Apulia (Puglia) is bootshaped Italy's heel, kicking into the clear waters of the Adriatic. Steeped in history and strewn with olive groves, it attracts many to its sparkling coastline and lush interior. But there is a quieter, more authentic side to the region. Here's how you can discover it for yourself with ITS ITALY, which specialises in regenerating old towns and villages.
GINOSA
Close to the heel's arch, in Taranto province, medieval Ginosa rears up from a rocky, horseshoe-shaped ledge that dominates a green, ravine-riven landscape. Formerly named Genusium, it was established by the Greeks as an important centre between the coastal towns of Taranto and Metaponta, and its Greek influence is still notable. It is also equidistant between Ginosa Marina, a charming, sunny beach town with miles of golden sand, and Matera, the spectacular, cinematographic cave-dwelling city made famous by the most recent Bond film, No Time to Die. You can even see the remains of rock-cut settlements in Ginosa, a legacy of past inhabitants who carved homes and churches out of the land's natural stone. Other striking landmarks include the town's stark Norman castle, the gabled facade and belltower of its 16th-century Chiesa Madre church, and the neoclassical clocktower that looms above the Piazza Orologio in the heart of the historical centre.
Among all these wonders are a series of regenerated industrial buildings, resurrected thanks to projects by ITS ITALY, which has developed ancient mills and factories into new homes for modern residents. These offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Ginosa's slow-paced lifestyle, sampling local delicacies such as dormienti - a dessert that needs to rise slowly for 15 hours before being filled with jam or gelato - or exploring art left behind by the Byzantines, such as the vividly coloured, hand-painted frescoes in the town's rock-cut churches.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2022 / January 2023 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2022 / January 2023 من Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
