Putignano is a small town in Apulia, Southern Italy, famous all over Europe for its extraordinary Carnival celebrations and the spectacular parade of papier-mache floats, which has an unusual revival even in summer. And that’s not the only good reason to hit Putignano during the hot season.
This charming town in the province of Bari has a very fascinating historical centre, with a curved main road which runs around what once were the ancient walls, thus creating a circle around a net of alleys, old churches, steps. Every building and architectural item is white, the typical Apulean style that confers such an unreal atmosphere to the whole urban landscape.
Having spent most of time eating seafood and pasta, I thought a good idea taking a ride by mountain bike through the surrounding rural area. The district including Noci, Putignano and Alberobello is called Barsento, and it offers some interesting routes among golden wheat fields, wild tracks and the typical Mediterranean marsh.
Cycle tourism is really a great alternative to the usual beach tourism to discover Apulia and its many beauties. For too many years the region didn’t bring in anything really innovative to refresh its offer and create useful alternatives during winter time. Maybe investing in mountain bike tracks and the related structures will prove to be a good way to start.
Where is Putignano?
A degree in journalism and a professional limbo ranging from press offices to newspapers, magazines and finally the web. I lived in Verona, Zurich, London, Cape Town, Mumbai and Casablanca. I hate flying and I love jodel music. And when I grow up I wanna be a cosmonaut.
Sounds like a good time, loved hearing about it. Sometimes it is nice to just grab a cycle and go.