History, culture, heritage, architecture, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes… there are countless reasons to travel to Puglia. To discover this rural and authentic side of Italy, we've prepared a guide to the most beautiful cities to visit in Puglia. Ready to embark on a journey to the hidden treasure at the heel of the Italian boot?

Bari, the capital of Puglia

The chief city of Puglia, Bari is considered the capital of the region. While the modern part of the city holds little interest, the historic quarter known as Bari Vecchia is well worth a visit in itself. Through its winding streets, you'll discover a lively atmosphere alongside impressive historical monuments, including cathedrals, fortresses, and palazzos. Bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Bari also features beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Among the must-see attractions in Bari are:

• The Basilica of San Nicola, built to house the relics of Saint Nicholas.

• The Petruzzelli Theatre, the 4th largest theatre in Italy.

• The Norman-Swabian Castle and its ramparts.

• The Cathedral of San Sabino, which showcases the elegance of 12th-century Romanesque art…

Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino, the cities of trulli

If you've researched Puglia, you've likely heard about "trulli." These are distinctive whitewashed houses recognizable by their circular shape and conical roofs. Historically, these charming dwellings were built for economic reasons during the second half of the 19th century. They were invented by the Count of Conversano at the time, who wished to escape the taxes demanded by the royal court of Naples.

Three main cities showcase trulli in Puglia: Alberobello , Locorotondo, and Cisternino. Alberobello has the highest concentration, with an estimated 1,600 trulli!

Lecce, the baroque city

Nicknamed the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a quintessential baroque city. Yet its architectural charm also blends Greco-Roman and Renaissance influences. One thing is certain: you won't know where to look first when exploring this city of art and museums. There's so much to see that we recommend spending at least 2 days here.

To give you an idea, here are some essential sites to visit in Lecce:

• Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where you'll find the Roman amphitheater, the Column of Sant'Oronzo, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

• Piazza del Duomo, featuring Lecce's stunning cathedral, one of Southern Italy's major cathedrals, as well as the Vescovado, the seminary palace, and the Diocesan Museum.

• The Basilica of Santa Croce: renowned for its facades adorned with countless motifs of fruits, flowers, mythological figures…

• The Palace of the Celestines, representing a magnificent baroque heritage…

Ostuni, the white city

You simply cannot visit Puglia without experiencing the sublime city of Ostuni! Nicknamed "Citta Bianca," the White City is celebrated for its countless whitewashed houses built from limestone blocks that reflect the light. Perched on a rocky promontory, the city gleams for miles around. Beyond its undeniable charm, Ostuni is also renowned for its rich gastronomic and wine-making heritage.

Sites to visit during a stay in Ostuni:

• Ostuni Cathedral,

• The Bishop's Palace.

Both are located in the upper part of the city. Take advantage of your visit to admire the views over the city and surrounding landscape.

Matera, one of the world's oldest troglodyte settlements

To be clear, this city is not part of Puglia but rather the Basilicata region. However, since it's only about an hour's drive from Bari, we can only recommend including it in your travel itinerary!

The city of Matera is primarily renowned for its troglodytic dwellings called "sassi." According to archaeologists, the sassi rank among the world's oldest human habitations. These houses carved directly from stone and into caves served as refuges for populations fleeing Saracen attacks. They were later transformed into churches and chapels by Byzantine monks. The sassi were abandoned starting in the 1950s due to poor sanitary conditions. Beautifully restored since the 1980s, the sassi now delight visitors and history enthusiasts alike…

Otranto, the jewel of Salento

Located in the southeast of the Salento Peninsula, Otranto is an essential stop on any Puglia journey. Perched on a rocky spur plunging directly into turquoise waters, this seaside town is nothing short of photogenic. Its town center is a true architectural gem surrounded by ramparts dating back to the 8th century BC. Between its historic center, beaches, and fishing and pleasure harbor, Otranto is a delightful place to wander in this jewel of Salento.

Here's what you shouldn't miss when visiting Otranto:

• the 15th-century Aragonese Castle,

• the Romanesque Cathedral of the Annunciation,

• the Punta Palascìa Lighthouse,

• the Cervi Caves…