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Puglia
Puglia is frequently referred to as the Heel of Italy - the jutting peninsula that stretches towards Greece. Often overlooked by tourists, its attributes include a fabulous Mediterranean climate and coastline, distinctive and delicious cuisine, a developing reputation for its wines and a legacy of historically significant architecture.
Puglia's natural assets extend from the Gargano peninsula to the foothills of Apennines, taking in the Murge plateau and the Salentine peninsular. Its natural features include kilometer after kilometer of coasts lapped by clear waters, ravines, caves, the whimsical trulli, whitewashed farm buildings and the never ending expanses of ancient olive trees.
The mainly agriculture countryside has always had close contact with bordering regions and countries on the opposite shores of the Adriatic. The influences have been many, the result of invasion and trade by the ancient Greeks, Byzantines and Arabs from the sea, the Romans and later the Longobards, Normans, Swabians, French and Spaniards who reached Puglia across the interior.
Ceglie Messapica
Ceglie Messapica is a charming base from which to explore the region. Although the area has been inhabited since antiquity, the current settlement is medieval. The town centres on a 14th century castle and also has several churches dating from the 16th and 18th centuries.
Ostuni - The White City
Nearby Ostuni is known as one of the White Cities of the area, in reference to the square whitewashed buildings and meandering streets more commonly found across the Adriatic in Greece. From its dominant position on a hill top, it offers wonderful views of the surrounding country side and sea. The well preserved centro storico (or historic centre) is encircled by limestone walls and worthy of more than an few hours of exploration.
Grottaglie
Grottaglie is renowned as a production centre for ceramics, which are exported around the world. The quartiere delle ceramiche (or ceramic quarter) on Via E Crispi is lined with workshops where age old techniques are practiced.
Cisternino
Another of the citta bianche (white cities) Cisternino is perched on a hillside surrounded by olive trees. The historic centre is a car free zone of winding lanes and whitewashed buildings with many family owned restaurants and cafes.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is a must see, featuring impressive Baroque architecture, wide palazzi and a historic centre of laneways and alleys. It also has a reputation for fabulous food and wine.
Lecce
Lecce, capital of the nearby Salento region, is often referred to as the Florence of the South. Its Old Town is jam packed with Baroque churches, palazzi and civic buildings, including a castle, a Roman amphitheatre, 16th century city gates and the remains of a Roman theatre. A one day side trip can't do justice to all that Lecce has to offer.
Beach / Coast
You can explore both sides of the peninsula with the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea being just 26 km away and Ionian, around 40 km away. For those so inclined, there is a public pool in nearby Martina Franca.
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| Distances from Casa Aqva |
| Ceglie Messapica: |
7 km |
| Ostuni: |
18 km |
| Grottaglie: |
21 km |
| Cisternino: |
22 km |
| Martina Franca: |
26 km |
| Locorotondo: |
31 km |
| Alberobello: |
40 km |
| Lecce: |
80 km |
| Gallipoli (Italy): |
95 km |
| Airport (Brindisi): |
48 km |
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