What to see in Puglia: the 10 unmissable places in the heel of the boot

 Sun, sea, beaches, trulli and centuries-old olive trees. Puglia, a beloved region and a favorite summer destination in Italy and abroad, is certainly all this. But the heel of Italy has an added, intangible value. 

It is that strong experiential element that it offers to all its visitors. It is, in fact, a region to be explored with all five senses in order to capture its shapes, sounds, smells and flavors and fully understand the traditions linked to the art, history and culture of this territory.

There are so many places to visit in Puglia, ( cosa vedere in Puglia for Italian People) but if you want to get an idea of ??what it can offer you, we will help you. This land of a thousand faces will involve you in a well-rounded journey through all kinds of settings. From the paradisiacal beaches of Salento to the wild hills of the Itria Valley, passing through the green Foresta Umbra and the Tremiti archipelago, here are the 10 places to absolutely see during a holiday in Puglia .

1. Bari

Your tour of Puglia cannot but start from its capital: Bari . 

The first destination to reach in the historic center is the Basilica of San Nicola , the patron saint of the city. Magnificent example of Romanesque-Apulian architecture, in its crypt it houses the relics of the saint and is a pilgrimage destination for the Christian and Orthodox faithful: it is, in fact, one of the few Italian places of worship where the functions of both rites are celebrated . 

From the Basilica of San Nicola, enter the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia , the beating heart of the city. 

Stroll through this maze of alleys where, especially in via Arcobasso , at the doors of the houses women armed with water, semolina and pastry boards are intent on preparing the famous “stracinet” (orecchiette). 

While walking on the "chianche", the massive stones that pave the lanes of Bari Vecchia, you will come across numerous churches including the Cathedral of San Sabino . 

Here, every year, on 21 June (the day of the summer solstice), the sun's rays pass through the rose window of the facade and illuminate the identical marble rose window on the floor of the nave with 18 petals: a truly unique spectacle.

Do not miss the Fortino di Sant'Antonio Abate with the wall, one of the favorite meeting places of the people of Bari for walking along the Lungomare where it is possible to admire the late Art Nouveau buildings and, at the same time, enjoy an extraordinary view of the Adriatic. 

But Bari is not only this: it is a city that will capture not only your eyes, but also your palate with its very tasty food: between panzerotti, fava bean puree, orecchiette with turnip tops and other delicacies you will only be spoiled of choice

2. Lecce

Defined "the Florence of the south", Lecce is certainly one of the most popular cities for those who decide to take a tour of Puglia. 

A real open-air museum, one of the most fascinating in Italy, rich in monuments and works of art from the Roman, medieval and Renaissance periods. 

But it is above all the city of stylistic excess and Lecce baroque that finds its maximum expression in the Basilica of Santa Croce . 

Its exuberant facade is a riot of decorative patterns and ornaments unique in the world. Admire the large central rose window profiled by bay leaves and berries and, inside, the richly decorated altars and the sumptuous coffered ceiling: you will be amazed! 

After visiting the Basilica, continue towards the scenic Piazza Duomo to contemplate the other jewels of the Lecce Baroque: the Duomo (Cathedral of SS. Maria Assunta) with its 72-meter high bell tower, the Bishop's Palace and the Seminary . 

From the Baroque to Roman art: there are 2 main monuments dating back to this era, the Roman theater and the Roman amphitheater , from the 2nd century, which with its elliptical plan was able to accommodate up to 14,000 spectators.

Both the amphitheater and the cathedral are located in the most important square of Lecce, piazza Sant'Oronzo , where the patron saint's column stands out. 

In this square, buildings from different eras and styles coexist harmoniously, such as the Palazzo del Seggio , better known as Sedile, and the churches of San Marco and Santa Maria delle Grazie .

3. Salento peninsula

Located in the southernmost part of Puglia, Salento is one of the most popular seaside destinations for the inhabitants of the beautiful country, a popular destination for summer holidays, chosen every year by thousands of Italian and non-Italian tourists. A condensation of majestic historic buildings and paradisiacal beaches that have nothing to envy to those of the Caribbean. 

The Salento peninsula is also an ideal destination for road trips : the best way to explore it is by car, so you can stop in the most suggestive places. A stop not to be missed during a trip to Salento is Santa Maria di Leuca . Located in the southernmost area of ??the peninsula, it is the favorite place for those who want to relax on unspoiled beaches and shores and offers incredible attractions such as the Devil 's Cave or the Three Doors Cave . 

Did you know that to reach the Maldives you don't necessarily have to go to the other side of the world? You can find them a stone's throw from Santa Maria di Leuca, and more precisely in Pescoluse . This stretch of coast is defined as the Maldives of Salento : fine white sand, crystal clear water and an infinite horizon in which to lose your thoughts. What more could you want?  

Continue your journey, climbing towards Gallipoli , the " pearl of the Ionian ", a favorite destination especially for young people as the undisputed queen of the Salento nightlife. If you want to alternate moments of relaxation with unbridled fun, all you have to do is go to one of the many beaches in the city. They are real natural wonders and every year they are confirmed at the top of the Legambiente rankings. Among the most famous beaches are Baia Verde , Punta della Suina and Punta Pizzo .

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