Dreams running deep: Discover Puglia and Basilicata

1. Puglia – an unexpected journey through art and history

Nowhere do the words “melting pot” apply better than in Puglia: having seen invaders from all fronts across the centuries, here traditions are a peculiar mingle of Greek, Roman, Norman, French and Spanish influences, to name a few. The outcome is a fanciful collection of very special cities, dwellings and monuments. It all starts with a visit to Lecce, the Florence of the south, an impressive location where Baroque architecture is so special that it has its very own definition, Barocco leccese. The local pietra leccese is in fact employed, bestowing a glowing light onto the surroundings, especially at afterglow; and yet a 2nd c. AD Roman amphitheatre still stands, right in the centro storico, to counterbalance this fusion of styles and epochs.

Romanesque churches are also fabulous showpieces all across the region: from spellbinding Trani to Bitonto, Bari and Otranto, a symphony of delicate architectures brings momentum to a cultural visit. A soul-enriching region, art treasures do crop up everywhere: pretty Ostuni is called the white city and features a delightful 15th c. cathedral that sports an ornate rose window and a highly decorative façade. Cisternino, too, strikes for its rows of white houses, donning a unique, soul-enriching light that will conquer your hearts. Do not miss Locorotondo, its circular centre a joy to get lost in, or Galatina and its Gothic Basilica di Santa Croce. We’ve only just started: Puglia is the place to be and the excitement will have you fired up!   

3. Food – a savouring joy

No Italian experience is complete until you have tasted the regional varieties of its delicious food. Puglia will not disappoint gourmet lovers as putting on a feast is de rigueur here. Try delicious Orecchiette alle Cime di rapa – originally from Bari – cicero e tria (chickpea pasta), bombette pugliesi (cheese-filled meatballs) or cozze arragonate (mussels)… finishing off with a delicious pasticciotto dessert or biscotti di Ceglie, washed with fruity Primitivo wine or Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG, Gravina, Copertino or Leverano DOC wines. 

It may be called cucina povera, but food in Puglia is truly enriching! Why not recreate these delights and join a cooking course: you will learn the ropes or up your skills with local chefs, understanding why the local cuisine is so envied and appreciated the world over.

5. Basilicata – a world of treasures

UNESCO World Heritage Matera is perhaps the region’s most famous highlight: inhabited since prehistoric times, the sassi – cave dwellings out of tufa limestone – essentially define the two main quarters of the historical centre, Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso. Visiting this almost surreal place is a revelation into the cunning engineering feats achieved through the centuries – water tanks to collect water in the underground part of the town are a case in point – but also a window onto an apparently surreal building strategy, where the roof of one cave becomes the ground floor of another, in a human beehive that has fascinated visitors, historians, even scientists over time. If it’s a spot of lovely coast you’re after, Maratea comes up your street: one of Italy’s most charming seaside resorts, this is the town of 44 hilltop churches and it comes with lush vegetation, secluded coves, pastel-coloured houses in a romantic setting, all under the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer, a 22-meter high concrete and Carrara marble statue that echoes Rio de Janeiro’s version. And then don’t forget Metaponto and its sandy beaches, Grumentum Archeological Park and the several ancient dwellings that make the region a blissful discovery