Otranto Italy. Weekend in Otranto

I don’t know about you, but I adore ancient legends. They always give me a new feeling of life, a different perspective on what surrounds me. And since I travel a lot, absolutely amazing things often surround me. This is exactly what happened in the small town of Otranto in the very south of the Italian heel. The ancient city has seen a lot and many people in its lifetime and left us amazing evidence of its complex history.

Nowadays Otranto (emphasis on the first syllable in the name) is a beautiful resort town on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. It was founded by the ancient Greeks. In those days the city was called Hydros. Then the city was conquered by the Romans. And later Christians came here, and at the end of the 11th century Otranto began to belong to the Kingdom of Sicily. It was at this time that a real masterpiece of world architecture was built here - the Norman Cathedral.

In the Cathedral, I experienced an extraordinary feeling: I simply did not understand how to walk through it, because under your feet there is a stunning ancient mosaic, and above your head there is a wooden vault of unearthly beauty! The voice of my wonderful guide Oksana Dodonova brought me out of my stupor (here is her page on the popular resource Excursiopedia.com - book excursions and active recreation). Oksana put everything in order!
“The Cathedral in Otranto is the keeper of a unique mosaic,” Oksana confirmed. “This mosaic was created by the monk Ponteleimon in 1180. The monk came from the Order of St. Basil. The monks of this Order, fleeing persecution in the 9th century, ended up in Salento (as the south of Apulia is called ) They settled here in caves. Some of these caves have survived to this day, and in two of them you can still see frescoes from that Byzantine period. Later, these monks founded a monastery, which turned into, in fact, one of the first universities in Europe.


Why are the mosaics in the Cathedral of Otranto unique? First of all, because it is the largest mosaic in the world, which has survived to this day in very good condition! It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this masterpiece, even now, cannot boast of any special care: it is not fenced in any way, and it is trampled underfoot by numerous visitors to the cathedral!
The mosaic reflects the ideas of a person of that time about the world around him. It starts with two elephants, from which a tree grows. This is the tree of life. And at the end of this tree there are scenes from the Bible: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden - the moment when Eve bit the apple, their expulsion from Paradise. Many animals. On the mosaic, for example, you can see a Lion with four heads. Some believe that this is a recognition that the religion is one, and the four heads are four religions. The goddess Diana (symbol of paganism) is also depicted, who shoots and wounds a deer. The deer is a symbol of early Christianity. That is, the pagans persecute early Christianity (and they really cruelly persecuted it). There is a scene of the construction of the Tower of Babel. The moment is depicted when the Tower is about to collapse, which means that a person will be punished for his exorbitant ambitions. One of the characters in the mosaic is Alexander the Great. For Catholics, he was a man who attempted the impossible. The signs of the Zodiac are also depicted, by which one can judge in what period of time people were engaged in important earthly affairs: making wine, sowing bread, preparing food - roasting a pig on a spit. That is, this mosaic represents evidence of a certain understanding of the world in that era, reflection on the role of religions in people’s lives.

The Cathedral has a wooden coffered ceiling (it is made of wooden planks and decorated with picturesque patterns). Before the siege of the city by the Turks, the cathedral was one of the examples of the Romanesque style of the 11th century. It was all decorated with frescoes. But when the Turks entered the city, they turned his stable into a barracks. So only a few fragments of these beautiful frescoes have survived to this day.

There is also an underground crypt in the Cathedral. There are even traces of an ancient Roman villa visible there! Previously, all churches were built on the site of previous temples, that is, “on the ruins” of previous beliefs. And in this Crypt there are four dozen columns, which, believe me, are difficult to count on your own. Columns with very beautiful capitals - they were collected throughout the Mediterranean. All capitals are completely different. And there remained a fragment of the black Madonna and Child - a sculpture that the Turks in this Crypt did not dare to destroy. Currently there are no services in this Crypt. Sometimes weddings are only held there."


While listening to Oksana, I forgot to take pictures. So I don’t have many photographs of the Norman Cathedral. But even these, I hope, will give you an idea of ​​its uniqueness. Or maybe the lack of photographs is only for the better? Travel to Otranto and see the Cathedral and its frescoes with your own eyes. I'm sure you will be captivated by its beauty too!
Marina Toptygina

Located on the Adriatic coast Salentine Peninsula.
Otranto is the easternmost city of Italy, just to the south is the easternmost Italian point, where two seas meet - the Ionian and Adriatic.
This area was inhabited back in the 12th-11th centuries. BC, the Messapian tribes founded their colonies here on the shores of the fertile Adriatic.
In 266 BC. Salento conquered Ancient Rome. Otranto received a new name - Hydruntum, and became an important transport center, through which the roads connecting Brindisi and Taranto passed, and ships were based in the city port. When the Roman Empire was divided into two parts, Otranto, like other southern cities, went to Byzantium. A period of even greater prosperity began. Otranto became a cultural and political center, the Land of Otranto - that’s how Salento came to be called. After the Norman conquest in 1068, the port of Otranto did not lose its strategic importance; ships from Venice, Greece, and Armenia arrived here. Life was in full swing, but in 1480 events happened that turned the normal course of time upside down.
The Turkish fleet was caught in a severe storm and was forced to seek shelter in the harbor. Here Muhammad II came up with the idea of ​​conquering the south of Italy, uniting it with the Muslim south of Spain. The Turks attacked and eventually conquered. Thousands of residents died, many were taken into slavery, and those who refused to convert to Islam were executed. And only in 1481 Alfonso of Aragon, Duke of Calabria, released. To protect against the Turks, walls and a castle were built. But he was never able to regain his lost role either on the political or cultural stage. It was occupied by Lecce.
Pirate raids became more frequent, and the star of Otranto was slowly declining. Until the middle of the 20th century. fishing and vegetable growing were the main occupation of local residents, but at this time a tourism boom occurred, beautiful coastlines with clear water, preserved medieval streets and ancient houses were rediscovered.
The historical center of Otranto was placed under UNESCO protection in 2010.

The Aragonese Castle and the Romanesque Cathedral are the two main attractions of the city, but usually people go to such small towns for a special atmosphere, for time that stopped somewhere in the Middle Ages and does not want to leave the narrow streets lined with cobblestones, where they rarely look Sun.

Otranto. Apulia. Italy.

Otranto. Apulia. Italy.

However, the Cathedral of Otranto is a treasure of southern Italy.

It was built during the Norman period in the 11th century. and it has two amazing features.
Firstly, the mosaic floor, made in 1163-65. and preserved intact, bringing to us the mosaics of the Basilian monk Pantaleone with the image of the Tree of Life, scenes from the Old Testament and the Gospel, military campaigns and gladiatorial fights. The frescoes are executed not so gracefully, but powerfully and sincerely, they could well be the envy of a modern artist of naive art.

Secondly, the cathedral houses the relics of the Holy Martyrs, who were executed by the Turks after refusing to convert to Islam (for details, see the historical part). The relics are kept in a separate chapel, which is opened during the service.

Other churches in Otranto include: the Church of St. Peter, which houses works of art from the Byzantine period; Church of the Madonna del Altomare, built in the 18th century.
Otranto is famous for its clean beaches and the fact that there are many ancient crypts near the city.

Useful information for tourists about Otranto in Italy - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Otranto is a large city in the province of Lecce, located in a fertile region once famous for its racehorses. The city lies on the eastern coast of the Salentine Peninsula. The Strait of Otranto, after which the city is named, separates the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and also separates Italy from Albania. 5 km southeast of Otranto stands the Faro della Palascia lighthouse - it marks the easternmost point of the Apennine Peninsula. And 50 km to the south is Cape Santa Maria di Leuca - the most southeastern tip of Italy. The region between this cape and Otranto is very fertile and therefore densely populated.

The city of Otranto is located on the site of the ancient settlement of Hydrus, also known as Hydrunton or Hydruntu. The latter has Greek roots, and fought against Rome throughout the Pyrrhic and Punic Wars, but was ultimately captured. In the era of Ancient Rome, Otranto was part of the province of Calabria. Since it is the closest port to the eastern Adriatic coast, it was probably more important than Brindisi. In those years, it was from here that ships with cargo left for the East.

In the eighth century, Otranto was for a time under the rule of Duke Arechis II Benevento, then became part of the Byzantine Empire and was one of the last cities in Apulia to submit to the Normans. In 1068, conquered by Robert Guiscard, he became dependent on Taranto.

In 1480, Mahmud II the Conqueror, ruler of the Ottoman Empire, sent a fleet to the Apennine Peninsula to capture Rome. Having reached the shores of Italy, his army literally defeated Otranto and subjugated the city in just two weeks. For almost a whole year it remained in the hands of the Turks. But then Mahmud died, and his successor ordered a retreat.

The next time the Turks appeared on the shores of Otranto was in 1537, when the famous corsair and Ottoman admiral Barbarossa captured the city and the fortress of Castro, but was soon expelled from Apulia. In 1804, a French garrison was stationed here to monitor the actions of the English fleet, and it was then that the city received its current name.

Today Otranto is an interesting city for tourists, with many historical and architectural monuments preserved. Among them is the Aragonese Castle, built by order of Emperor Ferdinand II and rebuilt in the 15th century by Alfonso II of Naples. The Cathedral of Otranto, built by Roger I, was consecrated in 1088, and in 1163, by order of Bishop Jonat, a mosaic floor appeared, which today adorns the majestic building. Also in Otranto it is worth visiting the Church of San Pietro with Byzantine frescoes and the catacombs of Torre Pinta and walking along the banks of the small river Idro, from which the Otranto River originates.

When we entered Otranto (Italy, Puglia) I didn’t know anything about this city yet. I didn't even know about him terrible and bloody history, which changed his face forever. His terrible story forever assigned this white city Name: CITY OF MARTYRS.

How often has this happened to you: you are planning a vacation, choosing what you can visit nearby, where you can eat deliciously and what good things you can buy, but somehow you are not interested in anything else? After all, my mouth is already full of worries...

Is this a familiar picture?

The same thing happened to me this year, when we again went to Puglia (more precisely to the town), but this time on Adriatic coast of Salento. I didn’t even think much about the cultural program this time, if not one book...

The beautiful Salento coast in Otranto

I don’t know what drove me when I was choosing books from the library to read on vacation. As usual, I tried to take several books of different genres. This novel "Otranto» it just fell at my feet when I was trying to pull out some other book.

Without hesitation, I immediately put it on the pile of selected books. I didn’t even read the summary or skim through it, as I usually did with other books. Something was really driving me...

This novel simply changed my holiday; it introduced me to Otranto from a completely different side than tourist guides and guidebooks do. He brought me to this city on the other side: from a dark, bloody, non-healing wound that it hurts herefrom 14 August 1480.

From the date when 800 inhabitants of Otranto were brutally murdered by the frenzied occupiers - the Turks, and their bodies were mercilessly left under the sun for a whole year.

Here, on the Hill of Minerva, 800 inhabitants of Otranto were killed

Only a year later in 1481, after the liberation of Otranto, the bodies of the unfortunate martyrs were interred. Still around the city there's a legend going around, What the bodies did not succumb to decomposition, and not a single animal or bird of prey touched a single body.

Whether this is true or not, who knows...

I want to believe that this is so... Probably because I continue to do the same as in childhood believe in miracles, good and evil, and also that good always wins. It wins even at a very high price.

After all, the unfortunate inhabitants of Otranto, left to their own devices, did not bend before the hordes of thugs - the Turks. Despite the fact that almost all the inhabitants died, they were not DEFEATED.

Otranto today

Today, walking along the narrow white streets of Otranto, you seem to hear nothing. Only beauty, peace, the uniform sound of the sea behind the bastions and the dazzling southern sun, even in October.

White streets of the old center of Otranto

But no, no, and somewhere in the depths of the labyrinthine streets you suddenly distinguish ghostly silhouettes and you hear a groan...

It's still the same the groan of restless souls unfortunate Martyrs of Otranto ...

It is no secret that Italy occupies almost the entire Apennine Peninsula, which is shaped like a boot. The region of Puglia is located on the Salentina peninsula and is considered its heel.

Puglia is located in the southeast of Italy and has the longest coastline among the mainland regions of the country. The main city of the region is (Bari), which is located from (Roma), the capital of Italy, at a distance of 430 km.

4 million people live in Apulia, and its area is 19 thousand km2. The main language is Italian, but French and various dialects are also common here: Tarantine, Franco-Provençal, as well as Italo-Rumean, derived from Greek, Arbere (mixed with Albanian) and some others.

The region includes six provinces:

• Foggia (Provincia di Foggia) – north;
• Barletta-Andria-Trani – between Foggia and Bari;
• Bari (Provincia di Bari) – in the center;
• Brindisi (Provincia di Brindisi) – between Bari and Lecce, in the east of the region;
• Taranto (Provincia di Taranto) - between Bari and Lecce, in the west of the region;
• Lecce (Provincia di Lecce) is the southernmost province.

https://youtu.be/f8P2Ugq3Hj4

In the southeast, Apulia is washed by the Adriatic Sea (Mare Adriatico), in the southwest by the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio). Both bodies of water are part of the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Mediterraneo). In the west, Puglia borders on the regions (Campania) and (Basilicata), in the north – on Molise.

There are few mountains here: 53% of the territory is occupied by plains, 45% by hills. The highest point in the region is the limestone mountain Monte Cornacchia, whose height is 1152 m. It is located in the north-west of the region in the Monti Dauni mountains.

There are two national parks in the region - Gargano (Parco nazionale del Gargano) and Alta Murgia. There are also 11 regional parks and 24 nature reserves. At the same time, forests occupy only 7.5% of the region's area. This is the lowest rate in Italy.

In the north of Apulia, towards the Adriatic Sea, the Ofanto (170 km long) and Cervaro (93 km long) rivers flow. Large rivers include the Carapelle, which is 98 km long, and the Candelaro (70 km).

Story

The name Apulia means “exodus” in ancient Greek. But these lands were inhabited much earlier than the ancient Greeks came here. In the region, a skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found, who lived here 250-187 thousand years ago. He is known as the Man of Altamura (L'Uomo di Altamura) because he was found near this city.

In VIII Art. BC. Greeks settled on the lands of Apulia. At that time, the Apula and Messapa tribes lived here, so the Hellenes began to call the local inhabitants Iapygians. The main settlement was Taranto, which became a major trading center.

The Romans came here in the 3rd century. BC, after the Greeks lost to the Italian tribes. But they also had to fight with the Samnites. When the resistance was broken, the Romans began to settle down, and in honor of the ancient inhabitants of the region they named the region Apulia.

During the times the region prospered. The city of Brindisi became the largest seaport of the Romans on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, and 100 thousand people lived in it. All Roman trade with the countries located in the east passed through Brindisi and Taranto. Roads were built in the region that connected major cities and Rome. The main export goods were wheat and olive oil.

In 216 BC. On the banks of the Aufid River (modern Ofanto), the Battle of Cannes took place, during which Hannibal's troops from Carthage completely defeated the Romans, who were significantly superior in strength. This battle was included in the list of the bloodiest battles in human history in terms of the number of soldiers killed per day.

In the 5th century The fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred, and the Ostrogoths settled on the territory of Apulia. After this, the region changed hands for a long time, and therefore military operations here almost did not stop until 1861, when Apulia became part of the united Italy (Regno d’Italia). Since then, there has been relative calm, which has created conditions for the normal development of agriculture, which continues to flourish today.

Climate

What has attracted people to Puglia since ancient times? First of all, it is the sea, sandy beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate.

There are more sunny days than cloudy and cloudy days, snow is a rare occurrence. The weather in Puglia by month is as follows:

• January: 7°C during the day, 1° at night, sun – 12 days, rain – 3 days;
• February: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 8 days, rain – 4;
• March: 12°C during the day, 4°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 4;
• April: 17°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
• May: 20°C during the day, 8°C at night, sun – 18 days, rain – 6;
• June: 25°C during the day, 12°C at night, sun – 22 days, rain – 6;
• July: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 28 days, rain – 3;
• August: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 29 days, rain – 2;
• September: 24°C during the day, 12°C at night, sun – 19 days, rain – 4;
• October: 18°C ​​during the day, 9°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
• November: 13°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 11 days, rain – 5;
• December: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 16 days, rain – 2;

Such weather and a long beach line attract tourists from all over the world.

The beach season begins in June, when the water temperature warms up to +22°C. But some brave souls start swimming in May at a sea temperature of +17°C. The beach season ends in September. Although the waters are cold in October, it is a good time for sightseeing in Puglia.

Cities and landmarks

Puglia is a region with a long history. There is a lot to see here, so tourism is very well developed here. Castles, ancient temples, museums, national parks and reserves, olive groves attract the attention of people from all over the world.

Bari

The province of Bari is located on the Atlantic coast. To the north is Barletta-Andria-Trani, to the south are Taranto and Brindisi. It is the most populous province of Apulia, home to more than 1 million people. It is in this province that the city of Altamura is located, near which the remains of a man two thousand years ago were found.

In the main city of the region, Bari, at Largo Abate Elia, 13, the Basilica di San Nicola is located. This temple appeared in the 11th-12th centuries. for storing the relics of St. Nicholas, who were brought to the city in 1087. They are located in the crypt, which can only be accessed by organized groups of pilgrims by prior arrangement.

This basilica should not be confused with the Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola), which was built in Bari at the beginning of the last century in the style of Russian architecture of the 15th century. and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is located at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130, and is also known as the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Tourists will definitely enjoy the symbol of the city, the Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), the construction of which dates back to the 12th century. The burgundy and white Petruzzelli Theater (Teatro Petruzzelli) with statues on top, which is the fourth largest temple of Melpomene in Italy, looks original. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci, Eduardo De Filippo performed here.

Brindisi is located south of Bari, to the east is the Adriatic Sea. The length of the coast is 81 km, and partly it consists of beaches, partly of their cliffs. There are no major rivers flowing through the province, but there are many freshwater lakes.

The main city of the province is Brindisi. It is a major seaport. The history of Brindisi dates back to the ancient Romans, and it was from here that they traded with countries to the east. In 40 BC. in this city the military leader Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the founder of the Roman Empire (Octavianus Augustus) reconciled, and twenty years after this meeting the poet Virgil (Publio Virgilio Marone) died in Brindisi.

During the reign of the Romans, 100 thousand people lived in the city. It lost its significance during the Middle Ages, when trade moved to Bari. Nevertheless, this is where the Crusaders' journey to the Holy Land began.

Currently, there are few old buildings here. These are mainly churches, a castle by the sea Castello svevo (Brindisi), a sea fort. There is also an ancient column that signified the end (Latin: Via Appia). It was the most important public road leading from Rome.

Taranto is located south of Bari and Lecce, west of Brindisi. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. There are both plains and hills. The height of the highest hill, Monte Angiulli, is 440 m.

The main city of the province is Taranto. It was founded by the Spartans in the 8th century. BC. Their descendants lived here for several centuries until the Romans captured the city, selling 30 thousand inhabitants into slavery. They turned Taranto into a major seaport, which it still is today.

Many ancient buildings have been preserved here. Here you can find not only Christian churches, but also places of pagan cults, the remains of a Greco-Roman necropolis and burial chambers. Of course, there are castles, defensive forts (Castello Aragonese, Fortezza de Laclos), and numerous museums. Among them is the underground Spartan Museum (museo spartano di Taranto), where you can see the history of the city from its founding to the 18th century.

Barletta-Andria-Trani

Barletta Andria Trani is the youngest province in the region. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea. In the south is the province of Bari, in the north is Foggia. This province is administered from three cities at once - Trani, Barletta and Andria. The first two cities are located on the coast, and therefore are considered resorts, the third is far from the sea.

There are a lot of palaces and churches in Barleta. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Basilica del Santo Sepolcro). You can also highlight defensive structures - walls, gates and Barletta Castle (Castello di Barletta). Its construction dates back to the 12th century. Another attraction of the city is the huge statue of the Roman emperor, which is known as the Colosso di Barletta.

The city of Trani is also interesting. Here is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Pellegrino (La Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino), the church of Santa Maria di Colonna (La chiesa di Santa Maria di Colonna) and the adjacent monastery. The Swabian Castle (Castello svevo) is noteworthy. Also in Trani there are several towers of the 11th century, city gates and a lot of palaces.

In Adria you can look at the city gates, castles, and see the clock tower from the time of Francis II del Balzo, who lived at the end of the 15th century. You can also book a tour of the dungeons and caves of the city, where people lived and worshiped God in medieval times.

Lecce

Lecce is the southernmost and easternmost province of the region, which lies entirely on the Salentina Peninsula. Its uniqueness is that it has access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It is predominantly flat, with a few hills in the south of la Serra dei Cianci.

The coastline is 222 m, sandy beaches are constantly replaced by rocky cliffs. Along the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea there are many caves, among which is Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave goes at least 250 meters deep, and during the tour you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and several lakes of crystal clear water. Bats and sea inhabitants also live here, which you will not find anywhere else.

The capital of the province of Lecce bears the same name. There are many ancient cathedrals, castles, forts, and towers. There is also an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 25 thousand. It was built in the I-II centuries. AD

Foggia

Foggia is the northernmost province of Apulia, which is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the least arid provinces in the region, as it is home to the Ofanto, which is a natural border with Barletta-Andria-Trani, and the Fortore. The province is notable for the fact that 50% of Italy's tomatoes are harvested here.

The main city of the province bears the same name. He suffered from . However, many historical buildings have been preserved here. Among them are the Cathedral (la Cattedrale di Foggia), the national monument Church of the Crosses (La chiesa delle Croci), as well as the Church of St. Thomas (la Chiesa di San Tommaso), the oldest basilica of the city, built in the 11th century. You can also go to the city of Leccera, where the Staufen Fortress (Fortezza svevo-angioina) rises on a hill, and there is also an ancient amphitheater.

Resorts

One of the most popular resorts in Puglia is Marina Di Andrano located in Lecce. Rocky shores, numerous bays, and clear sea water attract tourists from all over the world. The most famous beaches are Zona Grotta Verde and Zona Botte. On one of them there is a beautiful cave La Grotta Verde.

Another resort in the province of Lecce, Gagliano del Capo, is no less in demand among tourists. It is located almost in the southeast of the province at an altitude of 150 m above sea level. In addition to the beaches, there are many cliffs and several interesting historical caves. Diving enthusiasts can go to Porto Cesareo.

But for people who prefer thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme is suitable. This resort is also located in this region.

(Ostuni) in the province of Brindisi boasts a beautiful coastline. Monopoli in the province of Bari, where there are twenty-five beaches, is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Those who like to combine beach and active holidays can go to the Gargano Peninsula in the province of Fuji. This place is called the “spur of the Italian boot.” There is a national reserve here: there are not only beaches, but also mountains, caves, as well as the salt lakes of Lezina and Varano, which are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land.

Folklore

Despite the fact that the beach season in Puglia lasts from June to September, you can safely go here at other times of the year. Here you can look not only at the sights, but also attend various festive events, including:

• 17.01: Carnival in Massafra (Taranto);
• 17-18.01: Fire Festival in Novoli (Lecce);
• 14.02: “Orange” St. Day. Valentina in Vieste (Foggia). Here, two holidays coincided on one day - Valentine's Day and the Orange Festival;
• 18-19.03: Tables of San Giuseppe in Giurdignano (Lecce). These days, the central square is transformed into a large restaurant, the tables of which are decorated with flowers and an icon of St. San Giusepe. Before lunch, people pray, food is blessed;
• 28.04: Sagra (festival) of wine and bagels in (Alberobello), the city of the trulli;

• 7-9.05: Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari;
• Third Sunday in June: Festival in Fasano (Brindisi), dedicated to the victory over the Turks in 1678;
• July: Red onion day in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari), the most popular vegetable in the area;
• End of July: Octopus Days in Fasano and Torre Canne (Brindisi), as well as a festival of local cutlets in Grottaglie (Taranto);
• Early August: Local Beer Festival in Leverano (Lecce);
• Second Sunday in August: Knight's tournament in Oria (Brindisi);
• Late August – September: Local Festival in Taranto;
• Third Sunday in October: Calzone Festival in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari) - on this day you can taste local closed pizza in all interpretations;
• 5-6.11: Wine and chestnut festival in Noci (Bari)
• December – January: “Live” Presepe - celebrated everywhere. Presepe is the manger of Jesus, created by the hands of folk craftsmen. This is the period of widespread celebration of Christmas.

This information can be taken into account when planning a trip to Puglia. They will help you develop a route so that the trip is as interesting and fun as possible.

Winemaking

Winemaking traditions go back to the ancient Greeks, who in the 8th century. BC. They brought grapevines and wine-making technologies here.

Now vineyards in Puglia occupy 100 thousand hectares, and until recently inexpensive varieties were produced here. But excellent climatic conditions and fertile soil contributed to improving the quality of wine and strengthening its leading position.

Now Puglia produces 17% of all the country's wines.

• Their advantage is an excellent price-quality ratio. Castel del Monte experts rate it very highly. This brand produces 22 varieties of wine.
• Gravina and Gioia del Colle in Bari;
• Brindisi in Brindisi;
• Alezio, Galatina, Copertino, Leverano in Lecce;

San Severo, Rosso di Cerignola in Foggia.

Like olive oil, wines in Puglia are served with many local dishes.

How to get there

Puglia can be reached by car, bus, train, air and water.

There are three airports in the province where passenger flights arrive. One is located in Bari, and is named after Pope Karol Wojtyła: Aeroporto internazionale di Bari “Karol Wojtyła”. This is an international airport and it receives flights from Germany, Great Britain, Romania.

The second airport is located in Salento (Brindisi) and is called L’Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale. There is also good international communication: people fly here from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and England.

Another airport is located in Foggia. This is Aeroporto di Foggia "Gino Lisa". It is used for domestic flights as well as for helicopter flights to the islands of Isole Tremiti, which belong to this commune, and to the resort of Gargano.