Apulia, a region famous for its white beaches and crystal-clear waters, is also an unmissable stop for those who want to discover artistic wonders, museums, and archaeological areas.
Here are six museums not to be missed!
1 – National Museum Jatta, Ruvo di Puglia
The National Museum Jatta is located in Ruvo di Puglia: an important archaeological museum whose collection, belonging to the Jatta couple, is one of the rare examples of a nineteenth-century private collection that has remained unchanged in its original museographic conception.
The Museum is housed in the nineteenth-century Palazzo Jatta and hosts more than two thousand archaeological finds including: 700 vases of Greek or local production. The most important finds are undoubtedly two magnificent kraters, large vases that were used to mix wine and water at the Greek symposium.
The first, dating back to the 4th century, is the work of the Baltimore Painter, while the second, of exquisite craftsmanship, is the famous krater of the Talos Painter on which the myth of the Argonauts is depicted.
2 – Castle of Copertino
Apulia is rich in medieval and Renaissance fortifications and the Castle of Copertinoo is a splendid example. The Apulian stronghold has medieval origins and in 1226 was chosen by Charles II of Anjou as the administrative seat of the county. During the Renaissance, it was inhabited by various noble families until 1885. It was only in 1956 that it was purchased from the state property and declared a national monument.
The Castle of Copertinoo has almost completely preserved its original architecture and decorations, such as the series of rose windows, bas-reliefs, and medallions. The beautiful frescoed cycles in the Chapel of San Marco are stunning.
3 – Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery in Bari
This beautiful museum located in Bari will take you on a journey to discover the paintings of the Apulian painter Corrado Giaquinto.
The Art Gallery, named after the same painter, houses seven works by the artist that are certainly of great significance.
The museum was established in 1928 following various acquisitions from the National Galleries of Naples and Rome.
4 – CRAC Puglia – Contemporary Art Research Center
The CRAC is a “Museum of the Project” established to support Apulian art.
The mission of the CRAC is to bring the public closer to contemporary art through education and social inclusion.
The artistic research is the foundation of the projects: it illustrates the methodology that leads to the creation of a work.
The museum active in the area develops projects to enhance contemporary Apulian artists.
5 – Pino Pascali Foundation, Polignano a Mare
When talking about Puglia, we couldn’t miss mentioning the Pino Pascali Foundation in Polignano a Mare.
The Foundation is dedicated to Pino Pascali, one of the most important figures in Arte Povera.
The themes addressed by Pascali in his works are varied, but above all, the belonging to his birthplace and emigration.
The foundation is a flagship of the international contemporary scene.
We recommend a visit to immerse yourself in the works of Pascali while enjoying the wonderful view overlooking the blue sea of Polignano.
6 – Castel del Monte, Andria
We conclude our Apulian journey with a great classic: Castel del Monte in Andria. Just a few kilometers from Bari lies Castel del Monte, an architectural complex that has become a symbol of medieval Puglia.
The Castle was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia and is famous for its octagonal shape. Inside, the sixteen rooms are decorated with zoomorphic and phytomorphic sculptural motifs. Of great importance are the two towers with mosaic-decorated floors.
These 6 Apulian sites not to be missed represent just a small part of what you can find in Puglia.
