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Apulia, along with many other areas of Italy beyond the usual tourist trails, is relatively unknown to outsiders. Therein lies its charm and attraction. |
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Quintessential Apulia is the simple but memourable combination of geometric buildings in the landscape : hot sun, white rock, azure sea and ochre soil studded with almond groves, vineyards, and ancient olive trees.
The attributes distinguishing this region - venacular, romanesque and baroque architecture, the many surviving traditional crafts, one of Italy's best regional cuisines, local dialects and festivals - are greatly influenced by its strategic position and history. Throughout historic time as a gateway to the Orient and threshold from there to Europe, Apulia has been colonised- invaded and conquered by a succession of major powers of the day. Each has left its more or less discernable mark, evident in the pleasing blend of culture, and the unique landscape that is present day Apulia.
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Coastal landscape - Salentine peninsula
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Apulia: watchtower - Salentine peninsula
| Apulia's singular landscape is dominated by the sea and three main geographic features: the mountainous Gargano peninsula, a vast plain called Murge, and the rolling raised plateaux called the Tavoliere. These provide a pleasing and often spectacular backdrop for ports positioned on cliff edges or on islands, for whitewashed hilltop towns and the large old farming estates called Masserie.
Naturally occurring limestone caves and ravines show signs of habitation from Neolithic times and were the genesis of a group of extraordinary troglodyte towns and a culture characteristic of the region. Apulia is intensely cultivated but pockets of original oak forest and extensive stretches of natural coastal vegetation survive.
Along with the influence of the dry southern Mediterranean climate, these features lend themselves to a rich variety of unusual and arresting landscapes. The counterpoint of the rich red soil under a silvery green sea of ancient olive groves is one of the most potent images of this area.
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Regional Cuisine
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Marine Cuisine - Gallipoli
| The traditional diet, based on the local produce - grain, fish and shellfish, lamb, tomatoes, olives and almonds - is one of the outstanding Italian regional cuisines and provides genuine interest to those of an epicurean leaning. Equally pleasing are the variety of D.O.C. wines such as the red Salice Salento and Primitivo di Manduria, the white wines of the Locorotondo area and some of the best Italian 'rosato'.
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Architecture & vernacular building
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Lecce baroque - in Nardo
| Rather than being contained in galleries, the art of Apulia adorns the inside and outside of buildings (and underground spaces), with excellent examples from the earliest times, including many from Romanesque and Baroque epochs.
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Archaeological sites
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Via Traiana - Egnazia
| For the ancient Greeks, Apulia was part of Magna Grecia. Colonial cities shared the area with other prosperous local cultures like the Messepians and Daunii. Some time later the Romans conquered the area, naming it Apulia. In Byzantine times the region was heavily influenced by the proximity of Greek culture but also by the Goths and Lombards. Apulia by the ninth century was partly occupied by Arabs and in the late Middle Ages flourished under Norman, Swabian and Angevin crusading kingdoms as seen in well-preserved castles and several fine Romanesque cathedrals.
The influence of the long Spanish occupation is best seen in the proliferation of outstanding buildings in the southern baroque style and, along with the Arabic in the regional cuisine. Interesting archaeological remains are to be - found throughout the region from earlier cultures including Greek temples and jewellery and Roman mosaics and roads.
Long periods of privation are a thing of the past and the region has entered a period of prosperity. However, the Apulian people, now numbering about four million inhabitants, are still known for their pride in their region and famous hospitality.
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Art
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Carved altar - Santa Croce - Lecce
| The true art of Apulia is that incorporated into buildings by the abundance of frescoes and carved ornament, especially in the Lecce Baroque in the southern part of the region. Greek and pre-Roman pottery and jewelery in the many local and National Archaeological Museum in Taranto represent another important facet as do the traditional and contemporary ceramics of Grottaglia, with over a hundred studios within walking distance. Interesting pictorial (including contemporary) art is present in small galleries of the provincial centers.
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"My enjoyment and understanding of the country, its history and culture has been much enhanced. We felt welcomed and looked after really well, and had so much fun. Thank you all, my appreciation is enormous. I can't wait till my next trip."
Janet - Auckland - New Zealand - participant
Apulia tour June 2002
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