Explore the ​World

 Lecce – The Baroque Pearl of Puglia
Often called the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a hidden gem with a soul of its own. Located in the heart of the Salento Peninsula, close to both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, Lecce is a city of history, sunshine, and stone.
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A Bit of History • Founded by the Messapians, before Roman times • Became a major Roman settlement, then a Baroque powerhouse in the 17th century • Famous for its soft, golden “pietra leccese” (Lecce stone), giving the city its warm glow
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What to See     •     Basilica di Santa Croce→ An icon of Lecce’s Baroque style, with a surreal facade full of angels, animals, and mythic figures     •     Piazza del Duomo→ One of Italy’s most beautiful cathedral squares, magical especially at night • Roman Amphitheater – right in the city center • Porta Napoli & City Gates – impressive historic entrances to the old town • Craft Streets – local artisans working with paper-mâché, stone, and paint
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What to Taste • Rustico Leccese – buttery puff pastry filled with béchamel and tomato • Pasticciotto – warm tart with creamy vanilla custard • Orecchiette con le cime di rapa – classic Puglian pasta with leafy greens • Primitivo & Negroamaro wines – bold, flavorful reds from the region
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 The Atmosphere
Lecce is not just beautiful — it’s charming, calm, and creative.Street musicians, outdoor cafés, and golden buildings create the perfect backdrop for romance and inspiration.
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 Close to the Sea
Only 30–40 minutes by car, you’ll find stunning beaches like: • Porto Cesareo – with Caribbean-like turquoise waters • Otranto – a coastal town rich in history and charm • Gallipoli – the party hotspot of southern Puglia
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JetLagFun Tip: • Fly into Bari or Brindisi, then take a train or car to Lecce • Spend at least 2 days – the old town is best explored slowly • Visit in May–June or September – warm weather, fewer crowds

 Welcome to Bari – The Hidden Gem of Southern Italy
If you think you’ve already discovered everything Italy has to offer—wait until you meet Bari.Set on the Adriatic coast, this port city is the beating heart of the Puglia region, offering a vibe that’s totally different from Rome, Venice, or Tuscany.
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 The Old Town – Where Time Stands Still
Bari Vecchia (Old Bari) feels like an open-air museum—without the glass.Here, you’ll wander through narrow cobbled streets, pass hanging laundry, and watch grandmas making “orecchiette” pasta right on the sidewalk, smiling at you like you’re part of the family. • Visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas – his remains have been here since 1087. • Stroll through the majestic Castello Svevo, overlooking the sea. • Sip espresso in alleys where life flows slowly, with taste and heart.
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 Focaccia, Pasta… and Seafood for Breakfast?!
Yes, in Bari, mornings can start with raw octopus.Locals grab fresh seafood right from the fishermen at the port. Not your thing? No problem—go for a warm, oily slice of focaccia barese, straight from the oven. • Try orecchiette with turnip greens or rapa – a must. • Get a cone of fried seafood to go – the local “fast food.” • End your day with almond or fig gelato under the stars.
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The Sea Is Always Near
Bari has Italy’s longest seafront promenade – the Lungomare – perfect for sunset walks, scooters, or enjoying a gelato with a view.And just 30 minutes away by train: • Polignano a Mare – birthplace of Domenico Modugno and home to dazzling blue cliffs. • Monopoli – charming whitewashed town with postcard vibes. • Alberobello & its Trulli houses – straight out of a fairy tale.
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 Final Words
Bari doesn’t shout. It whispers.It doesn’t show off. It lets you discover.And when you leave, you’ll want to come back—for more pasta, more smiles, and more sea.

Octopus Burger – The Star of Bari’s Street Food
In Bari, locals don’t just admire the sea—they eat it. And they do it with style! One of the city’s most mouthwatering and Instagrammable street food stars is:
 Panino con Polpo
(aka “Octopus Sandwich”)
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What Is It? • A freshly baked bun – crisp on the outside, soft inside • A juicy grilled octopus tentacle, often lightly charred • Topped with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, sometimes arugula, tomato, or zesty mayo • Some places go “burger-style” with spicy sauce or crispy chips inside
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Where to Try It?     1.     Mastro Ciccio – Bari’s most famous gourmet street food stopGiant octopus burgers, fried calamari buns, tuna burgers & more 2. La Tana del Polpo – A cozy seafood bistro with a loyal fanbase 3. Fish Market (Mercato del Pesce) – Fresh off the boat and into the bun
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Why So Famous? • A perfect mix of tradition and modern street food • Looks amazing on Instagram • The flavor? Out of this world. Fresh, smoky, and unforgettable
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 JetLagFun Tip:
Order “panino con polpo alla griglia” (grilled octopus sandwich) and ask for it “piccante” (spicy) if you like a little heat.     ◦