History and Culture:
Whether your interests lie in history, museums, art, or gastronomic endeavour, you will find everything and more in the local towns and region. Much of this has been incorporated into a helpful booklet you will find at Trullo Bellissimo.
However, just to whet your appetite, the whole area has a strong Norman influence dating back to the crusades, when Trani and Brindisi were important embarkation points for the Crusaders, and this can be seen everywhere from the names of towns to the fortified cities and watchtowers intended to repel the Saracen.
If churches and religion inspire you can visit, amongst others, the beautiful Basilica di San Nicola in Bari and the old Crusader church in Ostuni,
You will also find fascinating towns such as Matera within easy driving distance.This is a World Heritage Site located in the Basilicata region, was the subject of Carlo Levi's 'Christ Stopped at Eboli' as well as being the backdrop for Mel Gibson's 'Passion of the Christ'.
Local Hill Towns :
Ostuni 8km- is one of the most stunning cities in southern Italy famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. It is a genuine and charming example of Mediterranean architecture.Cisternino 15km- surrounded by fields of olive groves and vineyards, some of the most abundant in Puglia. The old historic centre is characterised by architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries. Martina Franca 22km-is one of the most characteristic towns with its fabulous and completely intact baroque buildings. Locorotondo 23km-overlooks the entire valley of Itria, with a panorama which encompasses the traditional trulli houses scattered among the olive trees and the grape vines. Ceglie Messapica 9km-A settlement since the fourth century before Christ, Ceglie boasts many ancient monuments.
Local Hill Town Restaurants:
The following is a selection of our reviews-all details and more at the villa; Ostuni: Ristorante Odissea-The restaurant is partly a grotto, and partly enclosed terrace constructed out of the old city ramparts. Al Solito Posto-You will often see suckling pig or wild boar roasting on a spit, but there is, in addition a wide range of daily specials depending upon what has been delivered, caught, or shot within the last 24 hours. Ristorante Ippocampo-This is our favourite place to have lunch. They will rustle up lots and lots of little appetizer dishes, which you hope will be all, until the pastas and ‘secondi’ start to arrive! Cisternino; Il Cucco-Fuses local tastes with a more international approach, and provides a chic, contemporary setting for a great evening out. The food is impeccable, although not fussy, the wine cellar extensive. Osteria Bell’Italia-Located in the medieval alleyways behind the centro storico’, internal/external dining, with an international range of dishes.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
