Apulia: history, nature and wonder

Let us immerse ourselves in the magic of Apulia, which boasts an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage, as witnessed by its ancient villages, medieval castles and Baroque towns. Famous for its Mediterranean cuisine that exalts olive oil, fresh fish and homemade bread, the region also offers dreamy views such as the white cliffs of Polignano a Mare and the expanses of centuries-old olive trees that dot the hinterland.

Our itinerary begins in Altamura, an ancient village known for the architectural beauty of its historic centre and the uniqueness of its territory. We then continue to the Lamalunga Caves to discover the Man of Altamura. Along the Adriatic coast, the route culminates in Monopoli, a seaside town with crystal-clear waters and a fascinating historic centre, where the best of Apulia's culinary tradition awaits us.

Discovering a village rich in history and taste

In central Apulia there is Altamura, known for its historical and artistic heritage. The town is dominated by the majestic Romanesque cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, in a fascinating historical centre with narrow streets and ancient palazzos to discover. During our visit, we must definitely taste the famous Pane di Altamura DOP bread, with its characteristic flavour and texture.

This city also offers us a vibrant cultural scene of museums, theatres and traditional events. Surrounded by landscapes of olive groves and vineyards, Altamura is a real treasure for those who wish to immerse themselves in authentic Apulian life and discover its deep roots in the past.

A bite for lunch

Ristorante Tre Archi draws us in with its refined gastronomic offerings that celebrate Apulian culinary traditions. Located right in the heart of Altamura's historical centre, the restaurant offers delicious dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients. With its elegant ambience and impeccable service, the Tre Archi restaurant is a culinary experience not to be missed.

What to absolutely see around here

Altamura continues to surprise us with its unique combination of medieval architecture and distinctive flavours, but it is also renowned as the home of an exceptional character who deserves a special visit. To find out, we venture to the Caves of Lamalunga.

These caves, located on the outskirts of the village, are a fascinating testimony to prehistory. Their international fame is due to the discovery of the remains of the Altamura Man, a human fossil dating back some 150,000 years. The discovery in 1993 of this exceptional fossil, one of the oldest and best-preserved in Europe, has aroused great interest among scholars for its significant importance in human evolution.

The Lamalunga Caves offer an evocative atmosphere and are an essential stop for anyone visiting the region, combining nature, history and science in an extraordinary experience.

Finally dinner

After spending a day immersed in history, we prepare for the conclusion of our trip, delighting our eyes with the splendid view of the Salento coastline.

We are in the heart of Monopoli, between the charming quarters of the old town and the Adriatic, and head to Locanda Don Ferrante. The restaurant, open from June to September, celebrates local delicacies and a fine wine cellar. Its menu exalts local ingredients accompanied by San Benedetto Millennium Water. The catch of the day, prepared grilled or pizzaiola style, reflects the authentic flavour of the sea for an experience to be enjoyed with all the senses.

Memories of an itinerary that leaves its mark

From historic Altamura, to the fascinating Lamalunga Caves where we discovered the ancient Man of Altamura, to picturesque Monopoli: our day in Puglia was an unforgettable experience.

We travelled through human evolution and history, admired majestic landscapes overlooking the sea and savoured traditional Apulian delicacies. This itinerary gave us unique moments that will remain in our hearts, confirming the beauty and hospitality of this beautiful Italian region, which has so much more to offer!