In Puglia there still exists “the old Italy”, the one steeped in history, traditions, outside the radar of mass tourism. A Puglia that the journalist Charlotte Eggleston-Johnstone described in the Times. Ten cities, small jewels of the Heel of the Boot, which are worth knowing and visiting. The “afternoon buzz that can now be felt in the old streets of Monopoli” is beautiful, Alberobello is characteristic, Ostuni is unbeatable “for shopping and views”, Polignano is wonderful.
According to the Times, however, these locations, although absolutely worthy of a visit, “have adapted to meet the needs of the international traveler”. The old authentic Italy resides, however, in ten countries mostly unknown to tourists around the world.
In first place is Oria, in the province of Brindisi. A town “rich in ancient charm” thanks to “the elegant whitewashed alleys decorated with bougainvillea, the ceramics and geraniums, the imposing Swabian castle and the presence of much Jewish history”. In Oria, the cathedral “with decorated interiors, multicolored dome and crypt with mummified bodies” and the archaeological museum are also highly appreciated.
In second place is Mola di Bari which “seems like Monopoli 20 years ago”. Mola is among the ten most beautiful and unknown cities in Puglia for the «its lively fishing port, the ice cream parlors-bars-cafés, the noble palace and the sociable Piazza XX Settembre where the locals gather in the evening”. And again for the recently renovated seafront and the polygonal Angevin castle, «an evocative corner fort built in 1279 to defend the city from pirates».
Gravina in Puglia (Bari) is in third place, the town of the bridge “from which James Bond jumps”. Precisely the bridge that the Times recommends crossing to reach the city “or simply to enjoy the view of the cathedral and the once inhabited caves”. Also worth visiting is the underground Gravina, the «tree-lined avenues that host elegant pastry shops and glossy clothing shops and a lovely little square with a garden full of angular-shaped trees».
In fourth position is Conversano, in the province of Bari. «Conversano is enchanting, especially on warm evenings while the Aragonese castle captures the sunset – writes the Times -. It is an artistic city, with large exhibitions in the castle gallery, and numerous boutiques and jewelery ateliers along the streets.” The starred Pasha restaurant in Conversano is also mentioned.
In fifth place is Putignano (Bari), «which some confuse with Polignano». Putignano is noted for its Wednesday morning market “well set up which extends throughout the city”, for the historic centre, for the oldest Carnival in Europe and for its varied history “which involves Benedictine monks, knights of Jerusalem and French”. Also mentioned in the case of Putignano is the starred restaurant Angelo Sabatelli.
Trani occupies sixth position. It is defined as “the pearl of Puglia” as an “immaculate city that remains (wonderfully) uncontaminated by the masses”.
What is striking in Trani is the “intensely blue” sea, the architecture of the ancient village, the noble stone buildings, the castle built by Frederick II, the cathedral from 1100 «and excellent restaurants serving fresh fish and a good muscat». And again: «It is a place where you can walk slowly, admire the colorful buildings and yachts of the tourist port, the shaded coastal park of the Villa Comunale and the Piazza Theater in the historic center».
In seventh place is Castro, in the province of Lecce. «The Salento city is located on a promontory that goes from the Aragonese castle to Porto Vecchio where it is possible to book excursions to the nearby caves. Her history dates back to the ancient Greeks and is linked to the cult of the goddess Minerva (the remains of her temple are still being excavated).”
In eighth position is Maglie (Lecce), «with its streets in warm Lecce stone – the color of the Cotswolds – and the beautiful baroque architecture that gives a wealthy tone». In Maglie, the small but evocative historic center is appreciated, the Antonio Tamborino square «where families lounge together», the countless churches, the gardens of Villa Tamborino and the museums.
In penultimate place, ninth, is Canosa di Puglia (BAT), «an interesting town on the edge of the Murgia plateau which is every archaeologist’s dream». Worth visiting is the park of the municipal villa with its garden of Daunian and Roman finds, the cathedral of San Sabino, the Mausoleum of Boemondo, the prestigious National Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the castle.
Finally, in tenth place, is Altamura (Bari), a “grittier” place, with a smattering of street graffiti and a less refined atmosphere. City of birth of the famous sourdough bread, Altamura includes a 22nd century Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza Duomo (built on an ancient Saracen site) and the Palazzo Baldassarre where it is possible to «admire the reproduced remains of a calcified skeleton of Neanderthal called Altamura Man”.
