For many centuries this land has been the center of trade and culture across many civilizations including the Romans, the Saracens, and the Spanish, which have all left their marks on the architecture. From Ascoli Satriano, to Troia, to Lucera, the small villages of this area represent a journey through time and are a true expression of authentic Italy.

The food and wine heritage of Daunia is rich and varied. Firstly, the typical extra virgin olive oil of the area, called Dauno DOP is divided into 4 sub-areas: Alto Tavoliere, Basso Tavoliere, Gargano and Subappennino.

Wine also plays a fundamental role in the region. The main grape is the Uva di Troia, often blended with Montepulciano, Bombino Nero, Sangiovese. For the white grapes there is mainly white Bombino, Malvasia and Trebbiano. The excellent wine Cacc’e Mmitte DOC has an aftertaste of pomegranate, which pairs excellently with a dish of cavatelli, handmade with durum wheat burned on the fire, which is a typical product of the region.

Even the cured meats and cheeses are a delicacy to be savoured, such as the Canestrato Pugliese DOP cheese that is aged in typical baskets, strictly handcrafted, with a very strong flavor due to the dried lamb rennet combined with with dried orange peels, lemon and nettle leaves. And if you want to taste something sweet, you can discover the typical Ostia Ripiena, which are wafers hosts stuffed with toasted almonds and caramelized honey.

Castel del Monte

Puglia’s most famous landmark, Castel del Monte is located in the middle of Alta Murgia National park on the outskirts of the city of Andria. Built as a citadel and castle by Emperor Frederik II from 1240-1250, the castle was left abandoned for several decades and stripped by vandals before being taken over by the Italian government. Castel del Monte is an is an iconic landmark of Puglia and can be seen from many points throughout the national park, in 1996 it was a UNESCO World Heritage for its historical significance and unique archaeological style.

The Altamura Cathedral

Built from 1232 until 1254, the Altamura Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cathedrals in Italy. The church’s facade and interior contain intricate stonework and carvings which add to it’s striking appearance in the center of the town of Altamura. The interior is filled with ornate 19th-century decor and includes beautiful renaissance painting and statues. The cathedral is known as one of Puglia’s most famous masterpieces.

The City of Minervino Murge

Minervino Murge is an ancient town located on the western edge of the Alta Murgia national park.
Minervino Murge offers one of the most beautiful views onto the national park with a vantage point of 429 meters above sea level. From here visitors can truly appreciate the landscape of the park, appreciating the Murgia from this view is so popular that the town is nicknamed the “Balcony of Puglia”.

While in Minervino be sure to explore the Scesicola, which is the oldest district of the town and offers amazing examples of medieval architecture. The neighbourhood is characterized by its intricate system of narrow streets with houses built along within steep hill slopes.

St. Michael’s Cave in Minervino Murge

Acting as a church and sacred pilgrimage stop, the cave of San Michael is a must-see while visiting Minervino Murge. The cave itself was first formed around 2 million years ago and the first evidence of it being used as a church for the cult of the Archangel St. Michael dates back to the year 1000

The cave has a great historical and artistic value and definitely worth the €1.50 entrance fee.

The City Ruvo di Puglia

Located to the east of Alta Murgia National Park, the city of Ruvo di Puglia is known for being the center of wine and olive oil production in the Murgia region. Puglia produces some of the world’s best olive oil, much of which is made in the area surrounding Ruvo di Puglia. While in the area be sure to find time to visit oil producers in the area known for making delicious Terre di Bari DOP extra virgin olive oil. Besides the wine and oil producers found near the city, Ruvo di Puglia has one of the most beautiful historical centers in Puglia, with amazing architecture and unique museums showcasing the many civilizations who lived in the area, from the Greeks to the Romans.

Castel del Monte, Andria

Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, was ordered by Emperor Frederick II. The function of the castle is still debated: it is believed to have served as an astronomical observatory or as a hunting residence.  Its brilliant octagonal footprint and position, which creates particular symmetries with sunlight at the solstice and equinox, leave a sense of mystery that has been fascinating scholars and visitors for centuries.

Castello Svevo, Trani

Castello Svevo, in the city of Trani, was built on the seaside to defend the city. Once equipped with a drawbridge, this castle is famous for being the location of the wedding between Manfredi, the son of Emperor Frederick II, and Princess Elena of Hepirus. This event is the subject of a historical re-enactment, for which a medieval atmosphere is recreated inside the castle.

Castello Aragonese, Taranto

Castello Aragonese, also known as Castel Sant’Angelo, is the main fortification of Taranto and it marks the boundary between the old citadel and the new neighbourhood. The castle, which was built on the seaside to guard the ship canal, dates back to the end of the 15^th century. Today, visitors have access to a small torture cell, which displays a hole that let agonizing screams be heard by other prisoners. Castello Aragonese is home to several cultural events and it is open for free guided tours year-round.

Torre Lapillo, Porto Cesareo

The last place we recommend visiting is not quite a fortress, but rather a lookout tower known as Torre di San Tommaso. The tower stands tall and quiet on the coast, gazing at the sea like an old fisherman. Like other towers in the Salento area, it was built to stop raids from the Turks. This landmark has a square footprint and an entrance staircase with three underlying arches, one of which was added in recent times, since the staircase used to be attached to a drawbridge.

The city of trulli

If you are vacationing in Puglia, Alberobello absolutely deserves a visit. It is an original and picturesque town, one of a kind in the world. The historic centre is entirely made up of trulli, which are dry stone huts with conical roofs embellished with decorative pinnacles of various shapes.

Origins of the trullo

The name trullo comes from the Ancient Greek word for “dome”. The history of these huts dates back to the 15^th century, when a decree of the reigning Kingdom of Naples taxed all new urban settlements. The Earls of Conversano, who owned the land where Alberobello stands today, thus ordered their farmers to build dry stone houses, making them look like temporary and easy-to-demolish constructions, which could not be taxed.

Emotions of staying in a trullo

Far from being temporary, trulli are actually incredibly stable and are still used today as homes and vacation lodging. Staying in a trullo is a unique experience that everyone should try once in their lives! Trulli take on a circular plan, and the thickness of the walls makes them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

What to eat and drink?

Along the cobblestone alleys, between the trulli, you’ll find cozy shops where to buy souvenirs to bring home for family and friends, and typical restaurants where you can try the best Apulian food: capocollo ham of Martina Franca, the unbeatable orecchiette, burrata cheese, and horsemeat chops. And do not forget the wine! We suggest the fine Primitivo wine from Tormaresca winery.