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Ideally located in central
Puglia, Alberobello is within easy reach of both
the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, with their
beaches and leisure facilities. Highlights of the
architecture of Puglia, the Romanesque cathedrals
of Bari and the lush Baroque of Lecce are also a
short trip away.
But there is also
a wealth of history here, from neolithic dolmens,
Graeco-Roman towns and ports, rock churches with
Byzantine frescoes, Norman cathedrals and
castles. The towns, large or small, all preserve
a unique identity, whether it is a white village
reminiscent of Greece or north Africa, or the
18th century elegance of Martina Franca.
Puglia's unique
feature is the trulli, a style of domestic and
rural architecture that has made the town of
Alberobello a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Alberobello is the capital of the trulli country,
with over a thousand of these stone cone-roofed
buildings in the centre of the town, and many
more in the outlying rural area including the
famous Valle d'Itria.
Around Alberobello
the local landscape is of vineyards and olive
groves, dry-stone walled fields and many
reminders of the forests which gave Alberobello
its name, the beautiful tree.
A journey into the
Murge soon takes you into heathland, pine and
mixed forest, and then the rugged limestone
ravines which provide spectacular backdrops for
the towns perched on their tops. Nature trails
and walking opportunities are as abundant here as
in the coastal area. The caves of Castellana are
the best in Italy, and the White Cave amongst the
most beautiful stalagmite caves in the world.
Add to all this
the quality of the food and drink, the relaxed
atmosphere of the south, the natural friendliness
of the people, and central Puglia becomes a dream
destination for the traveller or holidaymaker.
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