Trani - the city of three monuments by the sea
Suspended between stone and light, Trani is known for its Romanesque cathedral, Frederick II’s Swabian Castle and the ancient monastery, which overlook the Adriatic Sea and create a natural harbour of rare beauty. Strolling through the city, you will come across the Giudecca, where a thriving Jewish community lived until the 13th century, and the Scolanova, an ancient synagogue that preserves the memory of this cultural coexistence. Memories of trade, pilgrimages and distinguished legal traditions unfold in the stories of the Pearl of the Adriatic, the city that, more than any other in Puglia, has been a bridge between East and West and a meeting place for cultures, arts and religions.
Wine tastings and experiences in the cellar: Wine Tour
Just a few minutes from our estate, Villa Schinosa opens the doors of its vineyards and historic cellar for a journey through aromas, tradition and innovation. During the Wine Tour, you will learn about all the winemaking processes, right up to bottling, and experience first-hand the passion behind every bottle. This will be followed by a guided tasting of four wines, accompanied by the famous Moscato di Trani, the most iconic of the region’s specialities: a sweet, natural wine with an intense, floral aroma. All this will be accompanied by a selection of typical Apulian food pairings.
Barletta - the light of De Nittis
A few kilometres from Trani, Barletta surprises visitors with its elegance and the art housed in Palazzo della Marra, the historic residence of Barletta’s nobility. Here you will find the most important exhibition of Giuseppe De Nittis, an impressionist painter who brought the light of the South to Paris and received the Légion d’Honneur. De Nittis had the merit of capturing the essence of the Apulian air and the grace of the landscapes. After the visit, you can stroll around to discover the Norman-Swabian Castle, the Colossus of Heraclius and the historic squares, breathing in the authentic soul of the city.
Andria - Castel del Monte
In the heart of the Murgia region lies Andria, a city of art and traditions, dominated by the majestic Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century, the castle is a masterpiece of balance and mystery: its octagonal shape and perfect symmetry reflect the enlightened vision of a ruler passionate about culture, science and beauty. Next, you can stop at the Museo del Confetto Mucci, a historic company founded in 1894, where sweetness is transformed into art. And to conclude, a taste of Andria’s famous dairy products: authentic excellences that encapsulate the gastronomic soul of Puglia.
Margherita di Savoia - the largest salt pans in Europe
A place suspended between sky and sea, where nature becomes poetry. The Margherita di Savoia salt pans, the most important maritime salt pans in existence today, offer a unique spectacle at sunset: the pools of water are tinged with pink and gold, reflecting the flight of flamingos and the tranquillity of the horizon. A landscape that enchants and reveals the essence of Puglia, with its enchanting lights, colours and landscapes.
Bari - between devotion and city life
Bari welcomes visitors with its historic centre, a maze of narrow streets, courtyards and glimpses that reveal the authentic life of southern Italy. Strolling through Bari Vecchia, amid the aroma of handmade orecchiette pasta and the voices echoing through the narrow streets, you will discover a lively, devout and genuine city. The spiritual heart of the Mediterranean, the Basilica of San Nicola houses the relics of the patron saint, a destination for pilgrimages and a symbol of the meeting of different cultures and faiths. Between sea, tradition and modernity, Bari captivates with its energy and timeless charm.
Bitonto and Giovinazzo - history, narrow streets and the sea
About 30 minutes from Trani, Bittonto welcomes visitors with the Cathedral of San Valentino, another extraordinary example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Strolling through the narrow streets of the historic centre, you will come across elegant noble palaces such as Palazzo Sylos Calò and Palazzo Sylos Labini, now home to the National Gallery of Apulia, which houses works by Italian and Flemish Renaissance artists. Not far away, the Torrione Angioino, with its ancient oven still in use since the 13th century, tells the story of the origins of extra virgin olive oil production. Near Bitonto, you can reach Giovinazzo, ready to charm you with its cosy historic centre and picturesque old port.
The Abbey of Santa Maria di Siponto: the ghost of light
Less than an hour from Trani, near Manfredonia, the Abbey of Siponto blends ancient history and contemporary art. On the foundations of the ancient early Christian abbey, Edoardo Tresoldi has created a metal mesh installation that reconstructs the original shape of the building: a veritable ghost of steel and light. Its beauty is unrivalled at sunset, when the rays pass through the structure and the spectacle of colours illuminates the abbey in an evocative way. The site, now part of an archaeological park, allows visitors to discover the traces of the city of Siponto, once an important Roman and Byzantine port.
Matera - the city of stones
After crossing the landscapes of Alta Murgia, you reach Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient neighbourhoods carved into the rock tell the story of a peasant civilisation capable of adapting to nature and transforming it into architecture. Cave houses and churches, connected by alleys and stairways, make up a landscape that is unique in the world, in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. The system of underground cisterns, a testament to ingenuity and sustainability, has made life possible in one of the oldest cities on the planet. Every cave and every glimpse of light tells the story of the hard work and beauty of a place that, even today, thrills with its strength and authenticity.
Alberobello and Locorotondo - winter magic among trulli and lights
In the heart of the Itria Valley, Alberobello enchants visitors with its trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect setting for those who want to experience the most authentic Christmas atmosphere. During the winter, its narrow streets are illuminated with lights and decorations, hosting Christmas markets among the white cones and artisan shops. A few kilometres away, Locorotondo surprises visitors with its circular village and white façades decorated with garlands and lights. Strolling through the decorated streets, with the scent of sweets and mulled wine in the air, is like being part of a living nativity scene that encapsulates all the magic of Puglia.
