Fasano: History, Landscapes and Experiences

Fasano combines a distinctive historic townscape with archaeological remains, landscapes and Zoosafari-Fasanolandia. You can consider these different themes when planning your trip: history and architecture, exploring on foot or by bicycle, and the wildlife and amusement park complex. This lets you tailor your search for hotels in Fasano to the things that interest you most.

Historic centre and archaeological history

Fasano’s historic centre is characterised by narrow lanes, whitewashed walls, arches and small squares. Corso Garibaldi runs from the central Piazza Ciaia through the expansion of the new Borgo, which developed from the 16th century onwards, towards the sea. The street layout thus connects the central square with one part of the town’s historical development.

One archaeological highlight is the Archaeological Park of Egnazia. Roman remains have been preserved there, including the Via Traiana, the Basilica Civile, the Cryptoporticus and the baths. The settlement’s history spans the 16th century BC to the 13th century AD; the area was then abandoned. The buildings listed here provide concrete points of reference, while the long time span places the settlement’s history in context.

Lama d’Antico, the largest of Fasano’s rock settlements, includes a rock-cut church with two naves. The Casa alla fasanese Museum displays everyday objects, tools from farming traditions and earlier crafts, as well as clothing from the late 19th century. The Dolmen di Montalbano also offers a distinct glimpse into prehistory: the incomplete megalith consists of three large slabs of local limestone that form a rectangular space. It is probably dated to the Early Bronze Age, around 2000 to 1500 BC.

Landscapes and routes

The Parco naturale regionale Dune Costiere is a protected regional park covering around 1,000 hectares. It stretches from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo. The Canale di Pirro is a different kind of landscape: the polje is about 12 kilometres long and 500 to 1,500 metres wide. A polje is a landform created by surface karstification. You can explore the Canale di Pirro by bicycle or on foot.

For a specific route, consider the roughly 3-kilometre stretch between Laureto and Cocolicchio, which can be travelled by car, bicycle or on foot. Another cycling option is the ancient route of the Via Traiana through Fasano, signposted as long-distance cycling route Bicitalia-Itinerary No. 6. When planning, note the difference between a route with a stated length and several listed ways to travel, and a designated long-distance cycling route.

Zoosafari-Fasanolandia and event date

The Zoosafari-Fasanolandia complex covers 140 hectares of wildlife and amusement park. A visit to Zoosafari begins with a safari, where you drive your own vehicle among the animals; cars, campervans and buses are listed. Fasanolandia, an amusement park with rides, shows, exhibitions and museums, is attached to Zoosafari. Watching animals during the drive and enjoying the programme at the adjoining park are different aspects of the complex.

At La Scamiciata, a large parade of performers commemorates the historic victory of the people of Fasano over a Turkish incursion on 2 June 1678. The event takes place on 2 June. If you are planning your trip around La Scamiciata, check the event date before booking your hotel.

Regional overview

At the regional level, the Terre di Fasano are in central Apulia, in the Piana degli ulivi, about 50 kilometres from Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. For regional travel, you can consider Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport and Salento-Brindisi Airport. Check flight connections before travelling if you plan to use these options.

Discover more destinations: Montalbano, Torre Santa Susanna, Lido Specchiolla, Pantanagianni-Pezze Morelli, San Donaci, Grotta Figazzano, Savelletri, San Pancrazio Salentino

For the broader travel overview: Brindisi.