A recent wedding invitation gave me the opportunity to explore the south of Italy a bit more, specifically the region of Apulia, or Puglia in the native language. 2 days of driving from Bari through Polignano a Mare, the Grotte di Castellana, Alberobello with its Trulli houses, and the white city of Ostuni gives you a great impression of the typical architecture, cityscape, and nature around this part of Italy.
One of the most famous towns on the coast of Apulia, with the Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto, beach area surrounded by cliffs and houses.
Famous for the song Nel blu, dipinto di blu - or commonly known as "Volare".
The view from the northern cliffs towards the cirty.
The city's most famous spot, seen through the rails of the Roman bridge.
A tiny church in the older parts of Polignano a Mare.
Looking towards the sky between the tightly built houses.
There are many small balconies and other spots in the city to enjoy these views.
Typical southern Italy impressions.
What I presume is a riverbed that was once flowing into the sea, and now leads to the famous beach, crossed by the Roman bridge.
The aforementioned bridge connecting two parts of the city.
Beautiful water and good temperatures in July.
Built on top the actual limestone rock are the houses framing the famous beach.
No one has been sitting here in a while.
Obligatory cat photo, as I moved on from Polignano a Mare to the Grotte di Castellana.
While Dubai does have more greenery than one would expect, you do miss this kind of view from time to time.
The main cave of the system, which is 3km overall. It's the only one with an opening to the outside, and also the only one you can take photos in.
Stalactites and stalagmites embellish almost every wall in the caves. Humans for scale...
Looking backward to the main cave as you descend deeper.
This is the hole connecting the main cave to the outside world - it's hidden by trees and bushes, but can be viewed directly from the street.
The next stop was Alberobello, famous for its Trullo buildings.
The traditional Apulian dry stone hut with its conical roof.
Generally thought to be temporary storage or accommodation, these houses have been around for 200 years and more.
It is said that the houses were made of dry wall so they could be easily dismantled when tax inspectors were in the area, as historically Apulia had high property taxation.
The area is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The centre of the religious history of the city.
A national monument, named after its former owner, for its role in the victory against the tyranny of the counts in the 18th century.
Most of the Trullo houses have been turned into shops, tourist attractions, restaurants and small hotels.
One of the many stairs in the city.
Or aptly nicknamed "The White City"
The ceiling creates an impression of additional space beyond the roof.
Typical scene with plants framing doors and windows.
The arched streets are a typical feature of the city.
The life of a cat.
Even for humans, this is a one way street.
Not made for anything bigger than a Smart.
The city was remarkably - and pleasantly - quiet. Not sure it would withstand hords of people.
The wall surrounding the elevated plateu on which Ostuni's historic centre is located.
As I said, not much space for anything bigger than a Smart.
Even without a door, stairs must be decorated with some plants.
One of the main streets of Ostuni.
Views over the Apulian landscape, with its many olive tree fields.
A road leading eastwards.
It's said that there are over 50 million olive trees in Apulia...
...producing 40% of Italy's olive oil.