VISITING THE LAND OF FREDERICK II HOHENSTAUFEN:

Frederick II had so loved the region of Apulia to be called "Puer Apuliae" (son of Apulia) by his own court of Germany. He, known as Stupor mundi ("wonder of the world"), was the first time in Apulia February 15, 1221. The Emperor has left important traces in various provinces of Apulia, especially at that patch of land that is lying on the district of Barletta, Andria, Trani and Bari, who have not forgotten his magnificence. Despite his many activities, he promoted the building activity in its program of government to strengthen the defence of the territory by the recovery and expansion of existing castles and fortifications and the construction of beautiful new homes.

Points of interest: The journey through the "places of Frederick" where the imprint of the great empire remains, it stretches across the territory, dear to Frederick II. From Trani to Barletta, from Castel del Monte to Melfi, from Ruvo to Bitonto, from Altamura to Gravina, from Sannicandro to Gioia del Colle, its traces are alive and full of the suggestion that the figure of Frederick still provokes.

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WINE AND FOOD IN THE LAND OF FREDERICK II:

Specialities from Apulia are famous in the world.

There is a peculiar mushroom growing only in this area: “fungo cardoncello”, representative of Minervino Murge.

The curiously shaped “orecchiette” (literally little ears) are the region’s most famous pasta shape, frequently combined with “cime di rapa” (turnip greens); another famous regional specialty is “tiella di riso, patate e cozze”, it consists of layers of rice, potatoes, and mussels.

Seafood here is wonderful, especially octopus, sea urchins and all mussels that here are eaten raw with a sprinkling of lemon juice.

The consumption of horse meat and sausage is very common, especially in area of Barletta.

Among wines we mention: “Gioia del Colle” a nice, rich wine differenced in many versions (including Primitivo); “Gravina” white wine, both dry and sparkling, suitable for fish dishes and typical Mediterranean cuisine; “Rosso Canosa” and “Rosso Barletta” (both red); the various wines of Castel del Monte, a series of red, white and rose wines from grapes grown at the foot of the famous castle; “Moscato di Trani”, a sweet wine.

Extra-virgin olive oil here is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product, “Olio Terra di Bari” its name.

Apulia is also famous for cheeses: dairy products from Gioia del Colle and Andria. Dairy production in Andria includes “mozzarella”, “burrata” (a larger, creamier version of mozzarella), “scamorza” (which can be smoked or not). Apulia also produces Caciocavallo PDO.

At last, the famous bread of Altamura, where traditional stone ovens, built in the nineteenth century, have very high caps and can contain more than 300 kg of bread.

For guided tours, excursions, educational visits, tours, sightseeing in the Land of Frederick II look at our Itineraries or Contact us

If you are looking for an accommodation or a refreshment facility click here