Brindisi Inland

Apulia isn't famous only for its beaches, its clear sea and the sun shining on its towns. The inland area behind its coasts is just as rich in beauty. Here history and archaeology rule, as you discover castles and many other reminders of a glorious past. Between Baroque and Norman, you follow a historical itinerary like no other.

The towns that make up the so-called “Brindisi hinterland” look to the provincial capital, Brindisi, itself a captivating city full of things to see and do. The main inland towns are Francavilla Fontana, Oria, Mesagne and Latiano. Also worth mentioning are Carovigno, San Vito dei Normanni and the seaside places of Torre Santa Sabina and San Pietro Vernotico.

All these little towns stand out not only for their castles and palaces from bygone eras, but also and above all for their food and their dialects. The Brindisi-Lecce accent is unmistakable, one more sign of a deep attachment to tradition.

Heading from north to south, the first towns you come across are Francavilla Fontana, San Vito dei Normanni and Carovigno. Francavilla Fontana has been called the City of the Imperiali, since the Imperiali were the princes who ruled the town for more than two centuries.

Founded in Messapian times, it began to grow from the 14th century thanks to the Angevins. It has many churches and palaces, but its defining feature is the Castle, named after the Imperiali family itself.

Next comes San Vito dei Normanni. San Vito is just 9 km from the Adriatic coast, so it's close to seaside spots like Lido Specchiolla and, above all, the renowned Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve (both on land and at sea).

The town's name is said to be a thank-you to Saint Vitus the Martyr, the saint (of Slavic origin) who, according to legend, protected the town's founders, the Slavonians (Slavs as well), from the Saracens. With its churches and the inevitable Castle, history is not lacking here either.

Finally, Carovigno, best known for its PDO olive oil and for its hamlets, popular seaside spots. Standing out among them is Torre Santa Sabina, a favorite with young people for its nightclubs and with families for its sandy beaches.

The route continues south, where you'll find Mesagne, Latiano and Oria. All three lie on the ancient Appian Way, which linked Rome to Brindisi. Mesagne is yet another town of Messapian origin, but it's also rich in Renaissance and Baroque influences. Its historic center has an unusual heart shape, which makes it one of a kind.

Its Castle is one of the largest in the Brindisi hinterland and dates back to the 11th century. Many events take place here, and many films have been shot here, such as “La Terra” (2006) and “L'uomo nero” (2009), both by Sergio Rubini.

Like Francavilla Fontana, Latiano also grew into a town under the Imperiali family. In the past, the people of Latiano were called “Capuvierdi”. The dialect nickname refers to mallards, the birds that lived in the marsh on which Latiano was built. There are no fewer than three museums: the Museum of the Underground, the Museum of the Arts and Traditions of Apulia and a museum dedicated to the Petrosillo and Ribezzo families.

Last but not least, Oria is the town richest in history and character. It's a very ancient village, dating back as far as the 10th century BC, which rose to fame from the Middle Ages on. To this day it still looks like a medieval fief.

In the past, the Jewish quarter was especially important, home to a thriving community between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Sadly, because of the Arab sack of 925, the community is now remembered only by the buildings of the Rione Giudea and by the Porta degli Ebrei, the gateway to the quarter.

The Rione Giudea is one of the four districts into which Oria is divided, along with San Basilio, Castello and Lama. A legend says that Oria is often shrouded in fog because of a young girl sacrificed to keep the walls from collapsing while the fief was being built.

The journey through the Brindisi hinterland ends with a visit to towns such as San Pancrazio Salentino and Cellino San Marco, best known as the birthplace of the singer Al Bano Carrisi.

The great historical and architectural value of the Brindisi hinterland is matched by its food. Olive oil and wine production is plentiful here. It's no coincidence that the ancient Greeks called these lands Oenotria, the land of wine.

European funds have helped create the so-called “Wine and Oil Roads”. Among them are “L'Appia dei Vini DOC”, from Brindisi to Ostuni (www.appiadeivini.it), and “La Strada dell'Olio Extravergine di Oliva DOP Collina di Brindisi” (www.stradadellolio.org). Other typical Apulian treats are almond sweets (almonds are also used to make almond milk), the classic “orecchiette” and taralli.

There's no shortage of food festivals and folk celebrations either, which immerse you in the true atmosphere of the South. Besides the various folk festivals, there are other events too, such as the Torneo dei Rioni and the Pageant dedicated to Frederick II in the town of Oria.

The first is a palio in which contestants from Oria's 4 districts compete in traditional games. The event also features a Historical Pageant and a flag-throwers' show. The second is a procession that recreates the celebrations held for the wedding of King Frederick II of Swabia.