From the school bench, we remember that Italy, with its outlines, looks like a real boot. On his "heel" and "spur" is the region of Apulia. It has many characteristic features that distinguish Italy from other countries of the world, and at the same time pleasantly surprises with features that can only be seen here.
Geographical position
Immediately on the shores of the two seas - the Ionian and the Adriatic - lies the long and comparatively narrow region of Apulia. Italy "gave" her the easternmost tip. The map of the world demonstrates that this region is very close to Albania, to which only 80 kilometers. Greece is also nearby. From the capital, the city of Bari, to Greek Patra, regular passenger ferries run. The journey takes about 15 hours, depending on the class of the vessel. In addition, from Bari you can swim to the islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, Corfu. The city has a modern international airport, which also carries out local flights from Rome and Milan. You can get to the capital of Apulia by train, by bus (from Rome) or by car.
Nature of the region
Not everyone likes the monotonous landscapes that distinguish Apulia. Reviews of tourists are sometimes full of such epithets as "boring", "dull". Indeed, when you go on the road, on both the left and right sides the look stumbles over the cultivated squares of the earth and groomed olive groves. There are practically no mountains here, only plains (53% of the territory) and low flat hills. The highest point of the region is the summit of Cornacchia (1152 meters). But the coastline pleases with picturesque, at times having bizarre forms grottoes, cozy bays, unusual created by nature arches in rocks. Most of the land is occupied by vineyards and olive trees, because the very first in the country for the production of wine and olive oil is Apulia. Italy is famous for the whole world with these two products thanks to this hard-working region. In addition to agriculture, industrial production is also developed here. Especially a lot of businesses in Bari and Taranto.
Weather
Among the other regions of the country, the longest coast has Puglia. Italy to the whole world is famous for its wonderful beaches, and its eastern region is not an exception. However, the weather conditions suitable for beach holidays here exist only in the summer months. In Sicily, they bathe in December. But in Puglia, even in May the water is pretty cool. In summer, the temperature of the air keeps at around + 28-32 degrees, and in winter falls to +6. September is still quite warm, but from October to March, storms are frequent on the sea, which should be taken into account by those wishing to travel by ferry. The rains in Apulia are few, mainly from the second half of autumn. Showers usually are powerful, but short. At their end, the sun comes out again, and the weather is quite favorable for exciting excursions. In general, the word "apulia" means "land without rain". For the first time this name was applied to the region by Emperor Augustus.
A bit of history
A glorious centuries-old history is famous for Apulia. Italy for thousands of years of its existence has experienced both a dawn and a decline. The same can be said about Apulia. It was written about by the ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Hecataeus of Miletus, only called Yapigia in honor of the son of the mythical Daedalus. His name was Yapig. According to legend, he went to seek new lands, saw a wonderful shore, moored and founded a settlement there. Illyrians moved there. Their leader was Baryon, who even more upset the city. Some historians believe that it is from here that the name Bari comes. Later this place was occupied by long and famous Trojans. Through Puglia, once passed the Trojan path. Very long ago the whole coast belonged to Greece. Then it was conquered by Normans, Byzantines, Romans. Each of the conquerors contributed to the external appearance of the region. As a result, the present Apulia looks rather peculiar. Reviews of fans of ancient architecture are basically similar - in the region you can find traces of all the cultures that existed here.
Capital
Bari is the second most important city (after Naples) of the south of Italy, famous for its port and the basilica of St. Nicholas. He was a priest in the Greek city of Mir, where he died in the IV century. According to legends, after his burial there were several miraculous unexplained by the science of healing (hence Nicholas the Wonderworker). Thousands of pilgrims reached the city. But in the beginning of the XI century the relics were abducted and secretly taken to Bari. Specially for their storage, a crypt was built. Now this city is famous for this artifact, and with it Apulia. Tours can be ordered here not only in the beach season, but also in winter, to get to the famous holiday of Nicholas the Wonderworker (December 6). Bari is beautiful at any time of the year. It is divided into new and old parts. For tourists, the most interesting is the old one, where there are 29 churches and basilicas. The new part is no less beautiful. There are many fountains drowning in the colors of squares, museums, theaters and shops for every taste and purse.
Fairytale town of trolls
It is impossible to come to Apulia and not to visit the famous Alberobello. This small town is famous for its unusual houses, similar to dwellings of trolls. These architectural creations are called "trulli".
They have domed roofs made of flat stones. Once the trulli were built to not pay taxes, because such a home was not considered a home. Now they are guarded by UNESCO, and earns every year a tidy sum of Apulia. Reviews of tourists, who are here full both in winter and in summer, about these unusual houses are always enthusiastic. Recently, the mayor's office of the city most of the residents was moved to standard houses. But the trulli are still inhabited. Moreover, in Alberobello there are shops, restaurants and even a trulli church. And some residents on such an unusual architecture organized their own business, that is, for a small fee they invite to their house and show how it is arranged from the inside.
Rock town
Another interesting place to look at is the city of Matera, famous for its settlement, carved into huge rocks. It is located far from the coast, on the border with another region - Basilicata, and since recently it has been territorially assigned to it. However, the Apulians hope that Matera will return to them again, it is not for nothing that this title is translated as "my lands". The area of rocky settlements is called Sassi, which means "stones". There are fascinating cave crevasses, carved into the rocks complexes of churches. Apulia, whose attractions include many religious buildings, attracts hundreds of tourists with these monumental monuments of antiquity. Arriving in Matera, it is necessary to visit the Convincinio di Santo Antonio, where you can enter through the amazing portal of four dissimilar churches. In the middle of the rock the church of San Giovanni and Santa Maria Idris are cut down. In addition to these religious buildings, the Palace of Lanfranchi, in which the museum functions, is of interest.
Gargano - spur of the boot
The mountains in Puglia occupy only 1.5% of the territory. And almost all of them are located in Gargano. It is thanks to her that she can boast of the extraordinary beauty of the mountain landscapes and Puglia. Reviews of tourists about this region are the most enthusiastic. Especially impressive are relic giant trees, roe deer walking along forest mountain paths, flowering orchids in glades, and mountain arches and fragments of rocks, similar to the teeth of fairy-tale monsters, sticking out of the azure waters of the coastal line. Virtually the entire territory of Gargano is a national reserve. The famous resorts of Vieste, Mattinata, Peschici are located on its territory. Therefore, prices here are slightly higher than in other areas of Puglia, but Gargano is worth it.
On the peninsula there are several nature-created sights. Tourists are always interested in two lakes with salt water. One of them - Lezin, the second - Varano. Both the one and the other from the sea is separated by a narrow strip of land, decorated with flowers and trees. Lovers of mysticism, of course, will attract three small beautiful islands, lying about 20 km from Gargano. This is San Domino, Caprara and San Nicolo. They form an archipelago, in the central part of which the cliffs of Kretacho and La Vecchia rise. Local residents argue that on one lives the ghost of the prisoner, who was executed, and on the other - a ghost of a spinner.
Lecce - the second Florence
Talking about Apulia, it is impossible not to mention the small town of Lecce. There are so many architectural monuments and fragments of buildings made in the Baroque style that it is rightly called the second Florence. The most famous building is the basilica of the 15th and 17th centuries of Santa Croce. Walking along the shady streets and looking at the unusual stone laces of old houses, it is impossible to find a similar ornament. Incredibly, they are all different. It is said that the ancient architects watered the stucco with milk at the end of the work. After the passage of centuries, it acquired a golden hue, especially well manifested at sunset, and gave this corner a second name - the Golden City. Here is how many interesting things Apulia has to offer to its guests. Rest here, no doubt, like and lovers of sea walks, and lovers of masterpieces of antiquity.
Sea and Kitchen
No matter how interesting attractions are, in summer we all go to the resort to enjoy the sea and the sun. The beaches of Apulia are located practically along the entire coastline. Salento is particularly interesting in this respect, where you can simultaneously swim in the waters of two seas. It's great to relax with children, as the entrance to the water is smooth, and the sand is perfectly clean. In addition, here is the most southern part of Apulia, so you can swim in September. Excellent beaches await tourists in all resort areas of the region. Umbrellas and sun loungers on many of them are paid, but if you try, you can find a place where you and your towel will not be banished. No rest can not do without food. The cuisine of Apulia is famous for its fish dishes, delicious mussels, unusual cheeses, special bread and macaroni, which are molded by hand. You can also order soup-puree with peas, but it's an amateur. Among the wines, Primitive is especially popular. The name is not very, but the taste is divine. Salicel-Salentino and Marina-Franka also have excellent taste qualities. In general, all the wines of Apulia are excellent. Restaurants, where delicacies are served, are opened in the evening, but you can always have a snack with freshly prepared pizza.
Hotels in Puglia
One of the most important problems when choosing a place of rest is where to stay. In Apulia, this does not happen. Virtually every city for tourists open the doors of numerous hotels of all types. There are luxury apartments at a cost of 1200 euros per night, and there are very inexpensive hostels, very suitable for undemanding tourists. The middle position is occupied by three-star hotels and villas. Book a place for many days ahead there is a sense only in the summer months and during the passage of national holidays, such as the St. Nicholas Day in Bari. Usually, travel agencies can find a decent accommodation option, even if the desire to visit Apulia arose spontaneously.