Ruvo di Puglia Travel Guide
Ruvo di Puglia is a stunning destination in Apulia, Italy, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and historical landmarks. This guide covers everything you need to know about this hidden gem, from things to do and places to visit to where to eat and stay.
- Introduction to Ruvo di Puglia
- List of Places to Visit in Ruvo di Puglia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ruvo di Puglia
- Best Things to Do in Ruvo di Puglia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ruvo di Puglia
- Day 1: Arrive in Ruvo di Puglia
- Day 2: Visit the Jatta National Museum and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
- Day 3: Hike in the Alta Murgia National Park
- Day 4: Tour the Castel del Monte
- Day 5: Visit a local winery
- Day 6: Hike Monte Castel
- Day 7: Depart from Ruvo di Puglia
- Food and Drink Scene of Ruvo di Puglia
- Where to Stay in Ruvo di Puglia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ruvo di Puglia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ruvo di Puglia
- Best Time to Visit Ruvo di Puglia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ruvo di Puglia
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ruvo di Puglia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ruvo di Puglia
- Where to Go Next from Ruvo di Puglia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Bari
- Matera
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ruvo di Puglia
Nestled in the heart of Apulia, Ruvo di Puglia is a charming town that boasts of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and an excellent culinary scene. This hidden gem is often overshadowed by the more popular destinations in Italy, making it ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds.
The town is known for its ancient history, Baroque monuments, and natural attractions that include rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. As you plan your visit, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip to Ruvo di Puglia.
List of Places to Visit in Ruvo di Puglia
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The town of Ruvo di Puglia has a rich cultural heritage, which is apparent in its museums and historical sites.
Jatta National Museum
The Jatta National Museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient Greek ceramics and vases dating back to the 4th century BC. The museum is named after Giovanni Jatta, a collector who amassed a significant collection of Greek vases and donated it to the city.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and the main church in the town. It features a Gothic facade, intricate mosaics, and a rose window that lights up the interior of the church.
Natural Attractions of Ruvo di Puglia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Ruvo di Puglia is also known for its natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Alta Murgia National Park
The Alta Murgia National Park is a vast wilderness area that covers over 68,000 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the golden eagle.
Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic structure that tops the hills overlooking Ruvo di Puglia. It was built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ruvo di Puglia
For those who love the outdoors, there are several hiking and biking routes to explore in Ruvo di Puglia.
Vinicola Savese
Vinicola Savese is a family-run winery that offers guided tours through their vineyards. The tours are an excellent opportunity to explore the area while learning about the region’s wine-making traditions.
Monte Castel
Monte Castel is a stunning mountain region that borders the Alta Murgia National Park. It has several hiking trails, including the Serra San Bartolomeo trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Best Things to Do in Ruvo di Puglia: Activities and Tours
Apart from hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours to experience in Ruvo di Puglia.
Apulian Cooking Class
A cooking class is a great way to experience the vibrant food culture of Ruvo di Puglia. Learn to cook some of the traditional dishes of the region in a fun and interactive setting.
Wine Tasting Tour
Wine tasting tours are another great way to experience the region’s wine culture. Visit local wineries and learn about the history and techniques of winemaking while sampling some of the best wines the region has to offer.
Week-Long Itinerary for Ruvo di Puglia
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Ruvo di Puglia, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your visit:
Day 1: Arrive in Ruvo di Puglia
Spend the first day exploring the town’s historic center and sampling some of the delicious local cuisine.
Day 2: Visit the Jatta National Museum and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Spend the day exploring the town’s cultural and historical sites.
Day 3: Hike in the Alta Murgia National Park
Spend a day hiking through the stunning landscape of the Alta Murgia National Park.
Day 4: Tour the Castel del Monte
Take a tour of the iconic Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: Visit a local winery
Take a wine tasting tour and learn about the region’s wine culture.
Day 6: Hike Monte Castel
Spend the day hiking Monte Castel and enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding region.
Day 7: Depart from Ruvo di Puglia
Food and Drink Scene of Ruvo di Puglia
Must-Try Dishes
Apulia is known for its delectable cuisine, and Ruvo di Puglia is no exception. Here are some dishes to try:
Orecchiette
A typical pasta dish from Apulia, orecchiette, is a great option to try with flavorful burrata and tomato sauce.
Burrata
A fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream, burrata is a staple of the cuisine in the region. Try it with fresh tomatoes and olive oil.
Local Beverages
Primitivo
Primitivo is a red wine native to Apulia, and it boasts an intensity of fruit and dark color. It’s the perfect drink to have with a delicious meal.
Where to Stay in Ruvo di Puglia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are several options for accommodation in Ruvo di Puglia, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some options:
Palazzo Jatta
A charming hotel situated in the heart of the old town, Palazzo Jatta boasts beautiful gardens and elegant rooms.
B&B Casa Rubis
A cozy bed and breakfast with colorful rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town.
What to Buy in Ruvo di Puglia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Olive Oil
Apulia is famous for its olive oil, which is of the highest quality and is used in local cuisine. Make sure to bring some home as a souvenir.
Ceramics
Ruvo di Puglia is renowned for its ceramics, which range from simple terra cotta pieces to intricately designed pottery.
Local Culture and Customs of Ruvo di Puglia
Festivals
Ruvo di Puglia is famous for its festivals that are held around the year, especially the “fiera di San Giovanni” in June. The town also hosts several classical music festivals during the summer.
Best Time to Visit Ruvo di Puglia
The best time to visit Ruvo di Puglia is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable. The winter months can be chilly, while the summer months can be hot and crowded.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ruvo di Puglia
Do:
- Try the local cuisine and wine
- Respect the local culture and traditions
- Be polite and courteous to the locals
Don’t:
- Leave without trying the local olive oil and cheese
- Litter or damage the natural landscape
- Disrespect the historical and cultural sites of the town
Safety and Health
Safety in Ruvo di Puglia
Ruvo di Puglia is a generally safe destination. However, travelers should be aware of petty crime and take necessary precautions to keep their belongings safe.
Health in Ruvo di Puglia
The healthcare system in Italy is of a high standard, and travelers should have no trouble finding medical care if needed.
Getting to Ruvo di Puglia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ruvo di Puglia
The nearest airport to Ruvo di Puglia is Bari International Airport, which is about 25 kilometers away.
Bus Stations Near Ruvo di Puglia
There are several bus stations in the region that connect to Ruvo di Puglia, including the Bari central bus station.
Other Options
The town is easily accessible by train, with a railway station that connects to the major cities in the region.
How to Get Around in Ruvo di Puglia
The best way to explore Ruvo di Puglia is on foot. The town is small and easy to navigate, with several walking routes that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Where to Go Next from Ruvo di Puglia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Bari
The bustling city of Bari is just a short distance from Ruvo di Puglia, and it offers a range of cultural and historical attractions, as well as a lively food scene.
Matera
Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic town known for its cavern dwellings, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes. It is just an hour’s drive from Ruvo di Puglia.
Conclusion
Ruvo di Puglia is a hidden gem in the heart of Apulia, Italy. This town boasts of a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and an excellent culinary scene, making it the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore a lesser-known but equally beautiful part of Italy. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Ruvo di Puglia, ensuring you experience the best that this stunning destination has to offer. Bon Voyage!
