A Quick Tour of Italy – Western Apulia
Apulia forms the heel of the Italian boot. It is situated in the southeast corner of Italy on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Apulia was often invaded by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Its numerous rulers included the Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, Normans, Spaniards, and Turks. Apulia’s moment of greatest glory was during the Holy Roman Empire of the 13th Century, when majestic Romanesque cathedrals and palaces were built. This article presents the western and usually northern part of Apulia. A companion article presents the rest of the region.
Apulia’s administrative center is Bari, the biggest city in southern Italy, with a population of over 325 thousand. It is a major port that includes a modern city center and an old town which is definitely worth seeing. Anywhere you turn you can usually see the Adriatic Sea. The pedestrian-only street Via Sparano is the site of evening strolls. The nearby Eleventh Century Bascilica di San Nicola is said to contain the remains of St. Nicholas, yes Santa Claus. According to legend local sailors stole his remains from Turkey. Funny, I was always under the impression that Santa Claus… To the northeast you will find the small port of Trani, once a major Adriatic port. Trani’s attractions include two medieval synagogues and several historic churches.
The spur of Italy’s boot is the Promontorio del Gargano (Gargano Promontory), which is a very popular tourist destination. Its mountain roads are very curvy so pay strict attention to your driving. Near the tip is the whitewashed town of Vieste known for its castle. You should take a ferry from Vieste to the nearby archipelago Isole Tremiti, but please don’t forget the word Tremiti as in tremor. The view is really spectacular.
The Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest) encompasses well over sixty thousand acres. It is home to hundreds of animal species and two thousand plant species many of which are normally associated with northern climes. Monte Sant’Angelo has been a major pilgrim destination for centuries. You’ll want to see the Santuario di San Michele (Sanctuary of San Michele) and the Tomba di Rotari (Tomb of Rotari), a medieval baptistery. Finish your tour of western Apulia at the famous Castel del Monte, which is a mysterious eight-sided castle built in the Thirteenth Century.
Among Apulia’s classified foods are Clementines, Olives, two Cheeses, and four Olive Oils. Be sure to see our companion article I Love Touring Italy – Western Apulia for a sample menu and more information on Apulia wines as well as an in-depth examination of western Apulia’s tourist attractions. The best-known local wine is Castel del Monte DOC, which is available overseas and is frankly not that great.
About the Author
Over the years Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, and yet he prefers fine Italian, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and good company. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He loves teaching a variety of computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his Italian food website www.fooditalyfood.com.
Del Piero goals for Italy (1996-2006)
|
|
Italy Rome St Peter Piazzale Del Pincio Postcard Old Vintage Card View Standard $0.30 |
|
|
V2041 Album Pickers OLD Italy stamp MH 5 cent Casa del Pane wheat crop VERY NICE $0.38 |
|
|
Italy Naples La Facciata Del Duomo Postcard Old Vintage Card View Standard Post $0.60 |
|
|
Italy, Siena, interna del Duomo $0.99 |
|
|
Italy, Siena, Niccolò Pisano, Porte laterale del’’ anti $0.99 |
|
|
Italy, Siena, Sala del Mappamondo nel Palzzo della Republica $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy Pistoia. Ospedale del Ceppo. Fianco Sinistro $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy Siena Cathedral: “ 13 La Cacciata del re Erode (I) $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy Siena Cathedral: “ 14 La Cacciata del re Erode (II $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy Siena Cathedral: “1 Cattedrale- Tondo del reale Salmista $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Fiesole, Calderaio Bridge: Il ponte del Calderaio $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Firenze, Florence, Campanile del Duomo Tolomeo o l’astronomia $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Firenze, Florence, Campanile del Duomo, Icarus $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Florence, Firenze: Campanile del Giotto, Dettaglio, Finestrone $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Pistoia, Ospedale del Ceppo. L’Opera di misericordia. Dar ba be $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Pistoia, Ospedale del Ceppo. L’Opera di misericordia. Dar dab e $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Pistoia, Ospedale del Ceppo. L’Opera di misericordia. Seppellir $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Pistoia, Ospedale del Ceppo. L’Opera di misericordia. Vestire g $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Pistoia, Ospedale del Ceppo. L’Opera di misericordia. Visitare $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Siena, the cathedral: cattedrale- Una parte degli Stalli del Co $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Siena: Battistera di S. Giovanni- fonte battesimale; Jacopo del $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy, Siena: Coro del Duomo di Siena $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Fiesole, Chiostro del Convento di S. Francesco $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Firenze, Loggia del Bigallo $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Pistoia, Piazza del Duomo $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Pistoia, Piazza del Duomo $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Pistoia, Via Ripia del Sale $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 17 La Strag $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 17 Siena Ca $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 18 Siena Ca $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 19 siena ca $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 34 Storia d $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 36 Il cinqu $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 38 Il Gigan $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: 39 Il Mercu $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: Cattedrale, $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1900 Italy, Siena, Sabatino Sadun, dettaglio del pavimento: L’Imperator $0.99 |
|
|
Jimi Hendrix Grande storia del Rock Italy $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard 1934 Italy, Citta del Vaticano, Collegio Etiopico e Specola $0.99 |
|
|
Postcard Italy Pistoia Ospedale del Ceppo L’Annunziazione $0.99 |
|
|
Global Amici-Hexagonal Glass Beverage Dispenser A beautiful way to serve iced tea, sangria and other cold beverages, this lidded dispenser is especially good outdoors, where it protects beverages from dust and debris. Recycled glass jar holds approximately 3 1/4 gal. Wide mouth makes refilling and cleaning easy. Made in Italy. Stand is NOT included with the beverage dispenser but is sold separately.Proposition 65 Warning–important information … |
|
|
Home Essentials 1807 Napa Grape Beverage Dispenser, 2-1/2-Gallon $33.99 This beautiful glass drink dispenser is perfect for family gatherings and parties. The detailed grape design gives an added elegance and will easily match any decor. The beverage dispenser also features a brass pouring spout so drinks can be easily poured at the turn of a knob. The dispenser is ideal for serving cold beverages like punch, sangria and any other mixed drink at parties. Also included… |
|
|
Del Ben Champagne Saber $622.61 An impressive way to open Champagne bottles. This sabre is created by wise craftsmen’s hands. Manufacturing and polishing are entirely handmade. The handle is made in light Egyptian buffalo horn. This exclusive object with its exceptional beauty and uniqueness, is the result of the passion and tradition of Del Ben. Pursuing the perfect shape provides innovative products, when history and tradition… |
|
|
Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti: The Three Tenors in Concert / Mehta $5.47 CARRERAS / DOMINGO / PAVAROTTI IN CONCERT… |
|
|
The Italian Tenor $8.48 GRIGOLO VITTORIO THE ITALIAN TENOR… |
|
|
Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs $9.65 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
It Started in Naples [VHS] $14.95 Our Seller’s Notes & Fine Print:….A Paramount Classic…Open…VHS…Not Rated…100 minutes…In Color…1960…. |
|
|
What a Beautiful Day ( Che bella giornata ) [ NON-USA FORMAT, Blu-Ray, Reg.B Import - Italy ] $23.13 Italy released, Blu-Ray/Region B : it WILL NOT play on regular DVD player, or on standard US Blu-Ray player. You need multi-region Blu-Ray player to view it in USA/Canada: LANGUAGES: Italian ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), Italian ( Dolby DTS-HD Master Audio ), English ( Subtitles ), Italian ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Checco, a guy who wo… |
|
|
Orchestra Di Venezia in Concerto ;Albinoni Vivaldi Boccherini ; Balletto Internazionale , International Singers ; in Costumi Originali Del 1700 VHS… |
|
|
Piazza Del Campo Hdr – 24W x 18H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
