UNESCO World Heritage sites in Puglia
Italian Natural and Cultural heritage should be one of the top priorities when you visit Italy.
Unesco World Heritage sites not only are charming places with and additional value but being awarded the title of Unesco also encourages the preservation of these unique and timeless treasures.
Among the Italian World Heritage List, Puglia boasts 3 masterpiece sites.
1) Castel del Monte, listed in 1996
Located in the Communes of Andria and Corato (Bari Province), it was built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. First of all, Del Monte Castle is a symbol of medieval military architecture. Perfectly preserved, it is able to enchant for some details such as the rigour of its plan and form, and the eclecticism of its cultural elements.
2) The Trulli of Alberobello, listed in 1996
Well-appreciated in the world for their exceptional forms, the Trulli are prehistoric buildings characterized by circular plants, white dry stone walls, small windows and spectacular pinnacles. The Trulli of Alberobello create a whole urban area near Bari. The about 1500 Trulli are still functional as houses, hotels and shops.
3) The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, listed in 1993
Not far from Bari, the Sassi and its Park are precisely located in Matera (Basilicata Region). Meaning Stones of Matera, they are described as troglodyte settlement because they consist of a rock-cut settlement. It was the hidden heart of ancient pastoral communities over more than two millennia. The Sassi were designed part of the World Heritage because show the evolution of a culture offering to visitors a historic atmosphere and a breathtaking scenery.
4) The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, listed in 2011
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo it is located in Monte Sant'Angelo, in the province of Foggia. Built in 490 AD, it fell under the dominion of the Lombards in 650 AD, who transformed it into the main worship center of the West. More information on the page dedicated to the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo.
5) The Foresta Umbra Nature Reserve, listed in 2017
As regards mammals, the area is home to wolves, hare, squirrels, deer, foxes, badgers, wild cats, small rodents, boars, roe deers and weasels.
For lovers of birdwatching, by day you will find crows, magpies, blackcaps, nightingales, robins, woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, kites, goshawks, buzzards and blackbirds. At night, the great owl emerges, together with the tawny owl, the owl and the barn owl.
6) Castel Fiorentino in Torremaggiore, listed in 2017
List of UNESCO sites in Puglia:
- Castel del Monte, listed in 1996
- The Trulli of Alberobello, listed in 1996
- The Sanctuary of St Michael the Archangel, listed in 2011
- The Foresta Umbra Nature reserve, listed in 2017
- Castel Fiorentino at Torremaggiore, listed in 2017
Photo Credits: Stijn, oRIOn, Le Grotte della Civita
