History & Culture:
Whether your interests lie in history, museums, art, or gastronomic endeavour, you will find everything and more in the local towns and region. Much of this has been incorporated into a helpful information booklet which you will find at Trullo Bellissimo.
However, just to whet your appetite, the whole area has a strong Norman influence dating back to the crusades, when Trani and Brindisi were important embarkation points for the Crusaders, and this can be seen everywhere from the names of towns to the fortified cities and watchtowers intended to repel the Saracen.
If churches and religion inspire you can visit, amongst others, the beautiful Basilica di San Nicola in Bari and the old Crusader church in Ostuni,
What to say about the food, apart from the fact that it is fabulous. We cannot begin to number the osteria, and tavola calda that have filled our tummies over the years. Pugliese dishes will astonish you, and you won't be able to resist their unique, fresh and genuine flavours, because in Puglia there's a deep-rooted culinary tradition, composed mostly of simple dishes, made with local products.
Then, of course, there is the sea and beautiful coastline. Only 30 minutes away are the fabulous beaches of the Adriatic. There is a whole coastline (the longest in Italy) to choose from, where there are sandy stretches and rocky coves. Some beaches have 'paid for' areas, where you can hire beds and umbrellas, in season, but the vast majority are free.
Places to go
Local Hill Towns
Ostuni 8km, is one of the most stunning cities in southern Italy famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. It is a genuine and charming example of Mediterranean architecture. The city of Ostuni is a series of levels, staircases, small roads, alleys and arches. Hints of the Middle Ages are at hand in every corner, in every view to the sea, in the portal of a palace, in the walls of a convent or the front of a church. The brightness of its whitewashed houses, set against the pink-tinged brown of its Duomo, makes the town stand out in the green of the surrounding area.
Cisternino 15km, is surrounded by fertile fields of olive groves and vineyards, some of the most abundant in Puglia. The old historic centre is characterised by architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. To visit: there is the tower of Palazzo Amati, the church and crypt of St Nicola of Bari, the church of St Cataldo, the church of St Quirico and the Sanctuary of St Maria of Ibernia. Events held in the town include the fair of St Quirico, the festivities in honour of the patron saints St Quirico and St Giulittà. The beauty of the valley and the century old architecture are guaranteed to impress the visitor.
Martina Franca 22km, is one of the most characteristic towns of the Puglia region. The old town has great tourist appeal, with its fabulous and completely intact baroque buildings. The town enjoys a unique setting, dominating the Valle d'Itria, known as the Valley of the Trulli with its vineyards, small groups of picturesque white houses, dry stone walls and open countryside. The architecture of the historic part of town is charming with small white houses, narrow lanes, wrought iron balconies covered in flowers, palazzi and churches, and monuments including the gateway Porta di St. Antonio, the Arch of St Stefano, Palazzo Ducale, the Collegiata of St Martino and the Palazzo of the University of Martina Franca.
Locorotondo 23km, overlooks the entire valley of Itria, with a panorama which encompasses the traditional trulli houses scattered among the olive trees and the grape vines. The skyline is dominated by the massive dome and the campanile of the historic church. The historic centre features an original radial city plan with the main piazza located in the very centre of the town. The town hosts a number of events including the festivities in honour of the patron Saint San Rocco and a whole series of gastronomic fairs. Local produce includes Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the wines of the Itria Valley, the most prestigious of which is Bianco Locorotondo.
Ceglie Messapica 9km. A settlement since the fourth century before Christ, Ceglie boasts many ancient monuments. The hill town town is surrounded by trulli and lamie and is very popular with tourists. Of particular note, is Ceglie’s acclaimed gastronomy with a great selection of restaurants to choose from.
Other Places of Interest
Alberobello 30km, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, with its beautiful coned trulli houses and their white-washed walls. Excellent restaurants, traditional bars and a trulli museum, all make for a worthwhile excursion.
Polignano a Mare 51km, is an enchanting seaside destination, with an ancient town built on a spur of rock directly above a magnificent, clear blue sea.
Gallipoli 117km, of ancient origin, grew from a small village, which developed around the commercial activity of the port due to its strategic position. Its historic centre is still perfectly intact, including the 16th century castle which acts as a gateway to the city.
Matera 100km, a World Heritage Site located in Italy's Basilicata region, was the subject of Carlo Levi's "Christ Stopped at Eboli" as well as being the backdrop for Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ". The incredible festival called "Festa della Madonna Bruna" in early June should not be missed. Matera is a unique example of a cultural tradition and civilization which stretches back to the Neolithic age. The old city was created out of a rocky ravine. The numerous natural caves in Matera were the first houses of the Neolithic inhabitants of the region, who transformed the natural landscape into new forms of architecture
Lecce 79km, is the capital of the Salento region due to of its geographical position between the Ionic and Adriatic Seas. Known as "the Florence of Baroque", Lecce has a wealth of architectural monuments in Baroque style, with gargoyles and portals. There are many sites of artistic and historic interest, including the Church of St Croce, Piazza St Oronzo, the Column of St Oronzo, Porta Napoli, Lecce Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Amphitheatre, the Obelisk, the Carlo V Castle and many more.
The above is just a taste of the incredible culture and history of the regions of Puglia and neighbouring Basilicata, just waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Coupled with the unique gastronomic delights of Southern Italy and the amenities of Trullo Bellissimo, why not check out our Rates and Availability and start planning your trip now.