Close to Puglia
|
Latest page update: 30 January 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
|
If the delights of the heel of Italy aren't quite enough for your trip then there are some fascinating places close to Puglia to discover.
Puglia is bordered by the regions of Campania, Basilicata and Molise. The latter of those, Molise lies directly to the north of Puglia and its main attraction is the pretty seaside town of Termoli with its sandy beaches and ferries that cross to the Tremiti Islands. The city of Matera in Basilicata has seen a huge surge in interest in recent times, first with its UNESCO World Heritage listing and enhanced further by appearances in several big budget movies. |
Related links
|
Basilicata is a region in southern Italy, bordered by Campania, Apulia, and Calabria, with coastlines on the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. The capital, Potenza, is the highest regional capital in Italy, located in the Apennine Mountains.
Matera, known for its Sassi cave dwellings, has prehistoric origins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient Greek colony of Metaponto features well-preserved temple ruins. Melfi, has a historic castle and Romanesque cathedral. The Pollino National Park, the largest in Italy, offers dramatic landscapes and rare wildlife. The coastal town of Maratea has medieval churches and scenic beaches along the Tyrrhenian Sea. |
Muro Lucano, Basilicata
|
|
Molise is a region in southern Italy, bordered by Abruzzo, Lazio, Campania, and Apulia, with a short coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
The capital, Campobasso, features the medieval Monforte Castle and historic churches. Isernia, the second-largest city, has ancient Samnite and Roman ruins. The town of Agnone is known for its centuries-old bell foundry. The Adriatic town of Termoli has sandy beaches and a well-preserved old town with a Norman castle. The region has several archaeological sites, including Saepinum, an ancient Roman town with well-preserved streets and buildings. |
Limosano, Molise
|
|
Matera is a city in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, known for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera, which have been inhabited since prehistoric times.
Carved into limestone, these dwellings form a labyrinth of houses, churches, and caves. The Rupestrian Churches, dating back to the Middle Ages, feature frescoed interiors. Matera’s Cathedral, built in the 13th century, sits atop the Civita district, offering views of the Sassi. The Palombaro Lungo, an underground cistern, showcases the city's historic water management system. Matera gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993 and was named European Capital of Culture in 2019. |
Matera, Basilicata
|
|
Termoli is a coastal town in the Molise region of southern Italy, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The Swabian Castle, built by Frederick II in the 13th century, dominates the historic centre.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione, a Romanesque church with intricate stone carvings, houses the relics of Saint Basso, the town’s patron saint. The old town, known as Borgo Antico, features narrow streets and pastel-colored houses. Termoli’s beaches attract visitors in summer, while the harbour serves as a gateway to the Tremiti Islands. Historically, it was a fishing village and remains known for its traditional trabucchi. |
Termoli, Molise
|
