Apulia, the "land of longing" on the heel of Italy's "boot" is inhabited since the stone age. The medieval town of Bari is the old capital and the coastal towns of Santo Spirito, Giovinazzo and Trani and Barlette still radiate this historically fostered self-confidence. Castles, baroque cities and the amazing cave city of Matera highlight this wonder region, known as the "Gate to the Orient".
