Italy’s regions of Apulia and Basilicata hide numerous treasures. Among the most remarkable towns in this area are Bari, Matera, and Alberobello, each offering its own unique atmosphere and historical wealth.
Bari, the capital of Apulia, is a bustling port city on the Adriatic coast. The city offers a fascinating blend of ancient and modern architecture. Its historic center, known as Bari Vecchia, invites visitors to wander through narrow streets and admire the Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas and the medieval castle. Bari is also famous for its vibrant seafront promenade and exquisite cuisine, especially fresh seafood.
Matera, located in the Basilicata region, is renowned for its ancient Sassi, cave dwellings carved into limestone cliffs. This unique historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been used as a setting for many films. Matera offers a captivating journey back in time, where people lived in these rock-cut homes for hundreds of years. For its beauty and history, Matera was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
- Sassi di Matera: The UNESCO-listed ancient cave dwellings are the heart of Matera. These stone homes, churches, and alleys carved into the rock have been inhabited for thousands of years. Walking through the Sassi is like stepping back in time.
- Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: This preserved cave house offers a glimpse into what life was like for residents of Matera in past centuries, showcasing the simple, rustic lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria de Idris: A cave church carved into a cliff, this small yet impressive church features ancient frescoes and offers stunning views of the Sassi and the surrounding landscape.
- Palombaro Lungo: This massive underground cistern, located beneath Piazza Vittorio Veneto, was once part of Matera’s water collection system. It’s an engineering marvel that visitors can explore.
- Cattedrale di Matera: The Matera Cathedral, located on the ridge between the two Sassi districts, is a 13th-century Romanesque cathedral with beautiful views over the city and impressive religious art inside.
- Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna della Basilicata: This museum houses a collection of medieval and modern art, including works from the region, offering a deeper understanding of Matera’s cultural history.
- Murgia Materana: A natural park just outside the city, it offers hiking trails and ancient rock churches, providing a look at the prehistoric and medieval history of the area.
- Piazza Vittorio Veneto: This central square is a great place to start your exploration of Matera. From here, you can admire views of the Sassi and explore nearby attractions like Palombaro Lungo.
Matera, the ancient city in southern Italy, gained international attention when it was featured in the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021). The city’s stunning backdrop of historic Sassi cave dwellings and winding streets provided the perfect setting for an action-packed sequence in the movie. In the film’s opening scenes, Bond is seen driving his iconic Aston Martin DB5 through the narrow streets of Matera, engaging in a high-octane car chase amidst the ancient stone architecture. This cinematic appearance has further elevated Matera’s profile as a top tourist destination.
Alberobello is a charming town known for its distinctive trulli houses, which are also UNESCO-listed. These white, round houses with conical stone roofs, built without mortar, create a fairytale-like atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world. The history of trulli dates back to the 14th century when they were simple shelters for farmers. Today, Alberobello stands as a symbol of Apulian traditional architecture and one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.
Together, these towns offer unforgettable experiences, whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply the beauty of southern Italy.
The region of Apulia, also known as Puglia, is not only characterized by its captivating towns but also by its stunning natural landscapes. The coastline along the Adriatic Sea boasts crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The Gargano National Park, located in the northern part of the region, is a haven for nature lovers with its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. Additionally, the area is famous for its expansive olive groves and vineyards, producing some of Italy’s finest olive oil and wine. Visitors can explore the quaint countryside dotted with masserie, traditional farmhouses that offer a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. The local cuisine, renowned for its simplicity and authenticity, is highlighted by dishes such as orecchiette pasta, fresh burrata cheese, and regional wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro. This combination of natural beauty, rich history, and culinary delights makes Apulia a must-visit destination for any traveler.