Locorotondo

Lovely Locorotondo is cradled between the Puglia plains of the Murgia and the green Valle d'Itria, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It has been named one of the "most beautiful towns in Italy," and one glance at the neat and orderly glistening white town and you'll see why. Its name derives from "luogo rotondo" or circular place, and the town coils around the low hillside like a concentric snail, hemmed in by protective walls.

It is very charming. Rectangular whitewashed houses stretch orderly along the streets, their peaked roofs lined up like tents. Enter through the ancient gateway, Porta Napoli, and meander through the attractive lanes adorned with a profusion of geraniums and fanciful ironwork, archways and flying buttresses. The baroque Palazzo Morelli is outfitted with a grand carved doorway and little balconies decked with decorative iron. The cathedral is dedicated to the town's patron saint, St. George. It was built around 1800 on a Greek cross plan and is based on Baroque design. It boasts bas reliefs depicting stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The town celebrates the patron saint's feast day with enthusiasm at the end of April. The park known as the Villa Comunale gives views of the countryside dotted with pointy-roofed trulli homes amidst the vineyards and olive groves.

Locorotondo is known for its lace production and you'll find examples of it around town. It's also noted for its fine wines, especially a spumante from local heritage grapes. The predominant vintages in this area are Primitivo (red) and a white blend that includes local Verdeca and Fiano grapes.

Nearby noteworthy towns include Cisternino, Alberobello and Martina Franca. The beaches of the Adriatic Sea aren't far.