Why it is Famous :Trullo Bellissimo is perfectly located to explore the 5 local historic hill towns of Ostuni, Cisternino, Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Ceglie Messapica, all within 5 to 20 minutes drive.
Whether your interests lie in history, museums, art, or gastronomic endeavour, you will find everything and more in the local towns and region. Much of this has been incorporated into a helpful information booklet which you will find at Trullo Bellissimo.
However, just to whet your appetite, the whole area has a strong Norman influence dating back to the crusades, when Trani and Brindisi were important embarkation points for the Crusaders, and this can be seen everywhere from the names of towns to the fortified cities and watchtowers intended to repel the Saracen.
If churches and religion inspire you can visit, amongst others, the beautiful Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, the old Crusader church in Ostuni and the Crusade embarkation point in Brindisi.
For those that wish to tour by car, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Amongst the wonderful places to visit are:
Alberobello 30km, a designated UNESCO world heritage site, with its beautiful coned trulli houses and their white-washed walls. Excellent restaurants, traditional bars and a trulli museum, all make for a worthwhile excursion.
Polignano a Mare 51km, is an enchanting seaside destination, with an ancient town built on a spur of rock directly above a magnificent, clear blue sea.
Gallipoli 117km, of ancient origin, grew from a small village, which developed around the commercial activity of the port due to its strategic position. Its historic centre is still perfectly intact, including the 16th century castle which acts as a gateway to the city.
Matera 100km, a World Heritage Site located in Italy\'s Basilicata region, was the subject of Carlo Levi\'s \"Christ Stopped at Eboli\" as well as being the backdrop for Mel Gibson\'s \"Passion of the Christ\". The incredible festival called \"Festa della Madonna Bruna\" in early June should not be missed. Matera is a unique example of a cultural tradition and civilization which stretches back to the Neolithic age. The old city was created out of a rocky ravine. The numerous natural caves in Matera were the first houses of the Neolithic inhabitants of the region, who transformed the natural landscape into new forms of architecture
Taranto 48km, site of a classic Crusader castle.
Brindisi 45km, steeped in early roman history and the embarkation point for the 1st Crusade.
Lecce 79km, is the capital of the Salento region due to of its geographical position between the Ionic and Adriatic Seas. Known as \"the Florence of Baroque\", Lecce has a wealth of architectural monuments in Baroque style, with gargoyles and portals. There are many sites of artistic and historic interest, including the Church of St Croce, Piazza St Oronzo, the Column of St Oronzo, Porta Napoli, Lecce Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Greek Amphitheatre, the Obelisk, the Carlo V Castle and many more.
Italian Food-What to say about the food, apart from the fact that it is fabulous. We cannot begin to number the osteria, and tavola calda that have filled our tummies over the years. Pugliese dishes will astonish you, and you won\'t be able to resist their unique, fresh and genuine flavours, because in Puglia there\'s a deep-rooted culinary tradition, composed mostly of simple dishes, made with local products.
The above is just a taste of the incredible culture and history of the regions of Puglia and neighbouring Basilicata, just waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Coupled with the unique gastronomic delights of Southern Italy and the amenities of Trullo Bellissimo.
Area Information :Ostuni 8km, is one of the most stunning cities in southern Italy famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses. It is a genuine and charming example of Mediterranean architecture. The city of Ostuni is a series of levels, staircases, small roads, alleys and arches. Hints of the Middle Ages are at hand in every corner, in every view to the sea, in the portal of a palace, in the walls of a convent or the front of a church. The view of the sea from the old city walls is breathtaking-you can almost imagine the brightly coloured boats of the Saracen sailing over the horizen!
Only 5 minutes away by car, Ostuni has all of the facilties that you could require- supermarkets, shopping, hospitals, restaurants, bars and so on.
Saturday – a big market in Ostuni – first roundabout, just up to your right. It gets very busy and parking can be a nightmare. The clothes, vegetable and plant markets are in separate areas of the same site, and you could combine with a trip to the Pescheria (fresh fish) which is in easy walking distance.
Antique Markets –every Sunday morning throughout the month there is a bric-a-brac market in one location or another. The second Sunday is the turn of Ostuni, near the ‘centro storico’,
Then, of course, there is the sea and beautiful coastline. Only 30 minutes away are the fabulous beaches of the Adriatic. There is a whole coastline (the longest in Italy) to choose from, where there are sandy stretches and rocky coves. Some beaches have \'paid for\' areas, where you can hire beds and umbrellas, in season, but the vast majority are free.
How to reach :Flights: Ryannair fly direct to Brindisi, Bari and Naples. Easy Jet fly via Milan Malpensa to Brindisi. British Airways fly direct to Bari. AlItalia and other airlines fly via Rome or Milan to Brindisi and Bari.
Car Hire: (a car is essential) available through the airline websites, where Special Deal packages are available.Links to all the representated car hire companies are also on the Owners Website. All of the major car hire companies ( Hertz, Avis, Europcar) are represented at Bari and Brindisi Airports. Check with the Owner for \'Best Rates\'.
Trullo Bellissimo is only 40 minutes from Brindisi airport,60 minutes from Bari and approx 4hrs drive from Naples.Driving instructions and Meet & Greet details will be provided from airports and major cities
Best time to visit :The season has wealth to offer between April and October.
Languages spoken :English and italian
