fter visiting all the
tried-and-true cities of
Italy, it’s worth a trip
off the beaten path to see this hidden gem that sits at the heel of the boot of Italy in the Southeastern Region. Puglia (pronounced "pool-ya"), or Apulia, its lesser used Latin name, is best known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland, and hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline. Split into widespread regions, Puglia can best be explored by car.
Bari, the capital, is a lively port and university town while Brindisi is another harbor town sprinkled with Roman ruins and medieval castles, both with airports. Monopoli is an old fishing town with winding alleyways leading to the Adriatic Sea. Lecci is called the “Florene of the South” for its Baroque architecture, while
Polignano de Mare is a coastaltown in a dramatic cliffside location
where cliff-divers can take a plunge, or the less brave can soak up the sun’s rays on the beach below. Ostuni, known as the “White City” is a fairytale like place to stroll around appreciating the architecture and shopping along the meandering pathways. And finally, Alberobello in the Itria Valley is most famous for the “trulli” white stone huts with unique grey cone-shaped roofs which are a UNESCO site. A trip to Puglia is not complete without a selfie in front of a trullo, the signature structures people most associate with this part of Italy.
PRETTY PUGLIA
A Hidden Gem in Italy
BY HOPE GAINER
A