10 Must-Do Things in Andria

Burrata from Andria (IGP, since 2016) is the most well-known and appreciated fresh cheese from Puglia Region, both in Italy and worldwide. It embodies the authenticity and culinary tradition of the Region

'Burrata,' a true gastronomic masterpiece. 'Made in Andria.'

Enclose in a soft sin a comforting pouch of mozzarella, this fresh cheese encapsulates the soul and authentic history of Apulia with its creamy heart of stracciatella. Its name 'Burrata' evokes a delicate creaminess that melts in the mouth. This pouch of mozzarella filled by hand with cream has claimed top spots in the ranking list compiled by Tasteatlas, the renowned online guide for experiential travel, establishing itself as one of the most coveted and beloved cheeses globally among cheese connoisseurs.".

Burrata with squid ink-infused mozzarella, filled with stracciatella (by Vincenzo Troia)

Whether you're a purist or not, it's good to know that there are many variations of the classic Apulian burrata, such as the smoked one, the buffalo burrata, and the burratine (small burrata) for those on a diet who want a mini version to enjoy pleasure without feeling guilty. The variant filled with pure pistachio cream or with gorgonzola and finally with truffle is becoming very popular. An unforgettable taste experience!"

Originally, it was protected by local herb leaves, such as asphodel. In 2016, it received the prestigious recognition as a typical product of the area, becoming a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The Consortium of Burrata di Andria, founded in 2017, is passionately dedicated to protecting and enhancing this authentic culinary gem, ensuring compliance with the production regulations.

The B.A.T. (Barletta Andria Trani) with Andria, which is also part of the Alta Murgia Park, is a land of wine and oil. Among the oldest vineyards in the area, noteworthy is the Bombino Nero, a unique product particularly suitable for rosé production. In this area, there is also the Olive Oil Museum, located in an area of ​​great historical and environmental value, set up to illustrate all the stages of Apulian olive oil production.

In my Column "A portata di Manu" I offer you ideas, experiences, and itineraries, things to do if you come to these parts, whether you're a foreign visitor or a tourist at home. In the article (alongside each individual experience) all the references for booking tickets, excursions, or guided tours in the area provided

Andria, the provincial capital along with Barletta and Trani, is famous for the fortress that Frederick II built, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its burrata

By train

You can reach Andria from Bari by train, with the regional railway called Ferrovie Nord Barese ( Bari-Barletta).   From Barletta there is a bus to Andria.

By airplane

 - the Ferrovie del Nord Barese directly from the airport station takes you to Bitonto, Ruvo di Puglia, Corato and Andria.

Andria hosts one of the castles associated with the time of Frederick II of Swabia: Castel del Monte. Protagonist of many legends. Frederick II was a man passionate about mathematics, poetry, philosophy and astronomy and gifted with a cosmopolitan spirit that led him to become first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and later King of Sicily. During his reign Frederick II of Swabia had many castles built throughout southern Italy, but it is in the Castel del Monte that some key aspects of the ruler's character and passions can be found.

Castel del Monte, was built in 1240, is distinguished by its rigorous geometric and mathematical precision. You will immediately notice the peculiar octagonal plan of Castel del Monte open in the ceiling, The first glimpse of the symbolism that characterizes this fortress. Combining a variety of architectural styles, Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 “manages to harmoniously blend elements of classical architecture with decorations typical of Arab architecture”.

It can be visited every day of the year except December 25 and January 1. The time available for the visit is 45 minutes. Also accessible to the disabled. Reservation is recommended, entry will be allowed without reservation only according to the remaining free places .

Prenota i tuoi biglietti

If you have never been there, I recommend that you reserve immediately a guided tour of the Mucci ® Confetto Museum in Via del Museo del Confetto 12 in Andria and lose yourself in the more than 300 dragees and sugared almonds that this family, has created with a craftsmanship that has remained intact over the years and for 2 generations.

Special Confetto Museum, with a visit to the chocolate factory

Dive into the beauty of the upper Murgia. for an amazing experience with Puglia's finest wines. The roots of the De Corato family are firmly rooted in the land of Puglia, on the plateau between the Murgia hills and the Adriatic Sea.

In the 75 hectares of estate vineyards, located partly on calcareous-tufaceous soils and partly on the rocky terrain of the Murgia, native varieties such as Bombino Nero, Nero di Troia, Montepulciano and Aglianico are grown, as well as international varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon, thus providing the basis for a production firmly rooted in the territory, but at the same time attentive to the evolving tastes of the markets. Among the bottles that have made the history of this winery and this family are the Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva D.O.C.G. “  Il Falcone” and the rosé Bombino Nero Castel del Monte D.O.C.G. “Pungirosa” and the Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva D.O.C.G. “Puer Apuliae”

Per prenotazione info@rivera.it - https://www.rivera.it/it/

I have been there twice. The second time I was lucky enough to be able to discover and walk through the wonderful garden that this farmer cook has cultivated to bring purely seasonal food to the table every day that comes from a careful analysis of the products and ingredients and especially their possible combinations

To book Trattoria Antichi Sapori

Speciale cena da Pietro Zito

St. Andrew's Gate in Andria also called the Arch of Frederick II. since the verse engraved on it that reads “Andria fidelis nostris affixa medullis” is attributed to the emperor . This gate was built at the time of the Normans and Frederick II returning from the Sixth Crusade. An ideal point of access to Andria's historic center, it is the only gate still standing after the unification of Italy when all the others were torn down.

The church of Santa Croce is located in a part of the built-up area known as the “Lagnoni,” characterized by tuffaceous banks in which there are large natural cavities excavated by rainwater. The phenomenon, typical of karstification, favored the cave settlement typical of the rock civilization, of which Andria preserves several attestations.

Its earliest phase would date back to the 10th century, when the trapezoidal basilica-shaped hall was excavated in the tuffaceous bank, presumably remodeling existing natural caves.

Per visite guidate ed info MUSEO DIOCESANO

The Cathedral of Andria, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption is located in Cathedral Square, It is the city's main place of worship, here the Andrians venerate the chapel of the Holy Thorn (belonging according to tradition to Jesus' crown of thorns ) and venerate the remains of St. Richard, bishop of Andria.

It has Romanesque origins but has undergone significant modifications over the centuries. Rebuilt in 1465 and later remodeled, the building retains few elements of its original structure. In the left aisle is the Chapel of St. Richard, patron saint of Andria , with his remains, where on the arch of the altar are 27 bas-reliefs depicting the saint's miracles. It is said that this chapel was the meeting place of the 13 Italian knights before the famous “disfida di Barletta”.

The Cathedral of Andria holds the precious relic of the Sacred Thorn of the Crown of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The relic is kept in the Chapel of the Sacred Thorn, built in 1910, and is exposed to the 'adoration of the faithful every last Friday of the month.

From the Chapel of the Holy Thorn there is access to the Crypt or Church of St. Peter, inside which, at the entrance, are the Swabian tombs of Jolanda of Brienne and Isabella of England, consorts of Frederick II of Swabia.

Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Bishop's Palace, which houses the Diocesan Museum, where works from the city's other churches are displayed. Among the main works housed in the museum is an icon of the Madonna and Child, characterized by Byzantine influences, considered one of the most significant in Apulia

For guided tours, contact the Uffici della Chiesa Cattedrale - 351 706 5098 -

sacrestia.cattedralediandria@gmail.com

The Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles (patron saint of the city along with St. Richard) has been a fundamental reference of religiosity for the city of Andria in St. Pius X Square since March 10, 1576 when the fresco of the Madonna.with Child, believed to be miraculous, was discovered, crowned by twelve stars (representing the twelve apostles), on the right the sun (representing Christ) and on the left the moon (representing the Virgin herself). The interior of the Shrine has three levels with three Churches. The Shrine borders the blade called Santa Margherita and the 18th-century Benedictine Monastery (now the headquarters of the BAT Province and the Agricultural Technical Institute): these three architectural and natural monumental complexes, together taken, undoubtedly constitute “the most important cultural asset that the city of Andria possesses after the Castel del Monte ” for its significant aspects of naturalistic, archaeological, for the testimony of rock civilizations peculiar to the karst terrain, for the geological aspect and the artistic-architectural aspect of the Basilica and the former Convent.

Per visite guidate e per prenotazioni

Convento di Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Piazza S. Pio X, 5 – 70031 Andria (BA) Tel. 0883 591851;

Parroco: Pio Petito Sito web: www.madonnadeimiracoli.it

It is a horse meat specialty typical of Andria. You can find it in all butcher shops in Andria. But it is its preparation typical of the Alta Murgia that makes it unique. "It is a process handed down from generation to generation but with some secrets still kept hidden, ” What is certain, however, are the ingredients: the horse diaphragm. which is seasoned with salt and wild fennel and then left to rest, for three or four days, in a clay container. Taking care, however, to change it when the meat begins to release water. The next stage is the most interesting: smoking, which lasts two hours with the meat hung on iron skewers.”

If you want to go for sure, I suggest Macelleria Giannelli e Tedesco

It is usually held in the summer, on the last Saturday in August. On the proloco pages you can see details if you are in the area during this time of year

A historic family-run dairy, the Holland Family Dairy has been producing the finest traditional dairy products since 1988 .

Inside the dairy, they have created a charming Milk Museum.

Booking a visit to their museum is animmersive experiencethat I recommend. The Holland family takes guests on a discovery of artisanal dairy production and its history preserved inside the Dairy Museum, where tools of the dairy art and black-and-white photographs tell of “the knowledge and flavors” learned from ancestors and practiced every day with passion. Each visit ends with a tasting of the typical cheeses bread and extra virgin olive oil produced on this farm.

Caseus in Latin means cheese. The art of milk. Casearea art. Dairy artist Vincenzo Troia tours Europe showing during events how mozzarella is made and makes unique combinations such as his signature dish that enhances the flavor of stracciatella bottarga, lemon. On the ricottine honey aged 9 months in barrels, or the mozzarella nighiri (with fish and olive oil) www.caseus.it or Instagram Vincenzo Caseus

Millers for 5 generations "Today Muraglia oil can be found in 54 countries around the world, from Neiman Marcus in the United States to El Corte Inglés in Spain and in the largest German, American and Russian emporiums.

It is possible to take a tasting tour at this oil mill, in addition to a visit to the mill, that helps you understand how to recognize a good oil from a bad one. And for design lovers, choose “an ideal gift ” made from Apulian oil, in terracotta, or decorated tin to honor the most beautiful and unique moments with green gold.

For reservations, e -commerce and tastings visit Frantoio Muraglia.

Count Onofrio Spagnoletti Zeuli 's farm receives and accompanies guests on a journey aimed at rediscovering the typical scents and flavors of Puglia and Castel del Monte. All options(Apulian experience, family experience and oil and wine experience) include a guided tour of the 18th-century hypogeum cellar, wine plant, oil mill, olive oil plant, vineyards and olive groves (weather and time permitting)

To book all details at the CONTE SPAGNOLETTI ZEULI website.

Scoprire Casamuseo Borgomurgia ! Un viaggio nel tempo vi catapulterà nei luoghi simbolo di Andria sotterranea .

Andria è uno dei più importanti centri dell’Associazione nazionale Città dell’Olio. E' il comune con il più elevato numero di alberi di Ulivo al mondo, e da qui proviene circa il 3% dell’olio di oliva prodotto in Italia.

Masseria Terre di Traiano, è una delle prime masserie didattiche della Puglia. All’interno di questa splendida cornice un’antica masseria immersa tra decine di ettari di ulivi, la famiglia Spagnoletti Zeuli, Ascanio, ha deciso di restituire un Museo alla città, un Museo dell'Olio che potesse celebrare l’Olio extravergine di Oliva, “l’oro verde”, dalle proprietà organolettiche straordinarie, essenziale elemento della dieta mediterranea (patrimonio immateriale Unesco). La visita al Frantoio storico e annesso Museo dell’Olio è un passaggio obbligato (su prenotazione).

Per tutte le info e Prenotazioni Masseria Terre di Traiano 

Food and Wine Trek Tours and Food and Wine Bike Tours, are designed and created to meet the needs of participants who want to experience and learn about the area like locals. From routes for young people and families to biking and walking trips for the more well-trained, our tours are unique and designed with a focus on high-quality food and wine and making for a fun group experience.

All Details HERE

Read the ANDRIA AT TABLE Special with the entire selection of our favorite restaurants