Orsara di Puglia

In the Capitanata plain, on the slopes of the pre-Apennine Dauno mountains, the history of Orsara of Puglia is very old, as the urban layout of the old town centre that runs up the ridge still testifies.

Among the narrow streets, there are some monuments not to be missed, starting with the Abbey Complex, consisting of the medieval Church of San Pellegrino, the grotto of San Michele Arcangelo, a pilgrimage destination, and the 11th-century Byzantine-style Church of Santa Maria Annunziata. In the same open space in which the Complex stands, there is also the beautiful Baronial Palace, with its stone tower with single-light arched windows, 13th century seat of the Knights of Calatrava, originally from Spain and later of the feudal Guevara family, who stayed in the village for a long time, and Palazzo Varo, seat of the Diocesan Museum Climb further up to the Parish Church of St Nicholas of Bari, with important works including a crucifix carved in stone and painted in the 15th century.

To satisfy the palate, try the goat's cacioricotta cheese and homemade durum wheat bread at Pane e Salute where Angelo keeps a straw oven dating back to 1526. Events include the Wine Festival (end of June) dedicated to the rediscovery of traditional flavours, and Orsara in Jazz, an important music festival held in July.

Orsara is also home to a number of virtuous activities, often run by willing young people: we mention the beekeeping of the Anzivino brothers, the products and dishes of the farmer-chef Peppe Zullo, the Brutto Anatroccolo agritourism, the Posta Guevara hospitality and the 'Ortovolante' social inclusion project.