4 of the most photogenic spots in Puglia
The heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is bursting with historical treasures, glorious beaches, natural wonders and pretty coastal towns. Here are four places in this fantastically scenic region that you and your camera won’t want to miss.
- Castel del Monte
The striking medieval castle of Castel del Monte is one of Italy’s best-known cultural landmarks. Sitting atop a hill in Andria, this perfectly octagonal fortress was built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle’s white and pink limestone walls look like marble from a distance, which makes for some amazing photos against the blue sky. And you can climb up Tower 6’s spiral staircase to capture great aerial shots of the courtyard as well as panoramic snaps of the surrounding countryside.
2. The trulli of Alberobello
A picturesque small town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Alberobello is a place like no other. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its centuries-old trulli – distinctive conical-roofed limestone dwellings that look straight out of a fairytale.
The town has over 1,500 of these unique buildings split across two areas: the more popular Rione Monti, and the quieter and smaller Aia Piccolia. A guided tour will give you plenty of chances to get some enviable pics, but why not book a night’s stay in one for the full trulli experience?
3. Alberobello market
It’s not just magical architecture that makes Alberobello a great place to get snap happy. The colourful weekly market is a feast for the eyes too, and the ideal way to taste of the town’s traditional life.
From 8am every Thursday morning, the day when the local shops are shut, you’ll find traders selling all sorts of wares: from delicious local cheeses and fresh herbs, to handmade wicker items, clothing and towels. The market is spread throughout the centre and Largo Martellotta, but head to Via Barsento Street, dedicated to food vendors, for the most photogenic scenes.
4. Grotte di Castellana
Love natural phenomena? Then take a trip to Grotte di Castellana, one of the best attractions in Puglia. Just a short drive from Alberobello, this spectacular limestone cave complex is 90 million years old and draws visitors from all over the globe.
You won’t be able to put down your camera during a guided tour through 3 kilometres of incredible stalactites, stalagmites, canyons and crystals, all given imaginative names by early explorers. And just when you think it can’t get any more picture-perfect, you’ll end up in Grotte Bianca (White Cave) – a breathtaking chamber with the most dazzling alabaster in the world.
Want to point your lens at Puglia’s fantastic attractions on your next villa holiday? Take a look at our great range of villas in Puglia.