Apulia
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Apulia (mod. Puglia): A region (area: 7,380 mi²; Population: 1,949,423 [1901]) which encompasses the “heel” of the Italian boot. The name is commonly used for the Italian region of Puglia. It stretches along the Adriatic from the river Fortore (W of the Gargano Peninsula) to the extreme SE tip of the peninsula (Capo Santa Maria di Leuca). Most of the N portion of the region is a flat plain, excepting the Gargano massif which rises to an elevation of 5,120 feet. Southern Apulia, between the Gulf of Taranto and the Adriatic, is largely a low, arid, limestone plateau.
The economy of the region varies from north to south. The north has traditionally been dedicated to winter grazing of merino sheep, while marble quarrying was also centered in the Gargano. Southern Apulia had a far richer soil and was better for agricultural pursuits. Among the products are wheat, barley, maize, beans, lentils, peas, olive oil, wine, fruit (figs, oranges, lemons, olives), flax, and tobacco. Other industries include pasta-making, salt mining and silk production.
The principal cities of the region are Barletta, Bari, Monopoli, Brindisi, Andria, Bitonto, Putignano, Lecce, Taranto, and Gallipoli.
Also see PUGLIA.