Puglia Things to Do Tips by hquittner

There are at least 6 Apulian Romannesque churches started before 1200 AD. At least 3 of them before1100 : San Nicola in Bari and the cathedrals in Trani (pictured here) and Bisceglie. The cathedral at Bari is 1156 but is much altered by changes after an earthquake(1613). Only Trani and Barletta have Rose windows. A carving program as part of the central display appears in Trani (which took 100 years to finish) and later in Matera nearby in 1240. That early sculptors existed is clear from the bronze doors that were produced by Barisano of Trani in 1180 (sets for Trani, Monreale and Ravello). He must have had helpers and associates. Similar work was developing in Southern France and the Cluniacs may have sent such stone workers here. Look carefully for small examples on all of the churches. Many consider Bitonto to be the best, There are others in Molfetta and Barlettaas well.

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Directions: Around Bari. Look at a good guide book.

It seems that sites as distinct from places (i.e. towns and National Parks) are not indexed in VT. So to write things about Castel del Monte one must put them under a place. Unfortunately the Castel is not in a place. There is not even a farmhouse around. Certainly not an Inn. The nearest city is Andria but even that is not listed under Puglia. One MUST visit the Castel enroute between places or as part of a tour (a day-trip?). Certainly Puglian places to consider as departure points are Foggia, Trani and Bari (50-100 km away)., all worth visiting as well, also Barletta. If you want to find our writeups on the Castel, they are under Italy>Castel del Monte. Two places come up: one in Umbria and the other in Abruzzi. Both have nothing on the real towns in those areas. I have been by both and never stopped. All the write-ups are on THIS Castel del Monte (as attested to by the pictures. So enjoy.

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