Apulia (or Puglia) is the heel of Italy, stretching down from the spur of the Italian boot. Its landscape is often very beautiful and it has wonderful old cities with Romanesque cathedrals, Gothic castles and a great wealth of Baroque architecture, together with 'rupestrian' churches that contain Byzantine frescoes. But, although far from inaccessible, until quite recently it was seldom visited by Anglo Saxons. Today, however, Apulia is becoming fashionable, 'an alternative to Tuscany'. It is featured on radio and television; travel supplements describe its beaches and its cooking, supermarkets stock Apulian wine, oil, bread and pasta. Yet almost nothing about the region has been published in English since the days of Norman Douglas and the Sitwells. One can find 'holiday histories' of Tuscany, but there is no popular introduction to Apulian history, not even in Italian. Our book, which grew out of what was originally intended as a travel book, has been written to fill the gap by providing a simple, readable account.

An Armchair Traveller's History of Apulia is the story of the heel of Italy - Puglia - as told by past and present day travellers. It has beautiful landscapes, cave towns and frescoed grotto churches, wonderful old cities with Romanesque cathedrals, Gothic castles and a wealth of Baroque architecture. And yet, while far from inaccessible, until quite recently it was seldom visited by tourists. This portrait of Apulia concentrates on the Apulian people down the ages. Conquerors, whether Messapians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Lombards, Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Germans or Spaniards, have all left their mark on the region in a cultural palimpsest that at first sight bewilders, but which hugely repays investigation. Arranged in short chapters, the narrative travels from north to south, making it an ideal companion for exploring Apulia by car. The Gazetteer, which is cross-referenced to the main text, highlights cities, churches, cathedrals, castles and sites of historical importance to the visitor. For travellers on the ground or students at their desks, this elegant, cloth-bound book will prove invaluable.

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

Two strangers, both newly divorced women, are determined to start life afresh amongst the olive groves of Puglia in the South of Italy, as they both attempt to put their old lives behind them. Claudia has a seemingly perfect life: a successful novelist, a loving mother, beautiful and admired by all, but she's haunted by a decision she made. Her confidence is destroyed at the hands of another. Is she able to move on, put it behind her and find happiness once more? Janet is determined to make a new life for herself after her husband left her for a younger woman, and she yearns to live in an idyllic trullo under the Pugliese sun. As the paths of Claudia and Janet cross and their lives become entwined, one woman's dream is threatened by the past of the other when they discover it's not always easy to escape one's previous life. Sometimes it follows in unexpected ways.

With striking photography by Mark Roskams, this book offers a previously unseen look into these spaces. Simultaneously austere and luxurious, the simple yet spacious rooms retain their original charm, including stone kitchen fireplaces, church like arched hallways, and magnificent marble floors.

This book makes recent scholarship on the Italic people of fourth-century BC Apulia available to English-speaking audiences.

The Rough Guide Snapshot to Puglia is the ultimate travel guide to this beautiful, beguiling "heel" of Italy. It guides you through the region with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from exploring the gorgeous medieval hilltop town of Ostuni and enjoying the sunniest, sandiest beaches this side of Rome, to admiring the swirly Baroque architecture of stand-out town Lecce and feasting on the best bread and pasta dishes in Italy. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the top cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you have the most memorable trip possible, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. Also included is the Basics section from The Rough Guide to Italy, with all the practical information you need for travelling in and around the country, including transport, food, drink, costs, health and festivals. Also published as part of The Rough Guide to Italy. Full coverage: Fóggia, Monfredonia, The Gargano promontory, The Trémiti Islands, Bari, Castellana Grotte, Táranto, Bríndisi, Ostuni, Lecce, Salento, Otranto, Galatina, Gallipolli (Equivalent printed page extent 76 pages).

The Rough Guide Snapshot to Puglia is the ultimate travel guide to this beautiful, beguiling "heel" of Italy. It guides you through the region with reliable information and comprehensive coverage of all the sights and attractions, from exploring the gorgeous medieval hilltop town of Ostuni and enjoying the sunniest, sandiest beaches this side of Rome, to admiring the swirly Baroque architecture of stand-out town Lecce and feasting on the best bread and pasta dishes in Italy. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the top caf�s, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you have the most memorable trip possible, whether passing through, staying for the weekend or longer. Also included is the Basics section from The Rough Guide to Italy, with all the practical information you need for travelling in and around the country, including transport, food, drink, costs, health and festivals. Also published as part of The Rough Guide to Italy. Full coverage: F�ggia, Monfredonia, The Gargano promontory, The Tr�miti Islands, Bari, Castellana Grotte, T�ranto, Br�ndisi, Ostuni, Lecce, Salento, Otranto, Galatina, Gallipolli (Equivalent printed page extent 76 pages).