bicycles. Large and small rolling offices can be found in any city, the price compared to renting a car is quite acceptable, and the distance is quite small
Features of rest in Apulia
Since Apulia as a tourist region began to develop recently, there are several points that should be taken into account when organizing a trip.
- Here, of course, there are no Russian -speaking employees in hotels, restaurants and museums. Moreover, few own English. It is certainly worth taking an Italian phrasebook with you if you are not sure that you can speak “on your fingers” quite well.
- Shops, banks, tourist offices, rental offices and other establishments here work according to their schedule, which does not focus on tourists too much. Here you are unlikely to find night buses or round -the -clock supermarkets and exchangers
- In small villages and cities, such an infrastructure may be completely absent. Therefore, examine the area in advance for the most important institutions for you and study their schedule so as not to get into a mess
- Absolutely all establishments here are closed on siesta - a midday vacation, which can last several hours. As such, there is no siesta in common for all schedule, each institution sets its boundaries at its discretion, but on average it lasts from 12: 00-13: 00 to 15: 00-16: 00
- Italians are not too punctual and mandatory. It is perceived here as the norm of delay for 30-40 minutes, 5-10 minutes and is not at all considered delay. Shops and banks can open and close not quite at the indicated time, buses and electric trains are slightly behind the schedule
- In small cities, the bus driver can slightly change at his discretion, or even completely cancel the route if it seems to him that there are not many passengers and the trip is unprofitable
- Unlike the residents of traditionally accustomed to all residents (Rome, Milan, Venice), the inhabitants of Apulia are quite conservative, patriarchal and pious. They are simple and welcoming in communication exactly until you observe decency (in their understanding)
- If you showed disrespect in some ways, you can be quite emotionally repelled or publicly discussing your “inappropriate” act
- Italians - especially southerners - do not differ in special courtesy. Here it is considered the norm to show its emotions as they are. Unlike Northern Europe, here you will not be smiled out of politeness, they may not answer questions like “how to go to the library”, or rude if you have done something wrong. Do not take such moments close to heart - this is just a manifestation of the local mentality. Each nation has its own “cockroaches”.
The main resorts of Apulia
Marina di Andrano
Marina di Andrano is perhaps the most popular resort for a beach holiday. The coastline here is cut by small bays, grottoes and rocky capes, which makes the sea calm and protected from the wind in any weather. The entrance to the sea in the bays is quite gentle, the bottom is clean sand, and the water is particularly transparent.
In general, the main attraction of this resort is nature, the beauty of sea sunsets and snow -white sand combined with pure turquoise water. The most picturesque grottoes are located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe beaches of Zona Botte and Zona Grotta Verde.
The center of the resort is Andrano, a large city by local standards. The main architectural masterpieces of the city are numerous churches built during the Middle Ages.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli in Greek means "beautiful city." This is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns of southern Italy, founded by ancient Greeks.
Despite the small size, there are quite a lot of attractions of various eras, especially in the old city, which is located on the island separately from the modern part of Gallipoli and is connected with it with a bridge.
The city is suitable for a quiet unhurried vacation. Here is the residence of the Duke of Anjou - one of the rulers of this area in the Middle Ages. Here you will find many surprisingly beautiful corners and landscapes.
Gallipoli is also famous for unique culinary traditions, especially in part of the seafood. For an evening pastime, here you can find a lot of cafes and souvenir shops, several attractions for children. The beaches in the Gallipoli area are ideal for relaxing with children.
Galliano del Kapo
Rest in Galliano del Kapo is suitable primarily to lovers of long walks and beautiful landscapes. The main attractions here is a rocky shore that bewitching olive groves, rocky paths along the coast and many historical monuments scattered around the vicinity.
Recently, the regional government has adopted a program to restore historically significant objects. Therefore, in the vicinity of Galliano del Capo you can feel the real course of history - from ancient times to the present day.
Margerita Di Savoy
Margerita Di Savoya is primarily thermal sources and everything related to them. The Margerites of Di Savoya are considered the best in all southern Italy, so the city is very popular among resort, and rest here is considered prestigious and very healing.
Local terms can offer a healing course for any type of disease from ENT to gynecology and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, since local salts and mud have a very extensive spectrum of action.
As the thermal resort of Margerita Di Savoya has been known since the ancient Romans, when only very wealthy and titled persons could afford treatment here.
In addition to the term of Margera Di Savoya, it boasts unique architectural structures (mainly churches) and the only salt museum in which the whole history of production, processing and industrial use of salt marshes is collected.
Santa Cesarea Termma
Santa Cesarea Termma is another thermal resort of Apulia. Unlike Margerita de Savoy, he is relatively young, and therapeutic centers here offer therapy sessions directly in karst caves with a unique healing microclimate, which are in large numbers in the vicinity of the city. Santa Cesaria Terme is located on the rocky shore, and its numerous streets descend to the sea, which gives special beauty to local landscapes.
As the thermal resort of Santa Cesaria Terme began to develop only in the 18th century. The main customers of local terms at that time were numerous aristocrats from the adjacent regions who built luxurious residences and palazio here. As a result of this popularity, the city today is a pearl of architectural styles popular in the 18-19 centuries.
Albrobello
Albrobello is one of the most amazing places in Apulia. This city resembles a fabulous village of Gnomes, because most buildings here are traditional for this area of \u200b\u200bthe house of Truly - snow -white round houses with an unusual conical roof. For the completeness of sensations, you can even stop for a couple of nights in one of the houses.
These houses are unique and are not found anywhere else in the world. In 1996, they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Houses are unique not only by appearance, but also by a feature of construction: they are all erected without the use of cement or other fastening solution. When erecting trools, stones are laid so that when one stone is removed at the base, the whole house instantly collapses.
Such a feature is historically due to the fact that local peasants did not pay housing tax. When tax collectors approached, the whole village in an instant turned into a pile of bricks, and the collectors did not leave the strawl. It all ended that the local rulers have issued a decree prohibiting the erection of such houses. The ban is valid to this day.
Mother
Mother is another city of Apulia, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The mother is famous for houses built right in the rocks. Moreover, the first such settlements here are dated to the Neolithic. During the early Middle Ages, the Mother was chosen by the fugitive Byzantine monks, who, along with dwellings, were erected in the caves of the church and monastic cells.
Basically, houses in the caves were built by the poor for considerations of saving funds and building material: in fact, these are peculiar slums that lasted in the mother for many centuries.
In the middle of the last century, in the 1950s, the authorities began to forcibly evict the residents of the mateers from the caves to modern quarters, since the sanitary conditions of these dwellings have long ceased to meet modern standards.
Currently, the surviving cave houses are often used by filmmakers of different countries to shoot historical nature (for example, it was here that Mel Gibson removed his “passions of Christ”), some of them are museums, fashionable restaurants and apartments.
Lech
Lechch is the capital of the Apulia area of \u200b\u200bthe same name, a city unique in its beauty. Most of the houses here are erected from the local lime stone "Lechchiz", the natural structure of which allows the buildings to give the most bizarre forms and refined jewelry to buildings.
Thanks to such material properties, the treatment architecture is distinguished against the background of other cities with its unique beauty and grandeur of buildings.
In addition, the “lechchiz” is characterized by a unique golden hue, which is especially noticeable in sunny weather. Thanks to this, on a clear day in historical quarters, the Tourists do not leave the illusion that all houses were erected from pure gold.
Most buildings belong to the Baroque era. Also in Lecho you can find numerous buildings of earlier times, starting with ancient ones.
Brindizi
Brindisi since ancient Rome is considered the gates of Italy to the east. Due to its profitable position, Brindisi since its founding has been an important fort and shopping center. During his long history, Brindizi experienced many rulers, each of whom tried to leave his mark in the architectural appearance of the city.
Among numerous historical buildings, one can trace the history of the city from antiquity to our times. Here you can find unique medieval churches and ancient buildings, brutal defensive structures and air palazio.
Of modern buildings, a monument to the Italian sailor can be noted - the construction is very controversial, but clearly memorable to all visitors.
Bari and his sights
Bari is the second most important city in southern Italy after Naples. Historically, its significance is due to the fact that it was an important strategic point of VIA Trajan - the Roman imperial path to the Middle East.
After the fall of Rome, Bari continued to be a tidbit for many empires and conquerors due to his favorable location.
Saratsins and Byzantines, Normans and Venetians, bourbon and kings of Aragnon fought for the right to own them to own ownership. In his long history, Bari was repeatedly destroyed and again revived.
The city received the greatest heyday during the reign of Napoleon. Bari retains its strategic importance to this day. Bari is the capital of the Apulia region.
Here are all the administrative centers of the province, the main universities and state institutions, the largest trade and passenger terminals (both marine and railway).
From a religious point of view, Brai also plays an important role - it is here that the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Santa Claus, the patron saint of all children and travelers are stored.
Basilica of St. Nicholas
The basilica of St. Nicholas is an important religious center of not only Apulia, but all of Italy. It has been operating since the 9th century. The relics of St. Nicholas are stored here, so Basilica is one of the main objects of the pilgrimage of the whole Christian world.
Bari castle
Bari Castle is a fortress built under the Normans. Over his long history, he repeatedly rebuilt by various rulers. The castle acquired the main outlines during the reign of Aragon.
At different times, the castle served as a fortification, prisons for prisoners, and the residence of local rulers. Currently, the castle is the historical museum.
Old city
The old city is a area surrounded by the fortress walls of the Middle Ages. This part of Bari got its name in the century before, when urban buildings went beyond the old fortress walls. New quarters, in contrast to the medieval, began to be called the new city.
In the old city, you can find many old buildings - from churches to residence of noble citizens. A typical atmosphere of the European Middle Ages reigns here with characteristic narrow streets, bridge and architectural masterpieces of different eras.
Pinakothek Bari
Pinakotek is the largest museum of fine art in southern Italy. The museum exposition includes a wide variety of canvases, ranging from the ancient period to painting of the 19th century. The works of local artists, as well as samples found during excavations in the Apulia region, are mainly represented here.
Theater Petrutselly
The Petruscelli Theater is one of the largest theaters in Italy. It was built at the end of the 19th century by local patrons and has since served the main cultural platform of the Bari region and all of Apulia.
In addition to local celebrities, world -class stars often give concerts. At different times, Rey Charles, Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti and others performed here.
VIA Venice
VIA Venice is a pedestrian street, which is laid on top of the fortress walls of the old city, demolished by the decree of the Napoleonic governor Bari Joakkino Murat. The street is laid for some sinking compared to other buildings, so it opens up with magnificent views of the old city and the port.
Corso Vittorio Emmanuel
Korsso Avenue Vittorio Emmanuel - avenue in a new city along which the main administrative and financial institutions of the city are located, as well as numerous buildings of the local aristocracy, from the time of Napoleon to the present day. There are also many restaurants and street cafes.
Margarita Theater
The Margarita Theater is located in a new city and is most known for being built right on the water on special piles. At different times, various performances were held here - from musical shows to classic theatrical productions. Currently, the premises of the theater are used for an exhibition of contemporary art.
Palazzo Fitzcarotti
Palazzo Fitzcarotti is one of the most significant and impressive structures of the new city. Initially, it was built as a residential building for the FICCARTTI family. Currently, the interior of the palace is available for inspection, often the palace is used as a platform for passing various cultural events.
Castel del Monte castle
The most popular attraction in the vicinity of Bari is the castle Castel del Mont, built in the 13th century by Frederick the Great.
In addition to the listed attractions in Bari, you can find many churches of various eras, parks and squares, numerous villas and palazzo of the Apulian aristocracy, many historical expositions, theaters and exhibitions. Those who want to get the most complete information about the city and its attractions will find a complete list of objects here. Here you can also find guidebooks in the city and interactive maps.
Shopping in Apulia
If we talk about shopping, then the main shopping centers and moths are located, of course, in the capital of the Bari province. The main trading street here is called Sparano di Bari, and this is a real paradise for shopaholics of all stripes, since it is here that all the main boutiques and branded stores of the most famous Italian and European brands from luxury lines are concentrated.
The second street, deserving the attention of shopping lovers is called Corso Camillo Benso Cavour. Both streets are located in the new city of Bari.
From outlets and large shopping centers, Barimax Shopping Village can be distinguished (official website here), the Mongolfiera trading network, whose stores can be found in many cities of Apulia (more about the location of stores of this network can be found out here) and the outlet of Puglia Outlet Village (how to get, see here).
Lovers of local color will be interested in the flea market for lechch, the antique market of Gallipoli, the craft of Albrobello. Typically, such markets work on the main square of the city on Sundays (the exact schedule can be clarified by local residents, since the markets do not have an official schedule).
Apulia kitchen
Since Apulia is a typical agricultural and fishing region, local kitchen is replete with recipes with an abundance of vegetables, cereals and seafood. Whatever dish you are offered here, it will definitely have a paste (that is, products from solid wheat varieties), vegetables, sea bastards and olive oil.
Paste Orekiette - In appearance, typical Russian domestic dumplings, but without filling. Instead of filling, the paste is abundantly flavored with green sauce and olive oil.
Paste Cavatelli - Also a type of pasta, which are more like flattened shells. They are served with stewed vegetables and seafood in a variety of combinations.
Pantertoti In different variations, these are pies. The filling can be different, so the second word in the name of the dishes will mean the filling: Pantertoti La Proskuito - pies with ham, pancake -al -Akkuja - pies with anchovies, and so on. Such pies are fried in vegetable oil and in appearance resemble something between the pieces and cheburki.
Octopus - This is the most common ingredient from seafood. There are a lot of dishes from the octopus here. The simplest is the octopus baked with potatoes in a pot (according to the recipe and view the same thing as a Russian dish of rabbit with potatoes).
Pastichotti - One of the most popular types of sweets in Apulia. In fact, this is a sandy bun with lemon jam inside. Also, different species are very popular from sweets ice cream, the most exotic of which is prepared from the pulp of a sweet Mexican cactus growing here everywhere.
Of the wines are most popular primitively (young red tart wine) and aleatiko (sweet dessert wine).
The best gastronomic institutions from the point of view of local color and compliance with the recipe are masses - rural hotels and restaurants, something like local estates.
As a rule, in the massist there is a shop where you can buy products grown in this farm, as well as try real Apulian dishes prepared according to local rural recipes.
Video. Rest in Apulia
Video. "Choose Apulia!", Pino campaign
Video. Apulian Tarantella
