Puglia Region
Italy’s easternmost region, Puglia stretches across the southeastern heel of the peninsula, bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian seas and anchored by the capital city of Bari.
At a glance
Puglia encompasses six administrative divisions: the metropolitan city of Bari and the provinces of Foggia, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce. The region extends eastward to Punta Palaschía near Otranto, positioned just 72 kilometres from Albania’s Karaburun Peninsula and 80 kilometres from the island of Fanò, making it geographically the most easterly region in Italy.
History
Puglia’s historical identity was shaped by Byzantine rule. The region formed the core of Longobardia (or Langobardia), the first Italian state entity to bear that name—a Byzantine administrative territory, or thema, governed from Bari. The Germanic term Langbardland emerged only after the collapse of the Lombard kingdom, adopted by Varangian warriors who served Byzantine forces in their conflicts against Normans in these southern lands. Swedish populations later commemorated these warriors through runestones known as the Runestones of Italy.
What you see
As a region rather than a single monument, Puglia encompasses diverse landscapes and settlements. The administrative capital of Bari sits on the Adriatic coast, serving as the modern hub of governance and commerce for the region’s varied provinces and cities.
Cultural significance
Puglia’s cultural importance derives from its strategic position at the crossroads of Mediterranean trade routes and its role as a frontier zone between Byzantine and Norman powers. The region’s toponymy itself preserves historical memory—until 1931, Bari was officially named Bari delle Puglie, reflecting the plural form “Puglie” that designated the region until the twentieth century and survives today in place names such as Tavoliere delle Puglie.
Key facts
- Address: Lungomare N. Sauro 33, 70100 Bari
- Coordinates: 40.3522626, 18.1726205
- Capital: Bari
- Phone: 800 713939
- Official website: http://www.regione.puglia.it/
Practical information
Puglia is administered as a standard-statute Italian region. The regional government office is located in Bari. For inquiries regarding regional services and governance, contact the main phone line or visit the official website.
Getting there
Bari, the capital and administrative seat, is accessible by air, rail, and road. The city lies on the Adriatic coast and serves as the primary entry point to the region.
Sources & resources
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