Country House Borgo Fiore

Today I would like to take you to the silence of the Salento hinterland, to a quiet place in the greenery to enjoy this moment to the fullest. Immersed in the nature of the warm colors of the Salento countryside, stands the B&B Borgo Fiore Country House, surrounded by majestic and centuries-old olive groves alternating with vineyards and fruit trees; an oasis of peace and tranquility, a place protected from traffic and frenzy.
Located in a strategic area, a few kilometers from Lecce, the B&B allows its guests to reach the main artistic centers comfortably.

Borgo Fiore Country House: the structure

B&B Borgo Fiore Country House was born from the recovery and restoration of an ancient country house, of which the authentic materials and part of the original structure have been preserved characterized by warm and welcoming rooms, a large living room with fireplace, ceilings with exposed beams, walls and original stone floors that date back to the 1900s. The building thus transmits all the charm of tradition, preserving a rustic and ancient flavour, even if equipped with all modern comforts.

The structure is equipped with a large private and external car park, where you can leave your means of transport without problems. Once you arrive, you enter through a small door, and from there you will be enchanted by the variety of colors that paint this large garden, enriched by trees and ornamental plants, in which it will be possible to relax and sunbathe in the most absolute tranquility and privacy and enjoy a refreshing swim in the fabulous swimming pool, where children can play in complete safety. The large porch will welcome you in the large room used for breakfast, but also in the rooms structured in the various areas of the house.

The services offered

Country House Borgo Fiore B&B includes 13 rooms, double, twin, triple and a family room capable of accommodating 4/5 people. All rooms are bright and welcoming and have private bathrooms with shower, TV and free wi-fi, each furnished with a typically Salento taste.

The most important moment is breakfast, which uses local products directly homemade, with a unique and genuine flavour. Buffet is served in the large room of the rural house or outdoors, under the porch, where you can relax, enjoying a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. The specialties? Various types of donuts, tarts, desserts and biscuits, the inevitable Salento pasticciotto, as well as excellent croissants and cappuccinos as well as coffee, fruit juices, jams, Nutella, honey, bread and rusks.

Furthermore, the village is equipped with a small cellar of its own production, with the possibility of sipping a good “house wine“; an inseparable relationship between quality products and wine, which pays homage to this wonderful land.

By choosing Borgo Fiore Country House you have the advantage of being in green and uncontaminated areas, free of the chaos and pollution present in most beaches or public swimming pools. Furthermore, there is an atmosphere of authentic hospitality and family welcome, suitable for ecological and sustainable holidays, for those who love healthy and traditional eating, for those with children and for those who want to relax!

What I would like to tell you would seem like a fairy tale that begins with: “Once upon a time.” But, in reality, this fantastic place really exists and the protagonist is an artist who lives in Guagnano, 20km from Lecce. He can be seen in the distance, hidden among vineyards and olive trees, a “sacred” and peaceful place, where art comes to life: Vincent Maria Brunetti house, better known as VINCENT CITY. The hermitage is a cross between Gaudi’s architecture and the house of Hansel and Gretel: a place out of time, where art becomes balm for the soul. Here the beauty is rich in colours, shades, where each line gives face to the artist’s feelings, embroidering his ideas, his thoughts, set like colorful gems along the entrance walls. A place intended to tell the interior world of its imaginative creator: mosaics, icons, sculptures and paintings decorate the building.

Life of Vincent Maria Brunetti

Vincent Maria Brunetti, one of the most emblematic figures of the southern artistic panorama, also called the “dragonfly of the south“, is one of the few painters who has made his life a protest, who has managed to free himself from the “system” and the grip of gallery owners, critics and artistic and cultural associations, building his little kingdom.

Artist, painter, sculptor born in Guagnano (LE) on 3 December 1950, he was struck by polio at a young age and managed to recover his strength thanks to the treatment of Mariano Orrico, creator of “Lamina Bior”, according to whom any kind of disease can be defeated by the principle of static electricity. Precisely thanks to this method Brunetti was able to recover his joy of living, which today he manages to express through his propitiatory dance. Brunetti was a bohemian artist in Milan, where in 1970 he was awarded the Ambrogio d’oro. His art was appreciated and encouraged by Giacomo Manzù and Arnaldo Pomodoro who welcomed him as an apprentice in his workshop. He then went on a spiritual retreat during which he had an inspiration and, returning to Salento, in 1993 he built Vincent City.

The construction of the structure caused many difficulties from a bureaucratic point of view and the artist was arrested for illegal construction. However, the conviction did not stop him and his “house” is currently a constantly evolving construction site. Here the artist welcomes hundreds of enthusiasts and curious people on a monthly basis who, in addition to visiting the house-museum, purchase his works and often enjoy the spectacle that the master’s creativity and healthy madness provide. His smile involves and captures. He seems to release an intense energy, the energy that Vincent says he possessed after polio. Many define him as an eccentric and exuberant artist, some consider him a skilled entrepreneur, others do not approve of his abusive condition, but Brunetti certainly appears to be an over-the-top character around whose figure hovers an aura of charm which is the key to success of him.

Interview

Visiting the house museum and meeting Vincent, a crazy and extraordinary character, was a unique experience. A meeting with Vincent Maria Brunetti is not just a meeting with an eclectic and extravagant artist but it is a meeting with a soul. After living and working for more than 20 years in Milan, he decided to abandon the corrupt and commodified life of the metropolis, to return to his bright Salento, where today he leads a hermit’s life. “I felt the need to isolate myself to understand myself better, to know and thus to give the best of myself to others… in the form of art”.

Completely uninterested in the outside world, Vincent’s only goal is for the people who frequent his house to enjoy beauty. Every day is a day open to happiness, a daily adventure for a journey which, as he himself confided to me, will end in 2090 (when he will go away flying!).

1. Who is Vincent Maria Brunetti? How did this name come about?

“The name Vincent was born (it was attributed to me) by a gallery owner from Milan, Roberto Margara, who I had known since I was 23-24 years old, then I had an existential crisis following a car accident and from there, I moved away from Milan for a long time. Once this bad period passed, I returned and met this gallery owner again, who promised me that we would have an exhibition of paintings. He told me that another name would be needed for the exhibition: Vincent (most likely in memory of the great Vincent Van Gogh). The exhibition was no longer held, but that name remained in my heart. Since then all the people who lived near my house and family members started calling me that! It all started as a joke… and now I can no longer betray this reality!”

2. How did the need to build the hermitage, his house, arise?

“After I had the existential crisis, I lived 10 years of mystical, religious life. I faced negative realities, even with the church system. I dreamed of a colorful church, where there was no suffering, I had a glorious vision of faith; instead of seeing Jesus crucified, see Jesus risen. So in this resurrection I had the idea of creating for him, a new church full of colors, which contrasts with the old.

I am “son of the new” I cannot stand on the already made of another. On this plot of land I saw a “new world”, I imagined it and from there I saw the town with the church which however I consecrated to art. Pope Wojtyla gave me the idea when he said that one day the world will be guided by artists; that is, an artist king, a king who is close to his people, who is like humble people. Humility, therefore the ability to do something for others, to step outside of myself to broaden my soul towards humanity, therefore I have overcome all human things, earthly law. I even overcame poverty, because art made me a prince!

I am aware of who I am, I am aware of the breadth of my soul. I did everything illegally, when it could still be done, because the Lord God predestined me in all the stages of my life. And this is the most beautiful expression of freedom, that is, the artist is a free, unconditioned king. I built the house just for art, once upon a time artists worked for nobles, for popes, for kings in order to create. I did it alone with my own strength, so art for art’s sake! The paintings are like children for me, who go into the world to expand my need for beauty, to be touched by others too. The paintings are like sentinels, positive bombs that come in to immunize all the rottenness that is around.”

3. What does art represent for you? How did this passion arise?

“…I was 8 years old, my father was in France working, it was 1958. One evening my mother (she drew models because she was a seamstress) traced the profile of a human face with a pencil on a piece of paper. It was a shock for me. It was the first time I saw someone draw and from there I swore to myself that when I grew up I would be an artist. At 13 I was sent to boarding school and there were 4 subjects: mechanics, bookbinding, electronics and photography. I chose photography, but my professor Pompeo Melotti, also an artist, learned that I was passionate about drawing. From here I began to have a passion for art… he was born like this, because it had to happen!”

Then he continues: “Art represents everything! I gave my life for art. I continuously cultivated the cult of beauty, I had healthy, clean role models, thanks also to my educators who were Christians. I turned off materiality to raise the spirit. When I discovered the life of the spirit, of the soul, my life changed. And then I had a dream, to be happy! All my friends in Milan said that you can’t be happy, that happiness is a moment. I said no! If it is true that happiness exists, it means that it must exist, it’s just a matter of finding it! The key is in the Gospel, therefore, in the resurrection. Sacrifice is a moment, like childbirth which is momentarily painful, but which later becomes happiness with the birth of a new life.”

4. What do you want to express or inspire through his paintings?

“Interest in art. We have a system in Italy where art is not contemplated, because it is thought that you can’t eat with art, that artists are crazy and that art is only for intellectuals. For me, painting means creating, arousing emotions and by doing so I involve people in the creative act, in fact it seems as if they were intoxicated, they enter into catalepsy. My aim is to make her relax, to make her fall in love with artistic beauty through chromotherapy, which is life-saving. So the purpose is therapeutic, it is medicine for the soul.”

5. How much influence has Salento, a land rich in history, art and culture, had on your creativity?

It was precisely the distance from his native land that encouraged Vincent Maria Brunetti to “inflame” his palette, full of the colors of his beloved land. “Of course! When I was in Milan, yes… the paintings were colorful because I brought Salento inside me, since Milan was very grey. The fact that God chose Salento to create my home is prophetic. Here, always in close contact with nature, the new will be born, that is me, and it is here that I will guide everyone towards freedom!”

The hermitage of Vincent Maria Brunetti

His intimate need for isolation arises from the desire to explore himself, understand himself, know himself and give to others the purest and truest essence of himself. He lives far from the chaotic and spasmodic, frenetic and depersonalized life and moreover his art is an antidote capable of alleviating all this. And it is right here, in the heart of Salento, in that peace that only nature can offer, that Vincent’s hermitage was born, an imaginary city, an indescribable, colourful, “strange” place, with a kitsch taste, as most would say, made with recycled materials and with the fruit of the extremely crazy genius of this artist who has fascinated Salento and beyond with his vicissitudes since ’93.

It is a happy island where the artist manages to find inspiration for his works. Creativity, lightness and beauty, are the messages that are reflected in these works. His house is a place open to all those who want to browse and admire his creations. It is an important point of reference for those who still love beauty and everything clean and honest that comes from the heart and hands of man, which allows for true psychic relaxation, a “collective catharsis” for numerous art lovers , who is defined as “a divinity who needs his prophets.”

The hermitage is an enchanted place, somewhere between fairy-tale and disturbing but it has a particular charm. Everything it contains seems to make no sense but is extremely bizarre and unusual. Furthermore, it is rich in works of art present outside and inside, almost acting as a guard, preventing modernity from entering and upsetting the much desired balance. Some might find them excessive and redundant, but unquestionably attractive and original! In the house museum you can find “everything juxtaposed with everything”. The sacred and the profane, as demonstrated by the reproductions of works of religious subjects, juxtaposed with those of pagan statues. There is, in fact, a double aspect of Vincent Maria Brunetti’s personality: a very strong faith and a strong propensity for freedom and independence.

In fact, one can find transpositions of the Statue of Liberty, the Christian Madonnas, the twin towers, Venus emerging from the waters, flowers, animals, as well as landscapes, poems, even soft toys, which are placed next to the faces of the greats of history, so to give a more “playful” touch. It’s impossible not to notice the many bright decorations and mysterious, often cryptic phrases printed on the walls. Every corner of the house is rich in meanings, poems and details that move away from rigid linear patterns, managing to surprise visitors. An extraordinary color and stylistic variety of tiles, used for flooring or for the composition of mosaics, which represent a puzzle capable of drawing you into a magical enchantment, together with paintings depicting oriental characters and still lifes. The mosaics that cover every surface of the space are, in reality, the work of Orodè Deoro.

The artist lived in the “Vincent City” for three years, dedicating himself to pictorial art and experimentation with ceramic mosaic. Deoro’s permanent works are many: The Triumph of Bacchus, Posters, Donna Ulivo and Mediterranean wave, Mondoperapocalistoria (unfinished work), the penultimate supper and many others. The permanent exhibition of Brunetti’s works is organized inside, together with the art gallery of his paintings for sale.

Peter Pan from Salento welcomes spectators, sitting on a stool intent on painting, running here and there, in a strong need for freedom.

That freedom that is hidden in the heart of every man and on his “flight” expresses the desire to free himself from the weight of matter carried by dance music that can also be heard from the stree .

Vincent Maria Brunetti’s studio is bright and sunny, with all the tools of the trade at hand.

Day after day, Vincent Maria Brunetti’s hermitage grows on itself, arousing amazement and perplexity. Guagnano, which wanted to demolish everything under the accusation of illegal building, must today admit that it is one of its greatest attractions. Vincent Maria Brunetti is not only the well-known and extravagant artist who created everything from nothing, but he is a singular combination of genius and (un)regulation! Vincent Maria Brunetti may not have been, of course, capable of changing the world, but he created a new one, an alternative one, where everything is recycled or is recycled, where he is the undisputed sovereign and his paintings and his art are the guardians of kingdom.

You might be interested in: http://www.lecceprima.it/eventi/cultura/brunetti-io-regista-di- questo-tempio-profanato.html
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Coffee in Italy is a real art, it represents the perfect break and an opportunity for socializing that we can hardly give up. In addition to the famous Neapolitan coffee, Lecce coffee also has its fame and anyone who visits Salento will almost certainly taste this tasty coffee with almond milk. In fact, in the Lecce coffee recipe, in addition to coffee, almond milk is used, a drink that more and more people, not only those intolerant to lactose, love to enjoy.

Preparation

• We start by preparing the coffee in the moka or espresso machine: the important thing is that it is a good quality blend because everything starts from here.

• Then we move on to ice which is another symbol of this coffee. In a large glass, add a few ice cubes, then the freshly brewed coffee. Finally, add the almond milk (generally two teaspoons are enough so as not to cover the flavor of the coffee too much).

• There is also the “blown” version of Lecce coffee which consists in using the jet of steam from the electric coffee machine to whip the coffee together with the almond milk.

It can be enjoyed alone or accompanied by a dessert such as a pasticciotto leccese.

Curiosities and origins of Lecce coffee

Lecce coffee was born in the mid-20th century by Antonio Quarta, a member of the Quarta family of Salento roasters.

However, this drink also exists in the rest of the world with some variations: there is the “Cà Phê Đá” from Vietnam made with coffee, ice and condensed milk.

In South America, however, there is a typical drink called “Cafè Helado” prepared with coffee, Chantilly cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean seeds, dulce de leche and dried fruit (a slightly more substantial variant of Lecce coffee).

Whatever your version, drinking coffee is certainly an opportunity for conviviality and sociability. Share this recipe with your closest friends and relatives!

Salento has some of the most beautiful farms, very ancient and immersed in the silence of the countryside, which have been transformed into organic production companies, surrounded by olive trees. Among these, the Agriturismo Torrevecchia is an example.

Their charm is unquestionable, not only beautiful beaches and sea, but also walks among the olive trees and tasting genuine foods. Nature, archeology and architecture have mixed to give rise to a paradise on earth, where walking along ancient paths and coming into contact with the beauty of nature leads you to relive a past that we often forget.

The farms in Puglia were fortified agricultural companies, but today, wonderfully renovated, they have become an alternative destination for tourism and for a different holiday oriented towards relaxation and connection with the territory. For some of them, has become symbiotic: this is the case of organic farms, such as Agriturismo Torrevecchia.

The farm

As I headed towards their facility, located on the outskirts, just a few kilometers outside San Pancrazio Sal. no (BR), on the way to Avetrana, I took some time to enjoy the almost overwhelming tranquility that the landscape and its infinite beauty exuded. I couldn’t help but admire the warmth of the stone of the dry stone walls of the small paths and the soft colors of the surrounding countryside, helping to create an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation, immersing the senses in the peace of uncontaminated nature.

As soon as you cross the entrance threshold of the structure, you cannot help but notice the immense expanse of land, 200 hectares. The owners are already on site, intent on taking care of the vineyards, olive groves, vegetable gardens, orchards, cereal production, sheep, cattle, goat and farmyard animal breeding, the marvelous horticultural greenhouse and gardens. Welcoming guests with such courtesy and kindness is Chiara, the owners’ daughter, who told me the history of the farm.

The rooms of Agriturismo Torrevecchia

Torrevecchia is a typical and extraordinary rural building, a symbol and monument of peasant civilization dating back to 1300, although documentation demonstrates its existence since 1275. Furthermore, great attention was paid in the restoration work to ensure that the floor with its typical “chianche” of Salento and the imposing tuff stone walls embellished with barrel and star vaults, brought to light the authentic atmosphere of ancient times.

Witnesses are the rooms and large rooms of the restaurant, which inside contain real and authentic objects in wood, wrought iron and ceramics of inestimable value.

The original large fireplace, present at the entrance of the farm, welcomes guests, accompanying them into the heart of the ancient residence. Overlooking the old “court”, the ancient rooms intended for the “massari“: those who worked and resided at the same farm, have become large and comfortable bedrooms, to guarantee the right comfort without sacrificing the traditional style of the place. While, surrounded by greenery, overlooking the large swimming pool, you will find the new pastel-coloured rooms. The Agriturismo Torrevecchia offers the possibility of choosing the type of accommodation that best reflects the needs of its guests.

There is a beautiful semi-Olympic swimming pool overlooking the greenery of the place, open from June until the first week of September. You will be able to experience relaxing and socializing by the pool, perhaps tasting a glass of good house wine! During the beautiful days you can sunbathe on the large solarium terrace, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas or rent bikes to enjoy the view. In the area, a few meters away, there is an ancient crypt called “Angel’s Cave” dating back to the 7th century AD. C. with a sacred function, rich in Byzantine frescoes, gives the structure an artistic-cultural touch.

The products of the farm

I was then invited by Chiara to take a tour of the places where everything comes to life: seeing the animals well cared for inside their stables and left free made me understand how much it means for them to act with respect for nature and authenticity of the product. It is precisely from here that those fresh products are born: from the cacio ricotta to the “giuncata“, the “strong” ricotta and followed by the fresh cheeses, the pecorino with a stronger taste, up to the “primo sale” and others.

The freshness of the vegetables picked directly from the garden which, following seasonality, alternate in the fields, the variety of typical cheeses, the meats from the farms together with the extra virgin olive oil with adjoining oil mill, the Negroamaro and the Primitivo of their own production and the pasta of “durum wheat”, constitute the main ingredients of our cuisine.

In the morning, you are inebriated by an explosion of scents that lead you into the breakfast room. Here a long table, well cared for and studied down to the smallest detail, offers guests cereals, frize, taralli, tasty jams, accompanied by fragrant freshly baked cakes and biscuits prepared following traditional family recipes. Followed by the scent of fresh cow’s milk, a magical ingredient for a hot and creamy cappuccino.

Inside the structure, educational workshops are organized, which invite young guests to learn about life in the fields and on the farm, for direct contact with the animals, crops, open spaces and rural traditions full of emotions.

The Torrevecchia farmhouse guarantees a relaxing stay, immersed in the tranquility of the Salento countryside, among food and wine experiences and cultural realities waiting to be discovered!

The Putignano Carnival is one of those festivals you can feel in the alleys, touch with your hands the floats, and laugh at the masks: a celebration with ancient origins and a deeply popular soul. Its history dates back to 1394: in that year, to protect the relics of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr from possible incursions along the Apulian coast, they were moved from a seaside abbey to the inland town of Putignano.

It is said that, as the procession passed, the farmers—who were working the land—abandoned their vineyards and work to join in dances, songs, and dialect satires: thus was born the first seed of what would become a carnival tradition.

From that moment on, every year—between religion, folklore, and lively irony—the city prepares for a period of celebration.

2026 Edition of the Putignano Carnival: Official Dates

In 2026, the Putignano Carnival will celebrate its 632nd edition. This year’s theme is “Where Everything Is the Opposite of Everything,” an invitation to reflect on the paradoxes of contemporary life.

The main parades, featuring allegorical floats and masked groups, are scheduled for:

• Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Saturday, February 7, 2026
• Sunday, February 15, 2026
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)

An entire city transforms into a stage: papier-mâché masters have been working for months to create gigantic floats ready to parade through the streets and amaze visitors.

2026 Edition: What to Expect and Why Participate

The Putignano Carnival is more than just floats: it’s an immersive experience, filled with music, satire, participation, art, and community. This year, too, you can experience unforgettable moments, such as:

• Admiring unique papier-mâché works, crafted with care and imagination;
• Experience the most authentic side of Carnival, far from commercial excess, amid dialectal satire, traditions, and community.
• Combining travel and celebration: Puglia, with its villages, food, and people, becomes the perfect setting for a vacation that balances culture and lightheartedness. You can also experience a popular tradition during the off-season and appreciate the region’s cultural heritage even more.

How to participate: practical information

If this article has convinced you to participate in the Putignano Carnival, then all you have to do is buy your ticket!

You can purchase your ticket on the official Putignano Carnival website.

Attention! There are different ticket types:

• Flexible ticket: This ticket gives you access to one day. You can choose later (up to one day before the event) which days you want to participate in.
• 4-day pass: This pass gives you access to all four days. The pass is personal.
• Day Ticket: This ticket is valid for 1 day only. Choose the day when purchasing.
• Young Adult Day Ticket (11-14 years old): This ticket is valid for 1 day only. Choose the day when purchasing.

Now that you have all the information, all that’s left to do is reserve your seat!

In the deep South, where the sea meets history, Carnival takes on a special flavor: this is what Gallipoli offers, with a tradition that combines ancient rites, local masks, satire, and the desire to be together.

The Gallipoli Carnival is a blend of the sacred and the profane: traditional rites, popular legends, and the daily life of a seaside town intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere.

The Legend of “Lu Titoru“: the symbolic mask of Gallipoli Carnival

Among the most iconic figures of the Gallipoli Carnival is “Lu Titoru” a character who, in each edition, comes to life through allegorical floats and various performances. His origins are rooted in Lecce tradition: it is said of a soldier who, on the occasion of Carnival, returned to Gallipoli, where he was greeted with such an abundance of food that he gorged himself on meatballs and meat until he choked to death.

Even today, the parade features a hearse carrying the coffin of “Lu Tidoru,” surrounded by extras who lively and ironically enact his mourning, transforming even a dramatic moment into a spectacle brimming with satire, joy, and a sense of community.

What to expect from the 2026 Gallipoli Carnival

The celebrations, first held in 1941, reach their 85th edition in 2026, confirming their status as one of Puglia’s most beloved and historic events. Reflecting the event’s national importance, in recent years it has even been associated with the Italian Lottery.

For 2026, the Gallipoli Carnival aspires to brighten the streets of the city center, particularly Corso Roma, and the seafront with its joy. During the parades, there’s no shortage of music, dancing, confetti, performances, and, as is tradition, moments of celebration perfect for families, tourists, and young people.

The official dates for this year’s edition have not yet been released, but we can already anticipate that, as per tradition, the Carnival will take place over 3-4 days between late February and early March. Each year, the parades are spread across multiple dates, each packed with events, floats, and celebrations. For the final schedule and all the details of the event, we invite you to stay tuned: official updates will be coming soon!

Why Experience Carnival in Gallipoli?

If you love street parties, authentic atmospheres, folklore, colors, and the Salento sea—the Gallipoli Carnival is one of those quintessential experiences you should experience at least once in your life. It’s perfect for those who want to combine vacation and culture, fun and tradition, in a setting reminiscent of salt, history, and smiles.

For those visiting from out of town, it will be an opportunity to discover a less summery, more authentic Salento, made up of community, traditions, and a passion for their homeland. For those who live in Salento, it will be an opportunity to experience and remember the traditions of their land, in a spirit of community and participation.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to enrich your holiday in Puglia during the low season, this article suggests the most unmissable destinations, perfect for experiencing a quieter climate, away from the typical summer tourist crowds.

Located in the heart of Puglia, a few kilometers from the city of Andria, stands one of the most fascinating monuments in Italy: Castel del Monte, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and a symbol of an era rich in mystery and culture.

The castle is located on a hill at 540 meters above sea level, within the Alta Murgia National Park, which makes it a fascinating destination for hikers, cyclists and visitors from all over the world, attracted by its medieval and astronomical charm.

Architectural and cultural features

The castle was built in the 13th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in a privileged position, in the center of the two most important settlements of Andria and Garagnone, near Gravina.

Castel del Monte has always been famous for its unique and symbolic architecture: a perfect octagonal structure, with eight octagonal towers, which reflects the extraordinary mathematical, astronomical and philosophical knowledge of its creator. Its intended use has been debated at length: it is not a military castle or a royal residence in the traditional sense, but a place that seems designed to amaze, inspire and perhaps even contemplate.

What to see

For visitors who come here, it is recommended to take a guided tour (lasting about 1 hour), during which you can explore:

• The eight internal rooms, all trapezoidal and with refined architectural elements.
• The spiral staircase, which connects the two floors of the castle, also designed according to a precise symbolic design.
• The panoramic view from the hill on which the castle stands, which extends to the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
• Temporary exhibitions and artistic installations are often hosted inside.

Although the interior is bare of furnishings, the evocative atmosphere and perfect geometry make it an unmissable stop for those who love history and art.

What to do nearby

In addition to visiting the castle, explorers who come to this part of Puglia can visit charming villages and scenic and cultural beauties present in the homonymous province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. For example, we recommend:

• Taking a nature walk along the paths of the Alta Murgia National Park.
• Tasting typical local products in the restaurants and agritourisms of the area, such as Altamura bread, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil.
• Visiting the charming village of Gravina in Puglia, immersed in a natural canyon.

How to get to Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte can be reached from Andria by means of the urban bus line n° 6 which, starting from the Bus Terminal (Largo Ceruti), arrives at the Castle or by means of a convenient taxi or NCC service.

This service guarantees comfort, punctuality and the convenience of a professional driver who takes care of the journey without stress and without having to comply with public bus timetables.

With an NCC you can:

• Leave directly from your accommodation in Andria or another location (for example: from Brindisi or Bari airport)
• Enjoy the scenic drive through olive groves and hills.
• Have the time and flexibility to visit the castle at your leisure.
• Be taken back in comfort without having to think about parking or public transport.

A visit to Castel del Monte is much more than a simple excursion: it is a journey through time, into the mind of one of the most cultured emperors of the Middle Ages and into the beauty of a region that preserves its authenticity intact. If you are in Puglia and are thinking of going outside the most popular locations, we recommend including it in your tour.

If you need some advice on organizing your trip to Puglia, at this link you can find a series of itineraries recommended and designed by us depending on the days you have available.

Brindisi, overlooking the Adriatic and embraced by the warm light of the South, is a city rich in history, charm and authenticity. Often considered only a point of arrival thanks to its port and airport, Brindisi deserves much more than a simple “passing through” stop. It is the ideal place to begin a journey to discover Puglia, in particular Salento, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature and genuine flavors.

A city between history and sea

The beating heart of the city is its port, one of the most evocative in the Mediterranean. Walking along the Regina Margherita seafront at sunset is an unmissable experience: from here you can enjoy an enchanting view of the old city and the calm waters of the port, where merchants and crusaders once landed on their way to the East. In this article we tell you more about this enchanting place.

Not far away, the staircase that leads to the Monument to the Italian Sailor offers a breathtaking view and a touch of military history. Climbing to the top, the view opens up over the whole of Brindisi and the Adriatic coast.

What to see in Brindisi in one day

Among the unmissable places here in Brindisi there is certainly the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, and the Roman Columns, symbol of the end of the ancient Via Appia, the consular road that connected Rome to the port of Brindisi. Next door, the Archaeological Museum “Ribezzo” houses finds from the Messapian and Roman eras that tell the thousand-year history of the city.

You can’t miss a visit to the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, with its circular plan and medieval decorations: a small jewel often ignored, but surprising.

Don’t miss the two medieval castles: the Alfonsino Castle and the Swabian Castle.

Flavors not to be missed

Brindisi is also taste and tradition. In the alleys of the historic center you will find taverns and restaurants that offer the best of Salento cuisine: orecchiette with turnip tops, broad beans and chicory, very fresh fish and excellent local wines such as Negroamaro and Primitivo. There are also numerous bars on the seafront, ideal for a breakfast or an aperitif overlooking the sea in true Apulian style!

Starting point for exploring Puglia

Brindisi’s strategic position makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Puglia. Less than an hour’s drive away are some of the most fascinating places in Salento:

• Lecce, with its baroque masterpieces and elegant squares.
• Ostuni, the “White City”, nestled among the olive trees and overlooking the sea.
• Alberobello, with its famous trulli, a UNESCO heritage site.
• Polignano a Mare, for a dip in the crystal-clear waters beneath the cliffs.
• And of course, the entire coast of Salento, from Porto Cesareo to Santa Maria di Leuca, for those who dream of Caribbean beaches and authentic seaside villages.

How to get to Brindisi

Together with Bari, Brindisi is the only city in Puglia with an airport with national and international connections, making it a popular destination for many international tourists who decide to visit Puglia by arriving right here.

In addition to the airport, Brindisi can also be reached by ferry (the main connections are with Greece and Albania) or by cruise ships (Costa Crociere and Msc Crociere).

Another solution, ideal especially for those coming from Italy itself or from neighboring countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland, is the train. Brindisi in fact has direct connections with the main Italian cities (for example Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin) from which it is easy to change trains and continue to southern Italy.

Once you have reached your destination, to move around the Region it is advisable to rent a car or rely on a convenient transfer service with a private driver.

Although the city of Brindisi has direct buses and trains to the main cities of Puglia (e.g. Lecce, Ostuni, etc.), reaching the more remote locations such as the typical Puglian masserie, the trulli or the beautiful beaches of Salento is very complicated.

At this link you can find a series of itineraries studied by us starting from Brindisi.

The Adriatic coast, and in particular that of Salento, represents an authentic treasure chest of inestimable value; therefore a unique opportunity to be discovered, especially in summer when you travel by car, in the name of freedom and carefreeness.

Summer holidays on the Adriatic coast of Salento can fully satisfy tourists of all types, from couples to families with children, from young people looking for fun to those who simply want to relax.

Salento, as is known, overlooks both the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, and it is precisely for this reason that this strip of Puglia is considered a truly unique territory. It is truly impossible to say which is the most beautiful coast of Salento, the Adriatic or the Ionian, since both boast so many breathtaking locations.

There is nothing left to do, therefore, but prepare for your car trip and discover which are the best itineraries in Salento!

The seaside locations not to be missed along the Adriatic coast of Salento

Transparent waters, indescribable scents of Mediterranean scrub, sea caves and coastal towers are just some of the most evocative elements that you can find starting from the marinas of Lecce, such as Torre Rinalda (it is the northernmost marina which takes its name from the tower of the same name Spanish construction, today reduced to a ruin), Torre Chianca, Frigole (stands out for its sand dunes and the Acquatina basin) and San Cataldo (finally hosts a protected area, the Cesine Protected Reserve).

Moving south we find the marinas of Melendugno, San Foca, Torre dell’Orso and Sant’Andrea, each of them has a particularity.

From Otranto the most beautiful beaches of Salento are easily reachable, very close is Baia dei Turchi, so called for a tragic and bloody event, the landing of the Turks during the siege of Otranto and cause of the subsequent domination. The bay is a small beach of very fine sand where the sea is incredibly crystal clear, a wonderful natural landscape which the FAI in 2007 declared to be among the top 100 places to be protected in Italy. It has also been declared asite of community importance (SIC) and is part of the protected oasis of the Alimini lakes.

The cultural locations along the Adriatic coast

• Torre Sant’Andrea, a town characterized by a predominantly rocky coast, full of caves and small inlets, takes its name from the tower, where the lighthouse is located, which dominates the small port. Thanks also to the evocative show of lights and colors between sea and sky. It is much loved by tourists thanks to the presence of various clubs that make it one of the nightlife locations on the Adriatic coast.

• Otranto is a small town located in the easternmost point of Italy, the ancient capital of the earth, which overlooks the Mediterranean with its oriental charm and its crystal clear sea; after passing the inhabited center you reach one of the most spectacular and uncontaminated scenarios of Salento, between the white spit of Punta Facì and the promontory of Capo d’Otranto (dominated by the lighthouse of Punta Palascia, the easternmost point of Italy) it extends the Baia delle Orte, with a series of small sandy coves protected by the pine forest. Nearby there are the “Russian lands”, old abandoned bauxite quarries that have been transformed into lakes of incredible colours.

• A few kilometers south of Otranto, stands an ancient watchtower: the Torre del Serpe, one of many scattered throughout Salento, built to immediately spot the Saracen threat. Its name is linked to an ancient legend, which envelops the site in a veiled mystery and enveloping charm.

• Continuing south, we recommend a dip in the small bay of Porto Badisco. Those who come here in summer can enjoy a unique landscape: the bay is covered by the yellow blanket of brooms that sprout on the rocks, reflecting in the green-blue, clear and crystalline sea. In Badisco you can also enjoy the priceless flavor of sea urchins, sold on stalls or in the typical trattorias of the small village.

The most beautiful caves along the Adriatic coast of Salento

• San Foca is home to the famous Lovers’ Cave, according to legend so called because two young men took refuge there to shelter from the cold north wind. San Foca is a picturesque fishing center that offers a suggestive panorama: on the horizon, when the sky is clear, it is possible to see the outline of the mountains of Albania, about 72 miles away.

• Torre Dell’Orso is a place loved by numerous visitors who choose it every year to spend their holidays. To the south of the cliff there is the cave of San Cristoforo and even further south, a short distance from the beach, there are two stacks, called “The Two Sisters“. According to legend, the name derives from two sisters who dived from a cliff into the stormy sea, losing their lives and the gods transformed them into stacks, so that they could admire their beauty forever.

• Just 7 km away you enter the Castro area, in a suggestive setting between the green of the olive trees and an uncontaminated sea, with a jagged coast, with inlets and icy springs. Just before the town the famous Castro caves including the famous Romanelli cave inside which there are red graffiti, the oldest human representations in the field of figurative arts.

• After a few kilometers Santa Cesarea Terme, a small town perched on the coast, famous for its spas and the beneficial qualities of its waters, and which in its countryside includes 16km of coastline rich in thick pine forests and deep, emerald waters, numerous stacks and coves (of which the most important is that of Porto Miggiano). The most famous cave here is certainly the “Zinzulusa Cave” whose name derives from the dialect “zinzuli” that is, rags, the particular limestone formations that ‘hang’ from the ceiling.

Santa Maria di Leuca: where the journey ends

The journey ends in Santa Maria di Leuca, located precisely at the top of what is the “heel of Italy“, and therefore also called “de finibus terrae“, where it has always been believed that the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea meet. Pearl of the extreme edge of Italy, it lies on a stretch of coast alternating with cliffs and small sandy coves, with caves of great historical and naturalistic interest and the seabed which is a true paradise for underwater tourism.

A hinterland full of history and culture, splendid landscapes to admire, sumptuous and colorful nineteenth-century villas that slope towards the seafront. Leuca stands on a promontory on which the basilica and the lighthouse stand, and from which you can admire the wonderful coast from above and enjoy the spectacle of the sea. Here at the edge of the earth, you look towards the horizon, you are silent and you admire the infinite.

The entire Adriatic coast of Salento is a succession of splendid seaside resorts concentrated in less than 100 km. A car tour is the best solution to have full autonomy when traveling and not miss those places that otherwise cannot be reached by public transport.

Lecce, the capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most fascinating cities in Puglia, known for its extraordinary baroque beauty. In addition to the architectural wonders that adorn its squares and streets, Lecce hosts a vast array of museums that tell the story of the city and the region. Lecce’s museums are treasure troves of art, archaeology, traditions and local culture, and are ideal places for those who want to learn more about this corner of Puglia.

In this article, we discover together the most significant museums in Lecce, unmissable stops for history buffs. Our advice is to visit at least one during your visit to the city.

1. “Sigismondo Castromediano” Museum

The “Sigismondo Castromediano” Provincial Archaeological Museum is one of the main cultural landmarks in Lecce. Located in a historic building that once housed the monastery of Santa Teresa, the museum takes its name from Sigismondo Castromediano, an aristocrat and passionate collector from Lecce. Inside, visitors can admire a vast collection of archaeological finds that tell the ancient history of the area, from prehistory to the Roman period.

Among the most significant pieces of the museum are the Roman statues and inscriptions, vases and everyday objects that testify to life in ancient Messapia, the civilization that inhabited Puglia before the arrival of the Romans. Particular attention is also paid to the collection of ancient coins and the tools used for working ceramics and metal.

2. Faggiano Museum

Another interesting stop for history buffs is the Faggiano Museum, which is located in an ancient historic residence in the center of Lecce. This museum is unique in that it was created in a building that, during renovation work, revealed an important underground archaeological area.

The museum is organized in such a way as to make visitors experience the emotion of a real archaeological “discovery”. Each room tells a part of the site’s history, with finds ranging from ancient floors to everyday furnishings, from human remains to liturgical instruments. The Faggiano Museum is a perfect example of how history and art can be discovered almost by chance, thanks to a series of lucky coincidences.

3. Cartapesta Museum

Lecce is also famous for its artisan tradition linked to the processing of papier-mâché, a technique that has centuries-old roots in the city. The Cartapesta Museum is located inside the Carlo V Castle in Lecce and offers visitors a complete immersion in the art that has made Lecce famous throughout the world. Papier-mâché is used to create works of art, statues and decorations for traditional religious processions, but also for the creation of sculptures and masks.

The museum displays numerous works created by master craftsmen from Lecce, which show the evolution of the technique and its importance for the local culture. The exhibition itinerary unfolds between history and contemporaneity, with sections dedicated to the stages of production, from the first ideas and sketches to the finished product. Every year, the museum also hosts workshops and events dedicated to this extraordinary art, which continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

4. Jewish Museum of Lecce

The Jewish Museum of Lecce is located in the heart of the city’s historic center and represents a testimony to the Jewish presence in southern Italy. The museum, which is located inside an ancient palace, tells the story of the Jewish community of Salento, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Through a series of historical artifacts, documents and liturgical objects, the museum offers an overview of the daily life, culture and traditions of the Jews who lived in Lecce and the surrounding areas. The exhibition also includes information on the medieval synagogue of Lecce, the anti-Semitic laws and the diaspora.

5. Puglia Railway Museum

For train lovers, the Puglia Railway Museum, located near the Lecce train station, is a must-see! The museum houses a vast collection of railway-related artifacts, including steam locomotives, carriages, tools, and historical documents that trace the development of railways in Puglia, from the 19th century to the present day.