Bisceglie is definitely an excellent starting point for discovering wonderful Puglia.
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TO THE NORTH
This part of Puglia was very dear to Frederick II, which is why it is commonly referred to as “Imperial Puglia.” The emperor left behind numerous traces, including the notable presence of Frederick’s castles. Numerous dynasties followed, from the Normans to the Swabians to the Angevins. Furthermore, its importance in the Roman and pre-Roman eras should not be forgotten, as evidenced by the finds.
The emblem of Andria is Castel del Monte, a castle built by Frederick II of Swabia, located on a hill. The castle has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is depicted on the 1 cent euro coin. The castle has eight towers and is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Murgia, within the Alta Murgia National Park in the territory of Andria.
The city of Trani, “pearl of the Adriatic,” a city of the sea and law, with its Ordinamenta maris, the Federiciano Castle, the Natural and Tourist Port, the “Villa Comunale”, a rare example of a garden by the sea, and its splendid waterfront, make it unique and unmissable. But it is above all known for its Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint San Nicola Pellegrino, built near the sea, which reflects its magnificent Apulian Romanesque architecture. With such a scenic location, the Trani Cathedral is one of the most evocative churches and places in Italy.
TOWARDS SOUTH
The regional capital, a city rich in folklore and traditions, with a welcoming and humble population; from the seafront to the historic center, a lively atmosphere reigns. The emblem of a territory rich in Trulli, caves, cathedrals, castles, museums, archaeological sites, megalithic monuments, and airy seascapes, all centers of major tourist and cultural interest in the entire province.
PUGLIA: HISTORICAL NOTES
Puglia, located at the southernmost edge of Europe, in the center of the Mediterranean, overlooks the eastern coast. A mostly flat territory with a particularly favorable climate, it has always been an ideal region for human settlements and a hub for commercial and cultural exchanges.
Home to populations that achieved a high level of civilization since ancient times, its prehistory is a cornerstone for studies on the most recent Paleolithic civilizations. Coveted by both the East and the West, it was home to numerous Greek colonies, a Roman territory, an ally of Hannibal against Rome, and included in the region by Augustus. It suffered barbarian invasions and came under Byzantine rule.
Subject to Saracen raids, in the 11th century the region revolted against the Byzantines with the self-interested help of the Normans, who took control. It was part of the Kingdom of Sicily, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies before the unification of Italy.
The history and culture of Puglia are profoundly marked by the presence of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Frankish, Spanish and other populations who left indelible traces of their presence.
Contact with such diverse ethnic groups and cultures has dotted the Puglia region with archaeological finds, castles, towers, cathedrals, and other monuments built in a wide variety of styles. Profound historical, cultural, and geographical diversity characterizes the Capitanata, Terra di Bari, Salento, and Ionian areas, so much so that it was once known as PUGLIE.
The gentle southern character, truly typical gastronomy, exquisite wines, religious and popular festivals, unfailing sunshine and clear sea create a particularly welcoming atmosphere and make Puglia the ideal holiday destination.