Q Magazine - Spring 2020

14 T here is so much more to Puglia in Southern Italy than the iconically bizarre Trulli, wrongly attributed as Tolkein’s inspiration for the Hobbit but actually more of a medieval land tax dodge! There are wonderful hillside and seafront towns that capture the imagination and plunge you into the province’s fascinating history, where superb Masserie ( fortified farm estates ) have been transformed into luxurious hotels or stunning Lecce, nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’, which is a feast of Baroque architecture built around a Roman amphitheatre. Participate in the wild regional dance, the Tarantella , which frenetically offers total escapism to those that want to venture there! Explore the countryside to discover glorious beaches and some of Italy’s largest national parks including Gargano with its famous cave systems and sinkholes. Puglia is also a treat for the senses with unique spas for relaxation and most importantly a gastronomic experience which enhances and will transport gastronauts to foodie heaven. Puglia is known as the breadbasket of Italy. It is the source of 80 percent of Europe's pasta and much of Italy's fish; it produces more wine than Germany and more olive oil than all the other regions of Italy combined. In fact, Puglia has just been awarded even more Michelin stars this year, so what better time to highlight the scintillating and palate-stimulating excitement of its gastronomic offerings. Venture into its traditional and fiercely proud vineyards, many of which are organic, taste the exquisite olive oil from some of the oldest olive trees in Italy and take your taste buds on a flavour roller coaster with its many Michelin starred chefs like Angelo Sabadello, Antonella Ricci and Felix Lo Basso, whose restaurants straddle the region. The Trulli may be wonderful and unique to Puglia but there is somuchmore to this spectacular region. Come and explore with all your senses. You will not be disappointed. Trulli Delicious Puglia The breadbasket of Italy has so much to offer the visitor