The impressive Castel del Monte is the stony crown of Apulia and is declared as UNESCO World Heritage since 1996. The octagonal fortress lies on a hill of the almost flat Murgia and casts a spell over its viewers already from afar. It has more a representative character than of a fortress, and was built by the emperor Friedrich II in the 13th century. The octagonal form of the building has raised many issues about the use of the Castel, which could not be solved until today.

The fairy-tale town Alberobello lies in the beautiful Itria Valley and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The unique Trulli houses, the round dwellings with their jelly bag cap roofs, are dispersed throughout the whole valley, and Alberobello is the capital of the Trulli. Here, you can find more than 1,500 of the sweet dwellings, which exude their magic in the idyllic and picturesque landscape. Since 1993, Alberobello is listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

The city of Matera in the bordering region Basilicata dazzles with its unique architecture as well. The cave habitations, called Sassi, in the labyrinth-like canyon town are declared as UNESCO World Heritage since 1993 and Matera will be the European Culture Capital in 2019.

Fascinating grottoes and historical cities

Along the coastline and the inland of Apulia, numerous grottoes are dispersed and a visit should not be missed on your journey to Apulia.