Where is Puglia Italy? Why should you visit there?

Puglia, is  a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline.

The Capital is Bari a vibrant port and university town, while Lecce is known as “Florence of the South” for its baroque architecture.

Bari is a port city on the Adriatic Sea, and the capital of southern Italy’s Puglia region. Its mazelike old town, Barivecchia, occupies a headland between 2 harbors.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

The food in the South is very different to the rest of Italy. Due to the farming and terrain such as Olive trees. The Olive oil is richer and thicker in taste. Exclusive to the south is a local dish called panzarotti It is normally fried in olive oil with cheese and tomatoes inside.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

Plenty of fresh figs grown here too.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

Surrounded by narrow streets, the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola, a key pilgrimage site, holds some of St. Nicholas’ remains. To the south, the Murat quarter has stately 19th-century architecture, a promenade and pedestrianized shopping areas.

Bari

Trulli

Alberobello and the Itria Valley are home to “trulli,” stone huts with distinctive conical roofs. You can book stays here for a unique experience.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

The Women Of South

The women in the South can only be described as open, down to earth and direct.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

They love the beach and always like to wear clothing that is stylish and comfortable.

Kaftan trends here are often popular as they are versatile. For those bulging tummies the perfect cut is made to create a more elegant look.Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

These kaftan are made in limited numbers. the fabrics are carefully chosen to create an exclusive look.

They would look great with Caretti clogs too.

Caretti Clogs Parrot Red Deep Forest

Kaftan fabrics need to match the design of the dress so it looks fab. Designer Angela buys the fabrics in Rome and the textiles are often vintage only found and sourced of the highest quality in Italy.

Masks Florence Italy - Uffizi Gallery Inspired Collection Angela Facchini Etsy (2) Gracie Opulanza kaftan 2021

Me wearing a Kaftan at the Uffizi museum in Florence. My parents were born in Puglia. I grew up hearing and speaking their dialect which is very different to Italian language.

In Australia I grew up on a farm and my parents only spoke the Bari dialect.

grace giove Orbost Austraiia

Stone walls are hugely popular in the South as it’s farm country.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

The South has beautiful beaches some of the best in Italy. The lifestyle is a rustic and very laid back lifestyle here. Eating on farmland is popular as the ladies always like to stay close to their roots.

For an alfresco living, tables are set in away that can only be experienced in Italy.

Angela makes fabulous masks too.

Puglia Italy South Kaftan fashion 2020 angela facchini (2)

The South is very different from the rest of Italy and is worth exploring. I have not been to Puglia for ten years time to come back to my roots and see a very different Bari.