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.