A Rich Cultural Heritage

- A Land of Sea and Sun
- Sites & Sounds of Puglia

- Local Festivals
- Simply Delicious

As well as having a beautiful coastline Puglia is also renowned as a land of castles, fortresses and cathedrals. Many of the hill-top castles date from medieval times and still dominate the horizon today, keeping watch on the valleys below for invaders from the safety of their fortified walls.
 
Renaissance fortresses dot the coastline still surveying the sea for any signs of marauders. They often took advantage of existing castles which made them virtually impregnable and for interested enthusiasts, rich in history.

Many of these arhcitectural gems offer a fascinating day out, often hosting events and normally housing museums or exhibitions within their walls. In Gioia del Colle the castle in the town centre is also home to an archaeological museum, while the privately owned castle at Oria exhibits ancient coins, engraved gems, statues, bronzes and pottery dating from Roman through to medieval times.

Now divided into five provinces, Puglia came to prominence first under Greek patronage and then as part of the Roman Empire. Brindisi became the commerical heartbeat of the area, providing a port through which passed almost all the goods from Egypt, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Syria and other prominent civilisations, bound for Rome.

With the fall of the empire came a less rosy period for the people of Puglia, constantly under attack from the Barbarians and forced to endure rebellions, pirate raids and several wars.

But with the arrival of the Normans the area began to prosper once more. Castles such as the one at San Vito dei Normanni sprang up, designed more for comfort and trade than the grim task of defence.

In more modern times Puglia developed economically with the introduction of better road and rail links and now modern industry and technology thrives alongside traditional farming and other industries.

Today the regional capital is Bari, and the other provincial capitals are Foggia, Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto. All offer a wealth of things to see and do, ensuring that any visitor to Puglia will not be lacking for cultural sustenance.