Apulia and Basilicata, Italy

By | November 11, 2011

Apulia (Italy)

Apulia is located in the south-east of Italy and has Bari as its capital. The Salento peninsula in the Apulia region is particularly well known. It is located in the south of the area and forms, so to speak, the “heel” of the “boot”Italy.

Scenic Apuglia is extremely attractive. Because of its wonderful location, the region is particularly suitable for holiday tourism. The area of ​​Puglia stretches along the coast of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Thereby forming Otranto the easternmost point of the country, this is just 80 kilometers from the coastal region of Albania removed.

There are mountains in Puglia, but these are concentrated in a small area of ​​the region. As a result, the Apulia region is also the flattest region in Italy. The area of ​​Apulia is defined by
several levels. Among other things, the hilly landscape belongs to the Gargano peninsula, also the Tavoliere delle Puglie, the Terra di Bari and the limestone plateau of the Murge.
The coastal plain of Taranto and the Valle d’Itria are particularly attractive and worth a visit.

Due to the location on the coast, a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers predominates here.

Economy in Puglia

The coastal plains are rich in fertile soil. Magnificent groves of almond trees, olive trees and huge fields with cereals and tomatoes thrive here. Also plays the wine a huge role in the Apulia region. The predominantly full-bodied red wines of the region are internationally famous and popular. Among other things, the grape varieties Primitivo, Negroamora and Sangiovese are found here. Over 7,580,000 hectoliters ripen annually on an area of ​​107,571 hectares.

Another important sector of the entire Puglia region are airports. Air traffic is, so to speak, the hub of the region. Even aviation history was written here. Historically, Apulia was the first region to have air traffic to the Orient. Therefore, there are many airports here today for civil and military air traffic. One of the most important airports is the one in Bari. It is located about 8 kilometers outside the capital Bari and was renamed in 2005 in honor of the late Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla). This airport has been renewed and restored over the past few years and received a newly renovated and modernized terminal as part of these renovations.

The early history of Puglia

Apulia is rich in grottos and caves and so there is numerous evidence of early human settlement. Even then, the coastal region was a favorable place for foraging for food. Here you could hunt, fish, collect berries and settle in the protected grottos and caves. Among other things, remains from the Stone Age were found. After the ice age glaciers began to melt, the sea level rose and the caves near the banks were flooded. The Altamura Grotto is famous because the 130,000 year old man from Altamura was found here.
It is also known that in the 11th and 10th centuries BC Christ here in Apulia, the Daunians from Illyirialived They were related to the Messapians and Peuketeers.

Basilicata (Italy)

Wild and romantic, natural and peculiar, this is how the Basilicata region could be seen in Southern Italy. The area of ​​the region is almost 10,000 square kilometers, it lies between the regions of Campania, Apulia and Calabria. 595,000 people live here. Basilicata is made up of two provinces, Potenza and Matera, together and has the city of Potenza as its capital. Originally, the province of Potenza was called the province of Basilicata until 1871, but was only partially part of the present-day region of Basilicata. Basilicata is, so to speak, in the lowest corner of the toe of Italy. The region is not exactly well known, but it has a lot to offer. In addition to the varied landscapes, you will find a lot of culture and great food here. There is an archeology park, a Byzantine domed church and Romanesque cathedrals, impressive castles and exciting caves.

The history and culture of the Basilicata region

The history of the Basilicata region was similar to that of the neighboring regions. The surrounding areas all had roughly the same past, as they used to form more or less one unit. Today we know that the Lucanians were the first residents. After today’s Basilicata region became part of the Roman Empire, it was never independent or completely independent in its political function. After the Norman conquest, Basilicata became part of the Kingdom of Naples and has belonged to Italy since 1861.

The region is culturally more important than one might think. The famous wine Aglianico del Vulture comes from the Vulture growing area, which is located in the region of Basilicata.

The area is also very popular among hiking tourists due to its scenic beauty with numerous mountains and valleys. However, the cuisine of Basilicata is very important. Many culturally interested gourmets travel here who appreciate a combination of hiking, cultural and beach holidays. The beautiful and sometimes adventurous bays of the beaches invite you to sunbathe and explore. The seclusion is also great for relaxing here.

Some of the important archaeological sites and excavation sites can be visited and you can learn a lot about the people and their lives from bygone times.

Tourism and economy in Basilicata

In addition to agriculture and viticulture, tourism and the related services are one of the main sources of income for the people living here. Especially in the spring and summer months, when nature is slowly awakening in bloom, numerous holidaymakers and day tourists are attracted. Not only long hikes or walks are offered here, it is also an ideal area for riding and cycling tours.

Of course, there is also a certain amount of bathing tourism instead, although this has nothing to do with the distinctive system of other beaches. Here one still attaches great importance to rest. Therefore, there are hardly any overcrowded beaches and mass tourism to be found here. If you want to spend the night in a picturesque chalet in the heart of a valley, lined with high mountain landscapes and breathe the fresh and clear air of unspoiled nature, the Basilicata region is the right place for you.

Those interested in archology will also get their money’s worth in Basilicata. For example, here you can find the Matera Caves, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Basilicata, Italy