Surroundings
Visite turistiche
City symbol of the Baroque is full of rosettes, garlands of stone, festoons, spiral columns, arches, squares and unexpected alleys. The visit to Lecce can start by passing the arch of Porta Napoli and entering the historic center along Via Palmieri, dotted with noble palaces, which flows in front of Piazza Duomo. Access from Porta Rudiae, on the other hand, offers the possibility of abandoning the paving of Via Libertini to slip into the ancient and intricate lowlands of the Giravolte, a multi-ethnic district, today as once a melting pot of ethnic groups and cultures. The walk could continue letting go to the call of alleys and squares where the sunset turns the stone of Lecce pink.
It is about 75 km from Ostuni and can be reached by car or by train (about one hour)
Gastronomic tip:
- Cicere e Tria (a very hearty first course made of fresh pasta without eggs, with flour, semolina, water and olive oil that is spread thin, transformed into short tagliatelle handled to give a spiral shape. The "tria", word derived from the Arabic "ittrya" or fried pasta (or dry), is seasoned with "ciceri", chickpeas);
- rustic leccesi: Discs of fragrant puff pastry contain a soft filling of béchamel, tomato and mozzarella.
- Pasticciotto: The pasticciotti are the symbols of Salento’s pastry and consist of a crunchy shortcrust pastry shell and a filling of custard and black cherry, in the most classic form.
- Puccia salentina: The puccia is a bread format, typical of the Apulian tradition is a genuine version of the fast food sandwich.
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Lecce
City symbol of the Baroque is full of rosettes, garlands of stone, festoons, spiral columns, arches, squares and unexpected alleys. The visit to Lecce can start by passing the arch of Porta Napoli and entering the historic center along Via Palmieri, dotted with noble palaces, which flows in front of Piazza Duomo. Access from Porta Rudiae, on the other hand, offers the possibility of abandoning the paving of Via Libertini to slip into the ancient and intricate lowlands of the Giravolte, a multi-ethnic district, today as once a melting pot of ethnic groups and cultures. The walk could continue letting go to the call of alleys and squares where the sunset turns the stone of Lecce pink.
It is about 75 km from Ostuni and can be reached by car or by train (about one hour)
Gastronomic tip:
- Cicere e Tria (a very hearty first course made of fresh pasta without eggs, with flour, semolina, water and olive oil that is spread thin, transformed into short tagliatelle handled to give a spiral shape. The "tria", word derived from the Arabic "ittrya" or fried pasta (or dry), is seasoned with "ciceri", chickpeas);
- rustic leccesi: Discs of fragrant puff pastry contain a soft filling of béchamel, tomato and mozzarella.
- Pasticciotto: The pasticciotti are the symbols of Salento’s pastry and consist of a crunchy shortcrust pastry shell and a filling of custard and black cherry, in the most classic form.
- Puccia salentina: The puccia is a bread format, typical of the Apulian tradition is a genuine version of the fast food sandwich.
Natural bridge between the Mediterranean and the East, Otranto is a magical land that mixes the ancient flavor of the old town to the fervent devotion, the reverberations of the sea to the liveliness of the nightlife.
Located on the Adriatic coast of the Salento peninsula, Otranto is located in the easternmost part of Italy, about 45 km from Lecce, on a rocky spur overlooking the sea.
UNESCO has recognized the "ancient village of Otranto" as a cultural heritage site as "messenger of peace".
The journey begins along the Lungomare degli Eroi, at the foot of the ancient village. After passing the monument dedicated to the Martyrs, the work of the sculptor Antonio Bortone, you go down the stairs and, through Porta Alfonsina, you enter the old city where the Aragonese manor and the Cathedral with the precious mosaic floor and the relics of the 800 Martyrs, killed by the Turks in 1480, are worth a stop.
Outside the town you can be enchanted by the emerald green lake set among the coral hills of the bauxite quarry while the majestic lighthouse of Punta Palascìa awaits every year the first sunrise of Italy.
Porto Badisco, the mythological landing place of the hero Aeneas, houses the pictograms that decorate the walls of the Deer Cave, the "Neolithic Sistine".
It is about 80 km from Ostuni and the easiest way to reach it is by car. By train you will have to reach Lecce and there take the train of the southeast railways that connects Lecce to Otranto.
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Otranto
Natural bridge between the Mediterranean and the East, Otranto is a magical land that mixes the ancient flavor of the old town to the fervent devotion, the reverberations of the sea to the liveliness of the nightlife.
Located on the Adriatic coast of the Salento peninsula, Otranto is located in the easternmost part of Italy, about 45 km from Lecce, on a rocky spur overlooking the sea.
UNESCO has recognized the "ancient village of Otranto" as a cultural heritage site as "messenger of peace".
The journey begins along the Lungomare degli Eroi, at the foot of the ancient village. After passing the monument dedicated to the Martyrs, the work of the sculptor Antonio Bortone, you go down the stairs and, through Porta Alfonsina, you enter the old city where the Aragonese manor and the Cathedral with the precious mosaic floor and the relics of the 800 Martyrs, killed by the Turks in 1480, are worth a stop.
Outside the town you can be enchanted by the emerald green lake set among the coral hills of the bauxite quarry while the majestic lighthouse of Punta Palascìa awaits every year the first sunrise of Italy.
Porto Badisco, the mythological landing place of the hero Aeneas, houses the pictograms that decorate the walls of the Deer Cave, the "Neolithic Sistine".
It is about 80 km from Ostuni and the easiest way to reach it is by car. By train you will have to reach Lecce and there take the train of the southeast railways that connects Lecce to Otranto.
The historic center of Monopoli is a jewel of popular architecture mixed with sumptuous religious buildings and beautiful palaces. It is Porta Vecchia, bordered by the city walls, to introduce the ancient part of the city, lying on the Adriatic and dominated by the Castle. The heart of the old town is the baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia. Not far away, the nightlife is unleashed in the characteristic Piazza Garibaldi, where there are the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi and the Church of Santa Maria degli Amalfitani. Also worth a visit is Largo Palmieri, with the homonymous palace and the Church of Santa Teresa.
It is about 34 km from Ostuni and can be reached both by car and by train: an excellent destination for those travelling by bike.
Gastronomic tip: fresh fish and octopus sandwich
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Monopoli
The historic center of Monopoli is a jewel of popular architecture mixed with sumptuous religious buildings and beautiful palaces. It is Porta Vecchia, bordered by the city walls, to introduce the ancient part of the city, lying on the Adriatic and dominated by the Castle. The heart of the old town is the baroque Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia. Not far away, the nightlife is unleashed in the characteristic Piazza Garibaldi, where there are the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi and the Church of Santa Maria degli Amalfitani. Also worth a visit is Largo Palmieri, with the homonymous palace and the Church of Santa Teresa.
It is about 34 km from Ostuni and can be reached both by car and by train: an excellent destination for those travelling by bike.
Gastronomic tip: fresh fish and octopus sandwich
The medieval village, perched on the high and indented coast, has preserved its charm unchanged, with a succession of alleys, the typical white houses and loggias overlooking the sea. The elegant promenade, where the statue of Mister Volare meets, embraces the old city. Do not miss the Fondazione Museo "Pino Pascali" in the former Mattatoio Comunale, a lively exhibition space dedicated to the famous Apulian sculptor, which hosts exhibitions, seminars and art events, as well as the prestigious "Pino Pascali" Award.
A few kilometers from the town, along a stretch of the ancient Via Appia Traiana, you reach the picturesque town of San Vito. Here, in this area of great archaeological importance, stands the Abbey of San Vito, of medieval times, which stands out to the visitor for its majestic appearance. Home of the Basilian monks who fled from the East, the legend tells of the landing in the year 801 of Princess Florenza, with the relics of the saint and his tutors, Modesto and Crescenza, remains then kept inside the building. Residence of the Friars Minor conventual of the SS. Apostoli from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, the abbey in 1785 became part of the assets of the Royal State Property. Attached to the monastic complex is a small church of well-preserved Romanesque style, which has three naves, separated by regular pillars.
It is about 50 km from our Masseria Scaglione and 15 km from Monopoli. Accessible by car or train, the last option is ideal for those traveling by bike.
Gastronomic Tip: octopus sandwich
701 íbúar mæla með
Polignano a Mare
The medieval village, perched on the high and indented coast, has preserved its charm unchanged, with a succession of alleys, the typical white houses and loggias overlooking the sea. The elegant promenade, where the statue of Mister Volare meets, embraces the old city. Do not miss the Fondazione Museo "Pino Pascali" in the former Mattatoio Comunale, a lively exhibition space dedicated to the famous Apulian sculptor, which hosts exhibitions, seminars and art events, as well as the prestigious "Pino Pascali" Award.
A few kilometers from the town, along a stretch of the ancient Via Appia Traiana, you reach the picturesque town of San Vito. Here, in this area of great archaeological importance, stands the Abbey of San Vito, of medieval times, which stands out to the visitor for its majestic appearance. Home of the Basilian monks who fled from the East, the legend tells of the landing in the year 801 of Princess Florenza, with the relics of the saint and his tutors, Modesto and Crescenza, remains then kept inside the building. Residence of the Friars Minor conventual of the SS. Apostoli from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, the abbey in 1785 became part of the assets of the Royal State Property. Attached to the monastic complex is a small church of well-preserved Romanesque style, which has three naves, separated by regular pillars.
It is about 50 km from our Masseria Scaglione and 15 km from Monopoli. Accessible by car or train, the last option is ideal for those traveling by bike.
Gastronomic Tip: octopus sandwich
The impressive expanse of trulli in Alberobello was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Winding streets and characteristic squares are intertwined in the Rione Monti, where the "Siamese trulli" stand out, from the original two-cone roof, the Church of Sant'Antonio and the Trullo Sovrano. Do not miss the Museum of the Territory, housed in a complex of communicating trulli, and the Casa d'Amore, today a precious tourist information point, the first building in the entire town built with lime and mortar.
It is about 30 km from our Masseria Scaglione. The easiest way to reach Alberobello is by car.
Gastronomic tip: Orecchiette with tomato sauce
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Alberobello
The impressive expanse of trulli in Alberobello was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Winding streets and characteristic squares are intertwined in the Rione Monti, where the "Siamese trulli" stand out, from the original two-cone roof, the Church of Sant'Antonio and the Trullo Sovrano. Do not miss the Museum of the Territory, housed in a complex of communicating trulli, and the Casa d'Amore, today a precious tourist information point, the first building in the entire town built with lime and mortar.
It is about 30 km from our Masseria Scaglione. The easiest way to reach Alberobello is by car.
Gastronomic tip: Orecchiette with tomato sauce
The curious pinnacles of the trulli, the expanses of olive groves and the white of the ancient huts of Martina Franca stand out in the green of the Itria Valley and invite you to discover.
Located on the eastern hills of the Murgia at equal distance from the Ionian and the Adriatic, Martina Franca owes its name in part to the devotion to Saint Martin, who saved his inhabitants from enemy invasions, and partly at the time when Philip of Anjou offered his inhabitants tax exemptions. The town, one of the most populous in the province of Taranto, is a melting pot of history and art.
To embellish the historic center are the characteristic white houses that develop vertically and unravel in winding streets, and the sumptuous baroque of Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo dell'Università, Palazzo Motolese, Palazzo Maggi, Palazzo Ancona and, inside the medieval walls, the precious Basilica of San Martino that houses the sculptures of Stefano da Putignano and Giuseppe Sammartino.
To discover instead its simple and rural soul you have to take the roads of the countryside where the characteristic trulli and crops still sprout from the dry stone walls.
It is about 25 km from Ostuni and can be reached by car or bus.
Gastronomic tip:
- Capocollo di Martina Franca
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Martina Franca
The curious pinnacles of the trulli, the expanses of olive groves and the white of the ancient huts of Martina Franca stand out in the green of the Itria Valley and invite you to discover.
Located on the eastern hills of the Murgia at equal distance from the Ionian and the Adriatic, Martina Franca owes its name in part to the devotion to Saint Martin, who saved his inhabitants from enemy invasions, and partly at the time when Philip of Anjou offered his inhabitants tax exemptions. The town, one of the most populous in the province of Taranto, is a melting pot of history and art.
To embellish the historic center are the characteristic white houses that develop vertically and unravel in winding streets, and the sumptuous baroque of Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Martucci, Palazzo dell'Università, Palazzo Motolese, Palazzo Maggi, Palazzo Ancona and, inside the medieval walls, the precious Basilica of San Martino that houses the sculptures of Stefano da Putignano and Giuseppe Sammartino.
To discover instead its simple and rural soul you have to take the roads of the countryside where the characteristic trulli and crops still sprout from the dry stone walls.
It is about 25 km from Ostuni and can be reached by car or bus.
Gastronomic tip:
- Capocollo di Martina Franca
Locorotondo stands out on the plateau of the Murge dei Trulli with the charming circular town with characteristic white houses.
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy and the Orange Flag Touring Club Italiano, Locorotondo is perched on a plateau in the south-eastern area of the Murge dei Trulli, in the heart of the Itria Valley, less than 10 km from Alberobello.
The same name indicates the characteristic circular shape of the ancient center of the village, built around the year 1000, consisting of a set of huts that the farmers built on top of the hill, including the typical "cummerse", houses with sloping roofs.
Among the white houses of the old town, completely white, stand the bell towers of the many churches, including the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Holy Spirit, San Nicola, San Rocco and Madonna della Catena. Inside the Church of Santa Maria della Greca there is a Renaissance polyptych dedicated to the Madonna delle Rose and the sculptural group of San Giorgio a cavallo.
The wine route through the Itria Valley also touches Locorotondo, home of an excellent white wine DOC.
Easily accessible by car, is about 30 km from Ostuni
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Locorotondo
Locorotondo stands out on the plateau of the Murge dei Trulli with the charming circular town with characteristic white houses.
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy and the Orange Flag Touring Club Italiano, Locorotondo is perched on a plateau in the south-eastern area of the Murge dei Trulli, in the heart of the Itria Valley, less than 10 km from Alberobello.
The same name indicates the characteristic circular shape of the ancient center of the village, built around the year 1000, consisting of a set of huts that the farmers built on top of the hill, including the typical "cummerse", houses with sloping roofs.
Among the white houses of the old town, completely white, stand the bell towers of the many churches, including the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Holy Spirit, San Nicola, San Rocco and Madonna della Catena. Inside the Church of Santa Maria della Greca there is a Renaissance polyptych dedicated to the Madonna delle Rose and the sculptural group of San Giorgio a cavallo.
The wine route through the Itria Valley also touches Locorotondo, home of an excellent white wine DOC.
Easily accessible by car, is about 30 km from Ostuni
Cisternino is 20 km from Ostuni, not far from the Adriatic coast.
The tower of Porta Grande or Norman-Swabian, on the top of which stands the statue of San Nicola, was the main entrance to one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
In the historic center you can admire the historic houses, from the Governor’s Palace, a beautiful example of Baroque in Puglia, to the sixteenth-century bishop’s palace, from Palazzo Amati to Palazzo Lagravinese, up to Palazzo Ricci-Capece with the Wind Tower.
Easily accessible by car is also connected to Ostuni by bus. Not recommended the train.
Gastronomic tip:
- Bombette: grilled meat rolls
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Cisternino
Cisternino is 20 km from Ostuni, not far from the Adriatic coast.
The tower of Porta Grande or Norman-Swabian, on the top of which stands the statue of San Nicola, was the main entrance to one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
In the historic center you can admire the historic houses, from the Governor’s Palace, a beautiful example of Baroque in Puglia, to the sixteenth-century bishop’s palace, from Palazzo Amati to Palazzo Lagravinese, up to Palazzo Ricci-Capece with the Wind Tower.
Easily accessible by car is also connected to Ostuni by bus. Not recommended the train.
Gastronomic tip:
- Bombette: grilled meat rolls
Bari's historic centre is a city within a city, a maze of narrow alleys, courtyards, historical palaces, and bars. It houses approximately 30 churches and many wonderful buildings, such as the Basilica of San Nicola, the Romanesque Basilica of San Gregorio, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle) built by Frederick II. Stretching along Italy’s longest seafront, Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) is the ancient heart of the city. Visitors are accompanied by the aroma of clean laundry and freshly-baked focaccia and by the sight of fresh pasta drying in doorways, as they walk from Arco Basso to the area around Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza San Pietro, and the Monastery of Santa Scolastica. Other must-sees include Piazza Mercantile, the Colonna Infame, and the Library of Santa Teresa dei Maschi.
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Bari
Bari's historic centre is a city within a city, a maze of narrow alleys, courtyards, historical palaces, and bars. It houses approximately 30 churches and many wonderful buildings, such as the Basilica of San Nicola, the Romanesque Basilica of San Gregorio, the Cathedral of San Sabino, and the Castello Normanno-Svevo (Norman-Swabian Castle) built by Frederick II. Stretching along Italy’s longest seafront, Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) is the ancient heart of the city. Visitors are accompanied by the aroma of clean laundry and freshly-baked focaccia and by the sight of fresh pasta drying in doorways, as they walk from Arco Basso to the area around Piazza Ferrarese, Piazza San Pietro, and the Monastery of Santa Scolastica. Other must-sees include Piazza Mercantile, the Colonna Infame, and the Library of Santa Teresa dei Maschi.
Brindisi, with its natural port, Roman ruins, sea-facing fortresses, and medieval churches, is an ancient crossroads of people and cultures that's well worth discovering.
Brindisi faces the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea, its natural port nestling into the mainland in the shape of a deer’s head.
Its long inner piers have been transformed into an elegant seafront, framing the old town, which today teems with pubs and restaurants. Visitors can immerse themselves in Brindisi's history going up the Scalinata di Virgilio (Virgil’s Staircase), with the two Roman columns at the top. Marking the end of the Appian Way, these pillars are the symbol of the city and have been a point of reference for sailors for a long time.
On Sant’Andrea Island in front of the port is the Forte a Mare (Castle of the Sea), an Aragonese castle made of red stone. The city's other large fortress is the Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) built by Frederick II as a fortified residence for his garrisons.
Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city, boasts many attractions: the De Cateniano portico, the Provincial Archaeological Museum, and the loggia of Palazzo Balsamo. Just a short distance away from here, the ancient Rione di San Pietro degli Schiavoni houses the ruins of Roman Brindisi, including a paved street, the remains of several houses, and what's left of a thermal baths complex.
In the inner port, in an area known as Casale, the Monument to Italian Sailors stands out against the sky. Rising to a height of 53 meters, the limestone monument has the shape of a large rudder.
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Brindisi
Brindisi, with its natural port, Roman ruins, sea-facing fortresses, and medieval churches, is an ancient crossroads of people and cultures that's well worth discovering.
Brindisi faces the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea, its natural port nestling into the mainland in the shape of a deer’s head.
Its long inner piers have been transformed into an elegant seafront, framing the old town, which today teems with pubs and restaurants. Visitors can immerse themselves in Brindisi's history going up the Scalinata di Virgilio (Virgil’s Staircase), with the two Roman columns at the top. Marking the end of the Appian Way, these pillars are the symbol of the city and have been a point of reference for sailors for a long time.
On Sant’Andrea Island in front of the port is the Forte a Mare (Castle of the Sea), an Aragonese castle made of red stone. The city's other large fortress is the Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) built by Frederick II as a fortified residence for his garrisons.
Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the city, boasts many attractions: the De Cateniano portico, the Provincial Archaeological Museum, and the loggia of Palazzo Balsamo. Just a short distance away from here, the ancient Rione di San Pietro degli Schiavoni houses the ruins of Roman Brindisi, including a paved street, the remains of several houses, and what's left of a thermal baths complex.
In the inner port, in an area known as Casale, the Monument to Italian Sailors stands out against the sky. Rising to a height of 53 meters, the limestone monument has the shape of a large rudder.
Egnazia grafningsstaðir
Via delle Carceri