Gioia del Colle

About

This little town lies in the heart of Puglia, the region known as the heel of Italy’s “boot”. Home to an impressive 13 churches, including the Mother Church, which was built in the late 11th century and rebuilt in the Baroque style after being destroyed by fire in 1764. The town's historic center is dotted with a series of arches that once marked the entrances to the private gardens of wealthy families, but today give access to charming public walkways. The town is also host to the National Archaeological Musem of Giaio del Colle, which displays an impressive collection of artifacts which depict the long history of the area. Not to be missed during your visit is the town’s castle which, as legend holds, was once used to confine Princess Bianca Lancia during her pregnancy after she was accused of having been unfaithful to Frederick II.