An octagon is the key to one of Apulia’s most distinctive castles: Castel del Monte was completed in 1240. Its shape reflects mathematical and astronomical precision. Romanesque, Gothic, classical and Islamic artistic elements come together here, while its medieval architecture is also associated with Frederick II. Anyone interested in architecture and history will find this castle an unusual starting point for discovering the region’s culture.

Architecture and Urban History

In Lecce, the LeccEcclesiae route leads to the city’s most important Baroque churches. A different perspective on its history can be found at the Mura Urbiche: a walkway leads to the elevated ramparts of the preserved northwestern section of the 16th-century city fortifications, which also include the Bastione San Francesco. Below ground, the visit continues with multimedia information on the history of the fortifications.

Palazzo Vernazza also brings different periods together in one visit. The tour covers Messapian, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque history. Audiovisual stories are available in Italian and English; 3D reconstructions show historical contexts and the interiors of the palazzo.

The Rudiae Archaeological Park has been open to visitors since 2018. Among its remains is a Roman amphitheatre built under Trajan in the early years of the 2nd century AD. The exhibition route at MUST – Museo Storico della città di Lecce, in turn, covers the Messapian period, the Roman imperial era and the Middle Ages in Lecce’s history. In Alberobello, the Museo del Territorio tells the story of the settlement in a complex of 15 trulli. San Nicola features towers, fortifications, walls, churches, cloisters and the fortified abbey of Santa Maria a Mare.

Karst Landscapes, Forests and Trails

In Parco Nazionale dell’Alta Murgia, the landscape is shaped by rocky ridges, sinkholes, karst caves and steep slopes, along with natural pastures and oak and coniferous forests. There are twelve Agropasseggiate for walking, starting at twelve different agricultural and livestock farms in the park. Five other trails are organised around the themes of nature, archaeology, landscape and history. The routes thus offer different ways to explore the landscape and its agricultural heritage.

The trail network in Foresta Umbra is about 54 kilometres long. Its 15 trails are marked with directional signs and trail markers. Picnic areas and a visitor information service are also available for orientation and breaks; a natural history museum and mountain bike hire complete the visitor facilities. Parco Nazionale del Gargano offers a different scale: the park covers more than 120,000 hectares and includes ancient forests and archipelagos washed by crystal-clear waters.

The Miniere di Bauxite can be viewed from above via designated educational areas and viewpoints. Descending into the mines is prohibited because of slope erosion. Management, enhancement and promotion activities, including guided tours, are currently suspended. Check the latest status before visiting.

Marine Protected Areas and Regional Highlights

Apulia lies in the Mediterranean region and combines extensive coastlines, golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, historic towns and islands. The Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area covers about 2,200 hectares and an eight-kilometre stretch of coastline. Swimming is permitted in Zone B from sunrise to sunset. The Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area covers 1,466 hectares of sea and 20,410 metres of coastline around San Domino, San Nicola, Caprara and Pianosa. Swimming, guided tours—including underwater tours—and mooring in specially designated areas are permitted there.

Apulia offers five cycling routes that take in Gargano, Salento, Valle d’Itria and towns of art. Regional cuisine also reflects differences within the area: orecchiette with turnip tops is considered a typical Apulian dish and originates in the Bari area. Alongside castles, museums and protected landscapes, there are also routes and dishes that each offer their own inspiration for a trip.

Discover more destinations: Lecce, Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Taranto.

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