Apulia

Apulia
TUBS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Apulia
Capital	Bari
Largest city	Bari
Population	4,076,781
Population as of	2019
Area	19,358
Area unit	km²
Density	210
Density unit	/km²

Apulia is a region located in the southern part of Italy, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto to the south. It is surrounded by the regions of Campania to the west, Basilicata to the southwest, and Calabria to the south, and is characterized by its rich history, dating back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, with notable figures such as Pythagoras and Archimedes contributing to its cultural heritage. The region is also home to several notable cities, including Bari, Taranto, and Brindisi, which have been influenced by various cultures, including the Byzantine Empire and the Normans. Apulia's unique blend of cultures is reflected in its architecture, with notable examples including the Castel del Monte and the Cathedral of Bari, which showcase the region's Romanesque architecture and Gothic architecture styles.

Geography

Apulia's geography is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Gargano National Park to the Salento peninsula, with the Apennine Mountains forming the region's western border. The region is also home to several notable rivers, including the Ofanto River and the Candelaro River, which flow into the Adriatic Sea. The coastal areas of Apulia are marked by the presence of several notable ports, including the Port of Bari and the Port of Brindisi, which have played a significant role in the region's trade and commerce, with connections to other major ports such as the Port of Venice and the Port of Genoa. The region's geography has also been shaped by its unique geological features, including the Murge plateau and the Itria Valley, which are characterized by their distinctive limestone and dolomite formations, similar to those found in the Dolomites and the Julian Alps.

History

Apulia's history dates back to the Paleolithic era, with evidence of human habitation found in the Grotte di Castellana and the Grotta dei Cervi. The region was later inhabited by the Ancient Greeks, who established several colonies, including Taras and Hydruntum, which were influenced by the Spartans and the Athenians. The region was later conquered by the Romans, who established the province of Apulia et Calabria, with notable figures such as Cicero and Virgil contributing to its cultural heritage. Apulia was also an important center of Christianity during the Middle Ages, with the Bishop of Bari and the Archbishop of Taranto playing significant roles in the region's ecclesiastical history, which was influenced by the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Trent. The region was later influenced by the Normans, who established the Kingdom of Sicily, with notable figures such as Robert Guiscard and Bohemond I of Antioch contributing to its military history, which was marked by the Battle of Cannae and the Battle of Benevento.

Economy

Apulia's economy is driven by its agriculture sector, with the region being a major producer of olive oil, wine, and cereals, with notable products including Primitivo di Manduria and Castel del Monte (wine). The region is also home to several notable industries, including the petrochemical and steel industries, with companies such as Eni and ArcelorMittal operating in the region. Apulia's economy is also driven by its tourism sector, with the region attracting millions of visitors each year, drawn to its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, with notable destinations including the Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre. The region's economy has also been influenced by its strategic location, with the Port of Bari and the Port of Brindisi playing significant roles in the region's trade and commerce, with connections to other major ports such as the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Hamburg.

Culture

Apulia's culture is characterized by its rich history and traditions, with the region being home to several notable festivals and events, including the Festa di San Nicola and the Festa di San Martino. The region is also known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes such as panzerotto and focaccia, which are similar to those found in other regions of Italy, such as Tuscany and Lombardy. Apulia's culture has also been influenced by its unique folk music and dance traditions, with the region being home to several notable musicians, including Ennio Morricone and Domenico Modugno, who have been influenced by the Neapolitan music and Sicilian music traditions. The region's culture has also been shaped by its unique art and architecture, with notable examples including the Cathedral of Bari and the Castel del Monte, which showcase the region's Romanesque architecture and Gothic architecture styles.

Tourism

Apulia is a popular tourist destination, with the region attracting millions of visitors each year, drawn to its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The region is home to several notable destinations, including the Gargano National Park and the Salento peninsula, which offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling. Apulia is also home to several notable cities, including Bari, Taranto, and Brindisi, which offer a range of cultural and historical attractions, including the Cathedral of Bari and the Castel del Monte. The region's tourism industry has also been influenced by its unique gastronomy, with visitors drawn to the region's wine and cuisine, which includes dishes such as panzerotto and focaccia, similar to those found in other regions of Italy, such as Tuscany and Lombardy. Notable events include the Venice Film Festival and the Rome Film Festival, which showcase the region's cinema and theater traditions.

Administration

Apulia is divided into six provinces, including Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto. The region is governed by the Regional Council of Apulia, which is headed by the President of Apulia, who is currently Michele Emiliano. The region is also represented in the Italian Parliament by several notable politicians, including Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini, who have been influenced by the Christian Democracy (Italy) and the Italian Socialist Party traditions. Apulia's administration has also been influenced by its unique history and culture, with the region being home to several notable institutions, including the University of Bari and the Polytechnic University of Bari, which offer a range of academic programs, including engineering and architecture. The region's administration has also been shaped by its strategic location, with the Port of Bari and the Port of Brindisi playing significant roles in the region's trade and commerce, with connections to other major ports such as the Port of Marseille and the Port of Barcelona.