Elizabeth & Joseph
Things To Do
Taranto
Taranto is 20 minutes from the venue. Taranto is a coastal city in southern Italy. It lies between the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea) bodies of water. Taranto is home to the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Spartan Museum of Taranto, and San Cataldo Basilica, with a baroque facade. The Lido Azzurro, located near Taranto, is renowned for its natural beauty, with 4 km of golden sandy beaches along a coastline of turquoise sea.
Alberobello
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Puglia, is famous for its unique trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. The town's history dates back to the 16th century when peasants, under the rule of the Acquaviva family, built these dry-stone houses to avoid property taxes. Without mortar, trulli could be easily dismantled to evade taxation. Over time, these charming structures became a symbol of the region’s architectural ingenuity. Today, Alberobello's trulli are celebrated for their distinctive appearance and historical significance.
Monopoli
Monopoli, a coastal town in Puglia, Italy, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originally a Greek settlement, it later became a Roman colony and a key port during the Byzantine period. In the Middle Ages, Monopoli thrived as a maritime hub, with its impressive castle and fortified walls built to defend against invaders, including pirates and the Venetians. Over the centuries, the town maintained its strategic importance due to its harbor and thriving fishing industry. Today, Monopoli is known for its historic charm, medieval architecture, and picturesque coastline.
Matera
The oldest city in Italy and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings known as the Sassi, which date back over 9,000 years to the Paleolithic era. These stone homes were carved into limestone cliffs and were used throughout Roman, Byzantine, and medieval periods. By the 20th century, Matera had become a symbol of poverty, but a major restoration transformed it into a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Today, Matera is celebrated for its unique history, cultural heritage, and striking landscapes, having also served as a backdrop for numerous films.
Bari Vecchia
Bari’s Old Town, known as Bari Vecchia, is rich in history and culture, dating back over 2,000 years. The medieval maze of narrow streets includes landmarks like the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, a key pilgrimage site. One of its most charming features is Strada Arco Basso, where local women have been handmaking orecchiette pasta for generations, right on the streets. This tradition, passed down through families, symbolizes Bari’s deep culinary heritage and connection to its past, blending ancient customs with everyday life.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare, a stunning coastal town in Puglia, Italy, has ancient roots dating back to its time as a Greek settlement known as Neapolis. It became an important trade hub under Roman rule. In the Renaissance and Baroque eras, its charm grew, and today, Polignano is famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and as the birthplace of singer Domenico Modugno. A blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, it remains a top tourist destination.
Cave of Poetry
Fun fact: Italy is known for its grottoes, which are naturally made caves usually formed near water. Inside these grottoes, you'll find crystal-clear water. If you're up for it, you can take a road trip to see the Grotto della Poesia, or the cave of poetry, which lies further south towards the the heel of the boot of Italy.
Lecce
If you drive down to see the Grotta della Poesia, make sure you stop and visit the stunning baroque city of Lecce. Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South," has a rich history dating back to Roman times, with notable ruins like the Roman amphitheater. The city flourished during the Baroque period, becoming renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture made from local limestone. Its many churches and palaces, like the Basilica di Santa Croce, showcase intricate carvings and elaborate facades. Over the centuries, Lecce has been influenced by various cultures, including the Normans and Byzantines, shaping its unique blend of art, history, and culture.
Brindisi
Another city in the southern part of Puglia. Brindisi is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. Brindisi, with its rich tapestry of history, stunning coastal scenery, and warm hospitality, offers a unique travel experience. Brindisi's historical legacy is visible in its architecture, from ancient Roman columns to majestic Baroque churches and the formidable fortress of Emperor Frederick II.