Apulia
is mare e terra – sea and land: the varied coastline and the hinterland with its cultivated farmland. The tranquil small towns and its cultural treasures.
Considering the long drawn-out history of Apulia the diversity of the land is not surprising. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Sarazens, French and Germans have all left their traces.
What man and culture have managed to shape, construct and beautify within thousands of years merges with the favourable climate of 300 sunny days a year, the clear blue sea and other beauties, with which nature has endowed this region lavishly.
And the kind Mediterranean mentality and an authentic gastronomy with its excellent wines, traditional celebrations and cultural events create a particularly hospitable atmosphere.
Martina Franca
Due to its position on the highest peak of the Valley of Itria between the two seas the town offers beautiful views over the Valley with its olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. And not to forget the typical trulli which are scattered throughout.
Its palaces and churches has turned Martina Franca into the capital of Apulian Barocque.
Martina Franca stages the annual Opera Festival of the Valle D´Itria, which is popular also beyond Apulia.
Alberobello
Alberobello was founded between 1400 and 1500. It is the only town in the world that took life as a town of cone-shaped, drywall trullis. In 1996, Alberobello was declared part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Alberobello is the capital of the trulli country, and the old town, which has been decreed a national monument, is an important tourist attraction.
The principal quarters of the town are entirely made up of trulli lining the uphill lanes: a true fairytale scene which never fails to enchant visitors to this part of the region.