The Italian national park of Alta Murgia, located in the Apulia region of the Murgia area, offers six different sightseeing itineraries to help visitors discover the wonders of the area. The park was established in 2004 and is famous for the floral and fauna and animal species it protects, as well as its dolines, ancient local architecture and archaeological finds and the castles in the area.
The trulli are limestone houses found in the region of Puglia, which are beautiful examples of the ancient technique of drywall construction that is still used today for houses in the region. The trulli are built from rough limestone rocks and boulders, usually domed or in a pyramid shape, which have been collected from nearby fields. The traditional Apulian stone houses or store rooms often have cone shaped roofs and this style of home is typical not only to Alberobello, but also to towns like Locorotondo, Ceglie Messapica, Martina Franca, Cisterno and Fasano.
Apulia or, as it is known locally, the region of Puglia, is located on the southeastern border of the country along the Adriatic Sea. It is also bordered along the coast by the Gulf of Taranto and Strait of Otranto on the south. The region is spread over an area of 19,345 sq km. The economy of the region is based greatly on agricultural products and services and only a few industries. Apulia had been rather ignored by tourists till recent times and it is only in the recent times that people began to appreciate the rural beauty and the beautiful landscapes of the region.
Castel del Monte is a unique castle built in the 13th century by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the Apulia region. When the Emperor had castle built, he had created a symbol which was of much significance, reflected in the layout, shape and the location of the castle. Castel del Monte is located on a small hill close to the Santa Maria del Monte monastery, near the town of Andria.
Sant'Agata di Puglia is a town and a commune located in the Apulia region in the province of Foggia. The town is located in the Colaggio valley and had gained much importance in the ancient times due to its strategic location. The town had a different name in the Roman times, but in 592 the remains of St. Agatha were moved to Rome and it was then that the present day name of the town was chosen.
When one thinks of Italy, traditional images come to mind. Churches that are hundreds of years old, engineering and architectural wonders from centuries past, rolling hills, mountains, the sea, and, of course, great food, all are thought of when talking about Italy. Northern Italy sometimes brings thoughts of a more modern, industrial, bustling environment. The thought is that as you work your way down the peninsula life slows down a bit. However, that generalization takes a hit in the southern city of Taranto.
With a rich diversity of landscape the Puglia region demonstrates fully the fact that you do not have to go too far to in this country for a change of scenery. From mountains silhouetting the sky at one side, plains where sheep herders once carried on with their trade, to cliff side and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast, you are never at a loss for geographic imagery.
There is something about a beach, a harbor, and the coastline in general that fills you with freshness and a sense of awe. If you throw in a peak at a sunrise or sunset then you are doing even better. If you are in the south of Italy there is much coastline to take in and see. One such spot is the ancient city of Brindisi.
Brindisi is in the Puglia region of Italy. Specifically the city lives on the south eastern coast, just north of Lecce. It is an integral part of the Salento peninsula serving as the capital of the province of Brindisi and right on the Adriatic Sea.
The sea presents an extra special experience. The sight of it, the sound of it and the smell of it totally engrosses every bit of you whenever you encounter it. There is much to see in the natural world that leaves you totally overwhelmed, but somehow the sea captivates you even more. Couple that image with the fact that you are in Italy and it magnifies the experience exponentially. That is why, whenever you get the chance, take in a sea side city when you are in this beautiful country. Barletta is one such city.
In your search of Italy and all of its beautiful corners, you do not want to miss the south eastern edge of the country. The "heel of the boot" of Italy provides many who come here with a variety of experiences for each of the senses. Natural scenery, remnants of cultures thousands of years old, an eclectic array of cuisines, each set in motion by the many people that have inhabited this area over the years all call you to make a stop. The Mediterranean climate prevalent in this part of the country further enhances the enjoyment any visitor has of the area. The star of this area is Lecce, a city of approximately 95,000 inhabitan
Bari, Italy, the second largest city of Southern Italy, is capital of the Apulia (or Puglia) region, located on the Adriatic Sea. Named the fifth largest province in Italy and also the most populated, Bari carries a population of 1,551,331 as of 2001.
As a very prominent seaport, Bari is more than 5,000 square kilometers in size and its ports face the Adriatic Sea and connect to other Adriatic ports using railways, boat and roadways. Bari also connects with Naples by roadway.
At one time, Puglia was full of trees. Of course, it still is full of trees - Olive trees that is - but, years ago, there would have been forests of Pine, Yew, Beech and others.
You won't need anyone to tell you when you arrive in Puglia's Itria Valley. You'll know you're there when you see mysterious stone buildings with conical roofs suddenly appearing everywhere you look.
You might need to remind yourself that you haven't suddenly entered a fairy tale land peppered with miniature castles. Instead, you will see for yourself what a growing number of travellers are coming to discover: the Trulli.
Apulia or Puglia is a long, slender region with a vast stretch of sun-baked coastline. Apulia's southernmost tip, the Salento peninsula, forms the heel of the Italian boot. Apulia is bordered on the northwest by Molise and its western border is with Campania and Basilicata. Apulia consists of rolling plains and gentle uplands, sources of grain and the nation's largest volumes of wine and olive oil. Apulia's most prominent geographical feature is the Gargano peninsula, which juts out into the Adriatic like a spur on the boot of Italy.
