The Italian region Apulia (Italian: Puglia) is situated on the south-eastern coast of the mainland. The peninsular “heel” of Italy is also dubbed Salento. Sized 19,000 square kilometres, it is the second-smallest region in Italy. Thanks to its geographical situation and its predominantly level landscape, combined with a particularly favourable climate – mild winters and hot summers – Apulia is considered the ideal region for human settlements and an area where trade and cultural exchange used to flourish.
The earliest known inhabitants of the region lived here in the 11th and 10th centuries BC. After all, the region was easily accessible via the sea and the land. However, human remains dating back to the Stone Age have also been found in Apulian grottos and caves. Due to the fact that the sea water level has risen by about 100 metres in the last couple of thousands of years, the caves in close proximity to the shore were sealed off. In one grotto the Altamura Man was found. He must have lived some 200,000 years ago. Favoured by its Mediterranean location, almonds, olives, grain and tomatoes thrive in the area. However, Apulia is also a well-known and important wine-growing area, predominantly for red wines. Castel de Monte, Canosa, Locorotondo and Foggia are considered to be among the best-known wines grown in the region. Bari is the capital of Apulia. Its heyday were the Middle Ages when the church San Nicola, the cathedral and other magnificent examples of Romanic architecture were created. The city is characterised by art and history. The same, of course, can be said about other towns in the region, such as Brindisi, Lecce, Andria and Bareletta.
The residents of Apulia are characterised by their friendly, Latin character. The hospitable atmosphere is also emphasised by the natural politeness of the Apulian people.
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