Relax Puglia Limited values its beneficial alliance with home owners, suppliers and personnel. Together, through our holiday rental management services, we inspire travelers, like us, from around the world, to the southernmost region of Italy, in Puglia, because it is magical, fascinating and unforgettable.
Relax Puglia Limited, headquarters in Cisternino, Puglia (Apulia), has been welcoming visitors to this magical and richly colourful region of Italy and providing Puglia vacation rentals since 2010; providing travellers with an authentic and memorable experience of the local life as well as offering a showcase of holiday villas to rent in Puglia.
"It was perfect and Colleen & Antonella were always reachable and helpful! Thank a lot! We enjoyed it very much!
Karen & Michael - Villa Perego (October 2021)
Experience true tranquillity at one of Relax Puglia’s ‘Home for Holidays’ in the southernmost region of Italy. Puglia has attracted engaged couples and honeymooners for many centuries, due to its stunning landscapes, pristine coastline, sleepy hilltop towns and slow pace of life. The region has the sensation that time has stood still, and that’s all you could wish for during your holiday with close friends and family.
Perhaps you are finding it difficult to make a final choice. Perhaps you don't have the time to search through all of the properties and make a decision. Whatever the reason, let us help you in any way we can...
Relax Puglia provides a range of additional services to make your stay more relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable. On your arrival, we can arrange for a food basket to be waiting for you together with a selection of local wines. Why not spoil yourselves with your own, in-house local chef, or a luxurious massage in the comfort of your villa. We have a wide range of tours and activities to choose from and we can provide transfers and taxis to help you get around.
The Dolce Vita is from coast to coast; from the Adriatic to the Ionian, between Otranto and Gallipoli. If you wish to discover the key to local artisan excellence, include a stopover in one or more of the hamlets and villages that trip along the coastline, topple on the summits of hilltops or make a splash in to the small bays and lagoons.
A selection of articles that explore the region of Puglia: its wonderful countryside and coastline, its rich history, its fascinating culture, its delicious food and wine and, of course, its warm and welcoming people...
The Castello Svevo (Castello normanno-svevo) or Swabian Castle, is a 12th century castle in Baro, Apulia, southern Italy. Currently inhabited, the castle hosts a small museum, guided tours and special exhibitions. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Originally the site of a Roman stronghold, it lies on the west side of the medieval city of Bari. The castle is bordered on the north side by the Adriatic Sea, with moats lying on the other three sides. On the south side a bridge reaches the entrance gate.
The castle was originally built in 1132 by Norman King Roger II over the ruins of a Byzantine structure. It was then destroyed in 1156 by King William I of Sicily, who had destroyed most of the city, save for some churches.
However, in 1233 the Holy Roman Emperor Frank II decided to rebuild the castle to leave a lasting legacy in the area. It was subsequently rebuilt and reinforced, thereafter the Capetian House of Anjou and, later, the Aragonese, made several transformations of the castle.
The Aragonese modified and improved the Castello Svevo to such an impressive level, the modifications remain in place today. The castle’s bastions, ramparts, moats, drawbridge and squat towers all stem from the Aragon ownership. The walls were also reinforced to stand up against the latest cannons and fire weapons.
The Duke Ferdinand of Aragon then acquired the castle and handed over the reins to the newly-arrived Sforza family.
In the 16th century, a coup d’etat saw Milan’s House of Sforza family elbowed from power. After exile, they were granted Bari and Apulia in the south. It was at this point they received the castle from the departing Duke. The castle was then gifted to Queen of Poland, Bona Sforza, who lived there happily.
When Bona passed away, it was returned under the King of Naples, becoming a prison and military barracks.
Since December 2014, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities has been managing it through the Puglia museum complex, which in December 2019 became the Regional Museum Directorate.
Nowdays, you can visit the castle and view part of its rich history.
Some of the more interesting sights on the tour are the old ‘’Archers’ corridor’’, where castle defenders could ward off any approaching attack. Due to the castle’s history in the hands of so many rulers, over the years it’s accrued some unique cultural icons which you can view in the castle.
The interior is split into two distinct parts. The first part includes the tower withthe second part including viewing the bastions and towers added to the fortress of Queen Isabella of Aragon. Over on the western side of the castle, a gothic portal leads to the inner courtyard.
The Castello Svevo is currently open six days a week from 8.30am - 7pm. The closing days varies. Admission is 9 euros for adults and 4.5 euros for childeren and 65+.
Relax Puglia Limited - Company Number: 10537981 - Registered Office address: Derwent Dale Cottage, York Road, Stamford Bridge, York YO41 1AH
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Relax Puglia accepts payment through Stripe
Relax Puglia Limited, through co-founder Francesco Lanzilotta, is a licensed Real Estate Agent in Italy, License no. 1753, released by the Chamber of Commerce in Bari, Italy. (CCIAA di Bari)
Chamber of Commerce Registered office address, 5, Piazza Eroi del Mare, Cisternino, Brindisi.
