We would also like to add the characteristic 'masserie' which offer stylish alternative accommodation to the many modern 'villaggio', so popular with visitors looking to park themselves near the beach during the summer.

The province was established in 1927 and is divided into two well defined areas, the hills of the north and the flat lands of the south. They make up an area of 740 square miles.

The towns of Fasano and S.Pietro Vernotico mark the northern and southern ends of the province. Fasano was established in 1088 as a small rural complex dominated by the abbey of Santo Stefano da Goffredo. It remains a medieval town of white washed walls and narrow alleys with the 16th century Piazza Ignazio Ciaia at the center.

Look out for the 'Knights Arch' and the one remaining tower from the original defensive walls. The feudal town of S.Pietro Vernotico was founded even earlier and is notable for having fended off the Turks in 1480.

The Normans did get there, however, and built the Torre Quadrata. Look out for the Cannizzi Houses which are the rural complexes, as well as the Villa Valletta built in the style of the villas lining Lake Como in far off Lombardia.