One of the most interesting places to spend vacations in Puglia is certainly the city of Fasano, the most populous center after the capital Brindisi. It is located in the Itria Valley, straddling Salento and the Province of Bari. Surrounded by a rich countryside made up of trulli and masserias, Fasano owes its name to the first village built in 1088, the hamlet Casale di Santa Maria de Fajano.
The historic center of Fasano is called U'bracchie (in the shade) by its inhabitants because in summer among the narrow alleys the sun's rays cannot penetrate. In this area there are many squares, palaces, bars, pubs and trattorias. There is also no shortage of churches, of which there should be as many as 14 in all. The most important one is the Mother Church of St. John the Baptist, built on an ancient temple destroyed in 1330.
A popular meeting point in Fasano is Piazza Ciaia, a must for those who want to take a walk downtown. Clad in white stone, it is surrounded by Palazzo Balì and the Clock Tower. Also very impressive are the Archaeological Excavations of Egnatia, an ancient settlement of Roman origin abandoned after the year 1000.
Finally, you cannot miss a trip to the Zoosafari in Fasano, the largest wildlife park in Italy. It covers an area of 140 hectares, where visitors can observe exotic animals up close. This is an exceptional experience to have, especially for families with children.