The Living Passion in Troia

Our voyage begins on Palm Sunday from Troia, an ancient Apulian town situated about 30 km from Foggia. The celebration of Holy Week will begin on the first afternoon with the sacred representation of the Passion and Death of Jesus, a scenic event of great impact during which popular devotion is manifested as the silent participation in the suffering of Calvary.
Our stay in this historic town will allow us to visit the splendid Romanesque cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta) during the evening.

Out to discover the most beautiful villages

We will leave Troia and spend the next few days discovering the ancient villages situated on the sub-Apennine slopes of Daunia recognised by the Touring Club Italiano with their prestigious “Orange Flag” seal of quality.
We will take the SP 109 toward Lucera and reach Pietramontecorvino, a lovely medieval town characterised by a cluster of homes partially excavated in rock. Don’t miss the monumental complex formed by the Ducal Palace, the Norman-Angevin tower, and the mother church.
Before continuing on our trip, we suggest a stop at the historic farmhouse Posta di Torre Bianca, in the countryside of Lucera, dating back to the eighteenth century.

To Alberona, amidst nature and history

We will arrive in Alberona in the morning, after about a 30-minute drive by car along the SP 135. The entire day will be dedicated to this splendid town and its beautiful landscape and monuments. You definitely won’t want to miss the church of San Rocco, the tower of the Gran Priore and the mother church . For those who love walking, head to the Tigli canal with its lush vegetation along paths, waterways, and picturesque cascades.

To Bari, amidst the narrow streets of the old town

The morning of April 20, just a couple of hours by car, we will find ourselves in Bari (SP 130, SS 17, A 14). A tour of the city is a wonder opportunity to admire the extraordinary historic-artistic heritage of this town, from the renovated Teatro Petruzzelli to the beautiful Romanesque churches of San Nicola and San Sabino in the old part of town. When evening comes, the narrow streets and alleys overlooking the old port come to life with typical clubs and restaurants serving excellent fish specialities.

Holy Thursday, between devotion and tradition

Before leaving Bari, we advise a visit to the Norman Swabian Castle, an extraordinary example of fortified architecture of Medieval times.
During the afternoon, we will head towards the small town of Noicattaro (SS 100, SP 240) for another immersion in the celebrations of Holy Week. At 7:30pm, a bon fire is lit on the parvis of the Church of the Madonna della Lama and, later, the procession of the first cross-bearer, a hooded and flagellant brother, takes place.
Later in the evening why not head to Putignano (SP 240) and stop for the night at the fortified farmhouse I Monti, on the road to Noci (SP 237), a useful stop to then continue our journey.

The Living Passion of Good Friday

On Good Friday morning, before leaving the countryside of Noci, we could dedicated a few hours to visit the nearby church of Santa Maria di Barsento, an extraordinary example of ante litteram Romanesque architecture, dating back to the eleventh century.
We can then continue in the direction of Alberobello (SP 239), where in the early evening we will enjoy the scenic representation of the Living Passion: hundreds of participants in costume will line the streets of the small town, renowned for its trulli, a UNESCO world heritage site, reliving the drama of Jesus' Calvary together with the entire community.

In Valle d’Itria: Locorotondo and Cisternino

An entire day to be spent in the open air in Valle d’Itria, amidst enchanting scenery, cultivated fields, trulli, and dry walls. We will visit the small town of Locorotondo, known for the circular layout of its historic district with narrow streets lined with whitewashed dwellings.  For lunch, we suggest stopping in one of the many cookeries where you will enjoy grilled specialities.
In the afternoon, we’re off to Cisternino (SP 134), a small village inland, famous for its characteristic historic district as well as culinary specialities mostly based on grilled meats. Don’t miss the complex of the urban towers and the sanctuary of the Madonna d’Ibernia.

In Valle d’Itria: Martina Franca

Easter Sunday will be spent among the colours and flavours of the Valle d'Itria. We will dedicate our last day to Martina Franca, a splendid little Baroque town in the province of Taranto, with its pompous palace with finely sculptured portals. While you’re there, be sure to visit the elegant churches in the historic district and see the splendid decorations of the Ducal Palace.