Culture

Puglia is famous for its crystalline sea, its beaches with Caribbean charm and its lush hinterland of lush green forests. White, green and blue are therefore the first colors that come to mind when thinking of Puglia. Blue is that of the sea, green is that of the centuries-old vineyards and olive groves, and white is the predominant color of the ancient villages that, overlooking the sea or half-hidden in the hinterland, dot the territory with their whitewashed houses.

The white cities of Puglia are places where time seems to be suspended, where the dazzling white dominates, coloring the houses, streets and buildings of these cities. The choice of white was not random, nor was it dictated exclusively by aesthetic issues.
Between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, this stretch of coast was often attacked and plundered by the Saracens and the white houses, reflecting the sunlight, blinded the raiders, giving a strategic advantage to the population that had to defend itself. Secondly, there is a hygienic reason why the white of the lime was chosen, a readily available material that could be easily restored. Especially in the Middle Ages there was the belief that lime, being a renewable material, was able to prevent the spread of the plague. Finally, there is a climatic reason, since white lime guarantees considerable thermal insulation. The buildings of the beautiful white cities are therefore cool in summer and warm in winter, significantly increasing the living comfort of those who live there.

One of the brightest white cities in Puglia is Ostuni which, thanks to the lime that covers most of its buildings, shines with its own light. It stands on three hills, while the Aragonese walls that surround it act as a shield. Another splendid Apulian village is Locorotondo, where you can admire the cummerse, houses with triangular roofs. Martina Franca is the most noble of the towns in the Itria Valley and is a real city. Even today it retains its appeal as a noble and elegant city, whose richness emerges in the architecture of the buildings, where the Rococo gives a hand to the Lecce Baroque. Cisternino, a few kilometers from the sea, is one of the most beautiful villages in Puglia: its historic center is full of white buildings. It is the famous home of butchers-grills where you can taste the “bombette”, a typical skewer of meat that is cooked in the oven directly in the butcher’s shop and can be tasted outside the place, which is neither a pub nor a meat shop in the strict sense: it is both, the Braceria in fact.

Ceglie Messapica is one of the oldest cities in Puglia. Its very ancient origins are revealed in its very name: it was inhabited by the ancient population of the Messapians who came from Illyria and settled between the eighth and third centuries BC. However, it is only around 1100 that it is mentioned in a document that tells of the disputes for pastures with nearby Ostuni. You must try the Cegliese biscuit, which smells of lemon and is made with almonds and honey with a heart of jam. It is a typical product that is the pride and joy of the Cegliesi who have jealously passed down the recipe for at least 300 years.

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The ceramics of Puglia are the result of a centuries-old tradition, which dates back to the 17th century. The main production centers are located in the Taranto area, in the Bari area in places like Rutigliano and Terlizzi, and in some areas of Salento.

Here in small workshops the artisans still pour their passion into the creation of unique objects, which are now part of the cultural heritage of an entire territory: “pumi”, “capasoni”, “pupa baffuta” and “limme”.

Pumi
They are also commonly called “pine cones” due to their shape. In reality they represent the bud of a flower ready to open with the arrival of spring. In ancient times these Apulian ceramics were placed on the galleries of stately buildings. Today, however, they are used as extremely elegant furnishing elements.

Pupa baffuta
The history of the “pupe with moustaches” dates back to the feudal period when the “jus primæ noctis” (unfair law) unleashed the jealousy of a future husband who, in order to avoid the unacceptable and taxing shame of having his wife possessed by the prince of the moment, disguised himself as a bride and presented himself before the nobleman. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to cut his moustache and was immediately discovered and arrested.

Capasone
Also called “zirra”, the capasone is a typical ceramic container from Puglia similar to a yellow jar. The term in the Apulian dialect means “large” and refers to the large size of the object. Precisely because of its characteristics, the ceramic capasoni from Puglia were used to preserve oil and wine.

Limmi
In the culinary tradition of Puglia, two things are of vital importance: oil and tomato. In Puglia, dozens of families still gather every year in the summer to prepare the famous preserve, which guarantees an excellent sauce all year round.
If you want to follow tradition to the letter, the pulp of the tomatoes passed before being bottled must be collected in the limmi, which are nothing more than clay “basins”. Even in this case, the typical ceramics of Puglia give their contribution to the tradition, giving life to something unique. This is precisely the strength of Puglia ceramics: the ability to transform everyday objects into small works of art.

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A characteristic example of medieval architectural sculpture, the stylophorus lion was placed in the portals and pulpits of early Christian and Romanesque churches with the architectural function of holding up the columns, but it was also the bearer of a symbolic spiritual message addressed to men. In fact, in medieval bestiaries, the lion was assimilated to the idea of ​​watching over and protecting because it was believed to sleep with its eyes open and therefore with the apotropaic function of defender from evil and at the same time protector of good.
Therefore, an undisputed symbol of Fortitude, placed at the entrance of churches, it symbolizes the strength that guards the sacred space.

According to a category of medieval books, the lion is also a symbol of Christ for various reasons: Christ is called “the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation of John 5, 5-6); Christ was resurrected after three days, like lions that were believed to be born dead and come back to life after their father breathed on them after three days. The lion is majestic in front, but with smooth fur on the back (like Christ who is the son of God, but at the same time is a man). The lion is next to the throne evoking the presence of Christ in the book of the Apocalypse of John (5, 5) and, in medieval iconography, it is also a symbol of God’s justice. The lion is also a symbol of justice because the Prior administered justice inter leones et coram populo (among the lions and before the people).
If we read the passage from Genesis in which Jacob entrusts a destiny to each of his sons and note how much he prophesies the arrival of Christ, the new leader of the lineage of Judah, the new crouching lion, but also the one who, in continuity, in the manner of Judah himself, will wash his robe in wine.

Usually the lion to the right and left of the portal, are depicted in different postures. According to art historians, this difference represents the dual human and divine nature of Christ. The two lions are therefore the representation of Jesus and symbolize his strength in supporting the Church. They also represent Christ’s victory over death.

The crouching lion is the risen Lord and the prey between his paws is death, which he has conquered: many passages of the Scriptures recall this image. Furthermore, the lion-Christ is depicted as a support for the columns: he is the risen one who supports his Church and the entire life of believers in the passage of time and in the activity of every day, to which the figures of the Months allude.

In Romanesque iconography, the lion is also an allegory of Christ the judge, loving towards the good but inflexible towards the wicked: the lion holding between its paws, as a sign of supremacy and, at the same time, of protection, a lamb, a deer or a human figure, frequent in Romanesque porches, especially in Italy and Provence, is a metaphor of Christ who defends the faithful.

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At a certain point Lecce emerged from the crowded list of Italian cities of art and established itself as a destination no longer just for the summer. In fact, in addition to being a point of passage towards the “Maldives of Italy”, it is first and foremost a city rich in testimonies and works of art from the Roman, medieval and Renaissance periods.

Lecce is called the “Lady of the Baroque”, and it is precisely Baroque art that characterizes the spires, portals, churches, monuments and streets of the historic center overlooking refined buildings and interesting artisan workshops where objects are made of papier-mâché and Lecce stone. Baroque art spread to Lecce in the seventeenth century, during the Spanish domination, replacing classical art and creating a style that left room for fantasy and imagination. The historic center is full of examples of the processing of this stone in monuments, churches but also balconies and terraces of private homes.

But it is not only Baroque that characterizes Lecce.
The most important testimony of the Roman era is the Amphitheatre, which was built in the 2nd century AD to entertain the passionate spectators with the shows and games that took place inside (the building could accommodate about 20,000).
Near Piazza Sant’Oronzo stands the Castle commissioned by King Charles V in 1539. For a long time the fortification served the function of defending the territory, later one of its rooms was used to host theatrical performances (18th century), later it functioned as a barracks and military district (from 1870 to 1979).
Piazza Sant’Oronzo is the main square of Lecce, the city’s living room, which has always been a meeting place and gathering place. Shops, cafes, and offices crowd the charming oval square whose pavement is decorated with a mosaic depicting the city’s coat of arms: the She-Wolf under a holm oak tree and the crown with 5 towers.

Good food is at home in Lecce. Among the typical dishes, the very famous pasticciotto leccese is worth mentioning, which must be eaten strictly hot. Local vegetables and seafood offer a myriad of typical dishes of the Salento culinary tradition. The spices of the Mediterranean scrub (sage, mint, oregano, rosemary…) contribute, then, to increasing the flavor of each dish. What about the wines? Negramaro, Salice Salentino and Primitivo di Manduria are just some of the native wines of Salento that are distinguished by their full-bodied color and flavor.

Interested in visting Lecce ? Ask us for more information.

In Italy there’s a big tradition to celebrate the saint who has the role of patron saint in a community. This public holiday varies from town to town, based on the saint celebrated. Depending to the budget, patronal festivals may run from one day to five days. They usually include religious processions but however, elements of local culture as well.

Usually, town members adorn the town streets with colorful decorations, lights and stands. Most patronal festivals feature traditional fairs including parades, artisans, street vendors, regional food stands, amusement rides, live entertainment and fireworks.

Until 40 years ago, this public holiday was time to get together and meet family or relatives who often lived in a different town or city. It was also a time for socialization through folkloristic events and popular games. It was therefore a manifestation of great spiritual and human value. Let’s say that as a celebration it responded to man’s desire and vital need to give space to spirituality and sociality, through manifestations of joy and jubilation, interrupting the monotony of everyday life and the worry of earning money.

Today, of course, it seems that other elements have taken over to leave the field to an almost exclusively commercial, social or folkloristic event, also losing its character as an occasion for meeting and dialogue between members of the same community.

In my home town, May 26^th is the day when we celebrate San Fililppo Neri. The festival in honor of San Filippo was introduced in Gioia del Colle in 1703. Following a terrible earthquake in May 1731, which miraculously did not cause any damage to the city, the people of Gioia, grateful for the intercession of the Saint, proclaimed San Filippo Neri as Patron Saint.

Would you like to experience a local festival like that ? Book a tour in the last week of May to experience the main events in town and much more.

September is getting closer and for winemakers it is a decisive month for the fate of any winery. In reality, the harvest is much more than that. It is a moment full of charm and history. For centuries, it has been a social ceremony of primary importance, an occasion for aggregation, sharing and celebration.

The first evidence of the grape harvest dates back to 10,000 BC. in the areas of the Fertile Crescent. Here the grape harvest was part of a real religious ceremony thanking the gods for the fruits reserved by the earth to men.

In Ancient Rome, the so-called “Vinalia Rustica” was celebrated on August 19th: a festival in honor of Jupiter who ritually began the harvest. Interestingly, on those days, all other activities were suspended. Therefore the entire family or family circle gathered to dedicate themselves solely to work in the fields. Hence the social and convivial character of this activity, also designed to unite, to celebrate and to spend time together.

Lastly, till the ’60s, the grape harvest was one of the few opportunity for social meeting between boys and girls.

Every year in Puglia there are many wineries that take part in the organized event “Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia”. It’s an unmissable opportunity for all enthusiasts who want to discover the secrets of the grape harvest at the local wineries. Thus visitors have the opportunity to do a tour of the vineyards, enjoy a guided tasting of the wines and learn the tricks of the business directly from the producers.

Speaking of Apulian wines, they are among the most awarded wines on the Italian peninsula. In 2023, the wine guide Gambero Rosso gave “3 glasses” ( the highest vote ) to 26 wines of Puglia. Join our tour and you’ll have a taste of delicious local wines, you’ll visit family-run wineries and more.

After our daily tour, some guests go out for a walk or dinner in one of the many good local restaurants. Passing by the town’s square, they always see small groups of elderly men chatting among themselves or walking back and forth. “But where are the women?” is the classic question they ask me when we meet the following morning.

Groups of elderly men meeting in the square, is an image that represents the culture and tradition of beautiful Southern Italy. Today for many tourists the local squares represent the perfect opportunity to drink a coffee and do some people-watching.

In all historical eras the square was as a place and meeting center for citizens, mainly carrying out these functions: political (rallies, parliaments), commercial (fairs, markets), religious (processions and sacred representations).

The square was born, in Italy, at the dawn of the Middle Ages either as the churchyard of the Cathedral or as a large area in front of the headquarters of the civil authority. The square, as it appears from the typically Baroque conception, represents the living room of our cities. A place where history, architecture and culture merge and take on the fulcrum of urban life, affirming the identity of a people and strengthening their unity.

Thus, just like when we welcome someone into our home, the square represents the place where the visitor can make himself comfortable and enjoy what is beautiful we have to offer him. This concept has always been extremely linked to Italian tradition and culture, to the point of being exported all over the world.

Above all the square, like public spaces in general, is a spontaneous meeting place and for this reason it is a symbol of democracy. Therefore it is no coincidence that the Agora was the place used for public political meetings in ancient Greece, the society in which this concept was born.

Check out our full list of Puglia tours for a visit to our local beautiful squares and more.

Since ancient times, men used to sit around the fire, look each other in the eyes, exchange food and carry out the first communication. Among the smiles, the first words and the primitive practices of sharing food, the concept of conviviality made its way. Conviviality from the Latin cum-vivere ( living together ) today is contained in the image of being meaningfully together at the table.

Sitting together around the table, is a circumstance full of meaning to which we very often do not attribute the right human value. In fact, when we are at the table together, it serves to recover that family spirit and so the table becomes the place of mutual listening, of sharing, of exchanging words. Consequently, the most important decisions are often made while sitting at a table.

Furthermore the key element of the table is the food which earned more and more human value over the years. Food is language and culture, communication and then being together at the table underlines its symbolic-expressive power. Around the table you eat, taste, experiment and talk. Food and its flavors are transmitters of knowledge and stories.

That perfectly explains why lunch time during my tour, is as important as visiting a monument or a site. I spend time selecting the right restaurants since it’s as important as deciding the sites to visit. I believe that to truly understand the culture of a destination you must taste the local flavors.

Plutarco said “we do not invite each other to simply eat and drink, but to eat and drink together”. Sitting at a table for lunch, is the moment when my guests become my friends.

If you want to experience local restaurants and combine it with a guided tour of Puglia, have a look at our itineraries, price and description.

Domenico Modugno was born in Polignano a Mare, the pearl of the Adriatic sea in Puglia. He won Sanremo music festival in 1958 singing “Nel blu, dipinto di blu”. That song is also known as “Volare” which is the most famous and reinterpreted Italian song in history.

“Nel blu, dipinto di blu” was written in Rome in the summer of 1957 by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci. There are various stories about the birth of the hit. As the Apulian singer confessed, the idea came to mind to his friend while looking at the painting “Le coq rouge dans la nuit” by Marc Chagall. Migliacci himself then revealed that in reality the song is the result of a dream in the saddest day of his life.

The two friends met one evening in Piazza del Popolo ( Rome ) and began to write down the words of the text. However, something was missing: the chorus. That “Volare oh oh”, which is the most remembered and recognizable part of the song, was born by chance. Modugno observed one morning with his wife Franca the blue sky from the window of his house and finally a masterpiece emerged.

In the United States, they named Modugno as Mister Volare. He recorded his hit in 13 languages and more than 22 million records were sold worldwide. Even today it is probably the most famous and reinterpreted Italian song in modern history.

His birthplace Polignano, wanted to dedicate a statue, created by the Argentine sculptor Hermann Mejer, which depicts the artist with his arms wide open as if wanting to embrace his hometown. Furthermore it has become an obligatory destination for those who want to take a souvenir photo. Behind the statue there’s blue sky and blue sea which recalls the song’s title “nel blu dipinto di blu”.

Check out our small group and private tours of Puglia for a visit to Polignano a Mare and more.

Puglia is full of attractions and things to do from majestic castles to medieval cathedrals to enchanting top-hill towns. These beautiful attractions draw thousands of visitors to the region each year. Well, that and Puglia’s amazing cuisine and restaurant scene. So a guide to enjoy Puglia and your trip to Southern Italy, can give you a richer, deeper understanding of the spots you visit.

Puglia has had, since ancient times, mixed influences from the West and the East. Its strategic position as the natural southern border between Western Europe and Greece, made it a bridge to the East. Since Roman times has been known for its olive oil, wheat and wine. In the Middle Ages then, the crusaders sailed from Bari, Trani and Barletta to the Middle-East.

Besides you can’t officially say you’ve been to Italy’s southernmost region if you haven’t tried these foods straight at the source: burrata, focaccia, mozzarella, orecchiette, extra virgin olive oil, taralli and Primitivo wine.

So it takes a passionate, local guide to understand the rich history, to admire the hidden corners and eat in selected family-run restaurants. Besides you’ll make the most out of your time and get the best possible experience.
Experience Puglia is an individual tour Company, a sunny tour guide who loves his work.

Contact me, you won’t regret it 🙂

Check out our Puglia tours page for more details.