 | Agriculture, which was very difficult in the past for the dryness of the land, is now supported by the Aqueduct, so that now the region is among the biggest Italian producers of tomatoes, salad, carrots, olives, eggplants, artichokes, almonds and citrus fruit. Also highly developed is sheep raising in the Tavoliere plain and fishing in the Gulf of Taranto. Tourism in the summer is another great resource, thanks to the beautiful beaches along the coast, and the many tourist villages and campsites. |
| Agriculture, which was very difficult in the past for the dryness of the land, is now supported by the Aqueduct, so that now the region is among the biggest Italian producers of tomatoes, salad, carrots, olives, eggplants, artichokes, almonds and citrus fruit. Also highly developed is sheep raising in the Tavoliere plain and fishing in the Gulf of Taranto. Tourism in the summer is another great resource, thanks to the beautiful beaches along the coast, and the many tourist villages and campsites. |  |
History | |
| Originally inhabited by an Illyric population, the region was always a strategic area for Mediterranean peoples, and since early times was colonized by the Greeks, who founded the colony of Taranto, then in the 4th century the Romans began their conquest of the territory, and built the Via Appia to connect it to Rome. | After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD Apulia was for a time under the influence of Byzanthium, then was graduallly occupied by the Lombards, the Franks and the Saracens. In the 10th century the Eastern Roman Empire defeated the Saracens and came in control once again, but already the cities were rising in power and requesting more autonomy. Starting from 1059 the Norman Roberto il Guiscardo occupied part of Southern Italy becoming Duke of Puglia and Calabria, and since then the history of Apulia was the history of the Kingdom of Sicily. |
| The Normans gave way to the Swabians and these to the Anjou and the Aragonese, and the region suffered all the evils of bad government, until in the 18th century some improvement took place under the Bourbons, who improved the communications building roads and ports, and granted some social and land reforms. In 1860 Puglia was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy, and at that time it was divided into only three provinces: Bari, Foggia (or Capitanata) and Lecce, while Taranto and Brindisi were added in 1927. |  |
| The 5 Provinces of Puglia | |
Bari (BA) Brindisi (BR) Foggia (FG) Lecce (LE) Taranto (TA)
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Puglia-is an awe-inspiring region steeped in rustic mystery that is now richer and more educated than its neighbouring provinces. It has charms that time has overlooked with its sun-scorched vistas depicted by rugged and densely wooded mountains, fertile plains and a thriving coastline, refreshed by rolling surf, tranquil rock pools and perpendicular fishing harbours. |  |
 | MonopoliThe delightful coastal resort of Monopoli boasts a lively port and pretty historic centre. It's large central piazza, lined with bars and cafes, is a popular meeting point |
OstuniThis exquisite little town is situated close to a tranquil stretch of coastline. It is known as the 'White City' because of its whitewashed streets and buildings. It is built on 3 hills and dates from pre-Roman times. There are steep medievil streets lined with houses that climb up to the heart of the old quarter and the ornate 16th century cathedral which combines Gothic and Venetianinfluences in its beautiful exterior. |  |
 | Torre CanneWith its beach of soft, golden sand and excellent spa facilities, this attractive seaside resort was once a little fishing village. Torre Canne is very well placed for visiting the 'White City' of Ostuni, just 11 miles away |
Selva di FasanoBetween the sea and the hills lying on Puglia's fertile plains is the whitewashed town of Fasano. Climbing the hills above this town to 100 metres above sea level are the 'selva' or woods forming a naturally beautiful wooded area rich in oak trees. Amongst these trees is the village of Selva di Fasano. |  |
 | Savelletri di FasanoKnown for its excellent seafood, Savelletri di Fasano is a fishing village, ideally situated for exploring both the coastline and interior landscapes of central Puglia. |
AlberobelloThe 'trulli' capital of Puglia, Alberobello is a charming town made up of a mass of these unique whitewashed cone shaped dwellings which stand out dramatically against the deep blue sky and create a beautiful, exotic village. They are built of local building materials and originally the roofs were made of straw, later to be replaced by stone. It is thought that there style of construction was devised by feudal landlords so that a rope could be fastened to the pummel on the roof and the house pulled down if the peasants failed to pay their taxes. |  |
