An Italian city that rivals Florence for baroque beauty

Florence is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, and it attracts millions of tourists every year. Of course, one compelling reason many choose to visit Florence is due to its gorgeous Baroque architecture. 

But Florence isn’t the only place to offer a Baroque style. In fact, if you’d prefer a holiday destination with similar features but a quieter pace, then you might be interested in booking a holiday to the region of Puglia. Throughout the towns and cities, you can find artistic streets and historic charm that offer incredible experiences, without the overbearing crowds. 

Wander through Baroque streets

There are many towns dotted throughout Puglia that use a similarly ornate architecture, such as Lecce. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South”, due to the elaborate buildings, many of which would not be possible without the use of Lecce stone. This type of limestone is extremely local and highly malleable, making it perfect for constructing ornate works. 

Blend history with everyday life

While a major tourist trap like Florence is rarely used by the locals, towns and villages throughout Puglia are used by locals on a daily basis. This almost makes it more authentic, as you can see how locals interact with the astonishing beauty of the Baroque architecture around them. 

If you want to make the most of your experience in Puglia, we urge you to visit the local markets and cafes. Sitting and becoming part of the local atmosphere can help you better understand and appreciate the Puglian way of life. Finally, you can ensure you remember your time with one of the many handcrafted goods for sale. 

Cycle through the countryside and coast

If you’re interested in getting a more intimate exploration of Puglia and its numerous towns and villages, then a cycling tour might be the best option for you. With various guided and self-guided options, there is a myriad of ways for you to explore this beautiful region. 

Cycling tours of Puglia also offer many additional benefits, such as getting to enjoy the landscape at your own pace. If you explore in a car or via public transport, it’s easy to let the finer details of this beautiful region disappear in a flash. On the other hand, by exploring it slowly on a bike, you get the chance to take in much more of your incredible surroundings. 

Taste the region’s culinary culture

Of course, if you’re exploring anywhere in Italy, you need to try almost all of their truly delectable range of dishes. Since much of Puglia lies on the coast, you can try a range of both seafood and pasta dishes. 

Whether it’s the Focaccia Barese (an incredible variation on the Focaccia you might be familiar with), the wonderful pork rolls known as Bombette, or the local region’s hand-made Orecchiette pasta, there are so many mouth-watering flavours to experience throughout Puglia that it’s almost worth visiting for the food alone.