Attractions in the Territory
A Territory to Discover
Alberobello
Alberobello is a small town of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy. It has about 10,000 inhabitants and is famous for its unique Trulli buildings. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, the 1550 Trulli of Alberobello are an extraordinary example of rural building made wtih dry calcareous stone, without mortar or concrete. Even just 2 hours are enough to visit on foot one the most charming of Italy's towns. Alberobello is reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 40 minutes driving along the povincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Bari's direction and exiting towards Fasano. Once in Fasano, you'll need the follow directions to Alberobello. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Alberobello, the Trulli's Capital.
Egnathia
One of the most interesting among Puglia's archeological sites, in a wonderful natural environment, between masserie and centuries-old olive trees, with artifacts coming from the prehistorical age of bronze (XV century BC). In the area it is possible to visit non only the archeological park but also the museum where the articafcts from the excavation are shown. Egnazia is reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 30 minutes driving along the povincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Bari's direction and exiting towards Egnazia. Once outside the statl road, you'll need the follow directions to Egnazia Excavations. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Egnazia.
Grottaglie
Setteled at few kilometers from Taranto, Grottaglie is Puglia's most important place for artisan ceramic production, made with local clay. The Ceramics District surrounds Grottaglie's old town like a ring, and hosts about 50 workshops and ancient labs carved in stone. Really an open air museum, that definetly deserves a visit. Grottaglie is reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 35 minutes driving outside the town of Ostuni, taking Ceglie Messapica's direction and continuing toward Villa Castelli and then Grottaglie. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Grottaglie's Ceramics District.
Grotte Castellana
The Castellana's Caves are one of the most important attractions of Puglia: a marvelous speleological complex, unique in Italy, 3 km long and 60 meters deep that is possibile to visit in two hours. An amazing natural site, formed since 90 million years ago, made of caves, chasm, stalactites, stalagmites with incredible shapes adn colours. During summer it is possible to enjoy 'Hell in the Cave', a unique aerial undergroung representation of Dante's Inferno, with music and dance. We suggest also the astronomical Observatory and the children Parks not far from the Cave's complex. The Castellana's Caves are reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 40 minutes driving along the povincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Bari's direction and exiting towards Castellana Grotte. Once in Castellana Grotte town, you'll need the follow directions to the Cave's complex 'Grotte di Castellana'. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from the Castellana's Caves, Puglia's natural wonder.
Lecce
Lecce is one of most charming Italian cities, famous for the remains of Roman domination and for the baroque style of his monuments, churchs and mansions, made with typical local calcareous stone. Impossible not be delighted after a walk in city's centre, from Duomo Square to S. Oronzo square, to Santa Croce's Basilica an Carlo V's Castele. Lecce is easily reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 50 minutes driving along the povincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Brindisi's direction and continuing to Lecce. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Lecce.
Matera
Located in Basilicata, near the border with Puglia, Matera in considered one of the most ancient cities of the world, inhabited since Paleolithic until today. The original urban center (The "Sassi" district), declared in 1993 Unesco world heritage site, was made carving the rocks of ancient natural caves. With his amazing rocky landscape and his unique heritage of culture and traditions, it is a fairytale place that's really worth a visit. Matera is reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about two hours in many ways. We suggest to exit Ostuni taking direction for Ceglie Messapica/Francavilla Fontana. Once in Francavilla Fontana take the E90/Jonica 106 statal road in Taranto's direction and, once passed beyond Taranto, follow the same road until the exit Metaponto/Matera. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Matera.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is a marvellous medioeval town overhanging the Adriatic sea. Perched on a high and rugged coast, it has breathtaking views and its old town's narrow streets are ideal for an aperitiv at sunset ot a romantic walk. Polignano a Mare is reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 35 minutes driving along the provincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Bari's direction and exiting towards Polignano a Mare. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from wonderful Polignano.
Torre Guaceto
In the municipality of Carovigno, 20 km far from Ostuni, Torre Gauceto is a protected marine area managed by a consortium that protects the rich flora and fauna, encouraging a sustainable use of the coast. It's the ideal place for people who want to live the sea in the purest and uncontaminated way. Aniway at few distance, in Penna Grossa area, is possible to enjoy private lidos with parking, bar, restaurant, close to this wonderful stretch of coast. Torre Guaceto is easily reachable from Hotel Sant'Eligio in about 30 minutes driving along the provincial road 21 Ostuni – Torre Pozzelle, entering in state road 379 taking Brindisi's direction and until the exit Torre Guaceto/Punta Penna Grossa/Apani. Relais Sant'Eligio can organize for his Guests guided tours or simply transfer to/from Torre Guaceto.