Italy or the Italian Republic includes two small independent states: Città del Vaticano and the Republic of San Marino. The capital city is Rome. The territory boundaries are with France, Swissland, Austria, Slovenia and it is bathed on the west by Mar Ligure and Mar Tirreno, on the east by Mar Adriatico, on the south and on the south-east by Mar Ionio. The country covers a surface of 301.308 square km and the popolation is of 58.752000 inhabitants.Italy is divided into 20 areas called “regioni” 15 of which are under an ordinary statute and 5 under a special statute as Valle D’Aosta, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sicilia, Sardegna.

Puglia is also typical for its territory “carsico” where the water from the scarce rains is swallowed by the cracks of the rocks and disappears in depth. From the north to the south four landscapes we can identify: Gargano, Tavoliere, Murge, Salento.The most eastern region in Italy is Puglia.The coast on the Adriatic is to a large extent high and rocky, on the Ionian it is low and sandy as in the gulf in Taranto.

The coat of arms of the region represents an olive tree, which is one of the most important cultivations in Puglia. The tree is inside an octagon, that reminds us of the form of a famous monument the “Castel del Monte”

Castel del MonteThe octagonal courtyard characterizes the whole building. The chromatic contrast is due to the use of coral breach, calcareous stone and marbles; once also ancient sculptures, were to be found. At present only a plate of the Procession of the riders and a Fragment of anthropomorphous figures are still visible.

Church bell The castle

Sammichele is a small town in Puglia. It is quiet and attractive. The streets are clean and many of the buldings are important historical places. There are many old monuments for example: the castle and some churches. Life is a bit boring for young people in Sammichele. There aren’t any clubs and cinemas. There are a lot of restaurants: we enjoy eating... The typical dish of Sammichele is the “zampina”. It is a tasty sausage especially seasoned . Sammichele is a very safe

place to live in.

Gioia del Colle is a little town of 27.910 inhabitans.There are many legends about the origin of its name, they are linked to the meaning of Gioia (joy). The most famous legend is about Frederick II’s and Bianca Lancia. Frederick II accused Bianca Lancia of infidelity. Although she was pregnant he locked her in the tower of the Norman Castle. After giving birth, Bianca cut off her breasts and sent them with the baby to her lover. Nowadays visitors entering a cell in the castle can see stone breasts emerging in relief.

Castello Normanno-

Svevo

Chiesa Madre

Besides the famous Norman castle, there are many historical buildings and places of entertainment for young people.People live on land products as Primitive wine, dairy products as mozzarella and burrata, industries, there is a military airport, where many people coming from Gioia and nearby cities work.

Comune

Teatro Rossini

Peucetia is the central part of the now-a-days Apulia. This Region has been inhabited since ancient times. This area corresponds to “altopiano delle Murge” (Murgian plateau) in the province of Bari. The archeological site of Monte Sannace is the most known Peucetiam inhabited area. Here archeological excavations took place in the 50s. Even though it was known since ‘800.The Site is situated in the countryside five km far from the city of Gioia Del Colle.