Travel-loving Lithuanians: Those who want to get to know southern Italy can start preparing for the holidays in advance

Honorary Consul Giuseppe Saracino has been actively organizing Lithuanian delegations’ trips to the Apulia and Basilicata regions for the past five years, according to a press release. After introducing the last Lithuanians who arrived in the most impressive cities in southern Italy in September, the consul promises to continue organizing trips for Lithuanian delegations after the end of the pandemic. Meanwhile, for Lithuanians who dream of a vacation in Italy, the consul advises Bari, the capital of Puglia, the city of Lecce, famous for its baroque old town, Galipoli full of artistic masterpieces and the exclusive city of Santa Maria. of Leuca.

According to the Honorary Consul, the Apulia region is much closer to Lithuania in its history and architecture than most might think. In the capital of the Apulia region, Bari, which is steeped in Italian history and culture, the details of the historic Duchy of Lithuania are still hidden: Lithuanians who have come to the regional center of this region have the opportunity to visit St. Cathedral of San Miguel, where the sixteenth century. The famous Queen of Poland, the Duchess of Greater Lithuania and the Duchess of Bari, Bona Sforza, who spent most of her life in Lithuania, was expelled from the country after the death of Barbora Radvilaitė.

“Visitors to the history and art of southern Italy are welcome in Lecce and Gallipoli. Lėčė is one of the southernmost cities in the Apulia region, which is why many Lithuanians who visit the old town of Lėč are pleasantly surprised: this baroque old town often resembles the streets of Vilnius old town due to its architecture, so even if it appears thousands of kilometers away – says Giuseppe Saracino. Meanwhile, the city of Gallipoli, located in the Ionian coast and famous for its rich masterpieces of art, it still amazes tourists with its Roman and Greek architectural heritage: the city is divided into two parts by a brick bridge, and at its highest point is still the 17th century Baroque Latin cross in the shape of St. Basilica de Agota “.

For travelers looking for exclusive places, the Honorary Consul always offers a stay in Santa Maria di Leuca, located on a promontory bathed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Due to the high and rugged shore, there are underground gratings that can be viewed from the sea side or simply by walking the trails. Meanwhile, those who wish to experience the architecture of Santa Maria di Leuca can stroll through the streets of the white cabins that run through the city or visit the octagonal lighthouse that stands on the edge of the island’s cliff, which has become a symbol of this land.

“If there is no pandemic in the world, dating in Apulia should not wait for summer, because in this region of southern Italy, travelers can enjoy always favorable weather, allowing not only the hot season but also winter” says Honorary Consul Giuseppe Saracino. – Traveling in the Puglia region in spring and winter is also much cheaper, so we hope that, in the event of a pandemic, we will receive tourists not only during the popular season; These travel options would help us not only to regulate the flow of visitors, but also to ensure their safety. . “

The Lithuanian community in Apulia is growing rapidly, which together with the help of the honorary consul organizes various events and at the initiative of both countries promotes the awareness of Lithuania and Apulia in the international tourist community. Meanwhile, the Lithuanian delegation that visited Puglia in September this year introduced the members of the Italian Rotary and LIONS clubs and local tourism companies to Lithuania and its tourist facilities, inviting them to visit the country immediately after the end of the pandemic. .

It is also expected that after Kaunas becomes the European Capital of Culture in 2022, it will be possible to receive an Italian delegation in Lithuania and start new cultural projects together with them.