Selva di Fasano is known as ‘the Italian balcony on the Orient’ and the name seems appropriate. Its position on a hill that makes Selva the highest point in the province of Brindisi with outstanding panoramas toward the sea. In addition, the minaret constructed by a local nobleman in Middle Eastern style, further reinforces the town’s Orient connection. Selva means ‘woods,’ and it’s not hard to see why the town was so-named. Forests of oaks, pines, chestnuts, carobs, walnuts, and cypresses surround the Selva along with secular olive trees and fig trees. Selva di Fasano is known for its pristine natural setting and its beautiful views. Moreover, at the botanical garden of San Donato you can enjoy the vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub; and at Zoo Safari Fasanolandia—one of Europe’s largest wild animal parks—it is possible to admire tigers, panthers, bears, monkeys as well as other exotic animals. Here in the Valle d’Itria is where you find the peculiar local architectural style known as trulli, pointy-roofed rustic dwellings sprinkled abundantly in the valley and on the hills. The little township of Alberobello, just few kilometers away from Queen’s Court, is the area more densely populated of trulli and for this reason is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites list. Coming down from the hills, the town of Fasano occupies a dominant position in the valley which then leads down to the sea: coastal resorts include Savelletri with its beaches and prestigious golf club, the archaeological digs at Egnatia, and the quaint fishing town of Torre Canne. The little towns of Cisternino and Locorotondo are renown for their wine tasting tours and jazz festivals, while Capitolo is the heart of the nightlife. With its clubs on the beach such as Trappeto Lido, White Beach, Lido Sabbia d’Oro, Sun Bay, Torre Caffé, just to name a few, you can stop by and enjoy the sunset with an aperitivo or dance all night until sunrise! Despite growing tourism, the Valle d’Itria has preserved its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Fasano has become one the top holiday places for global VIPs and hosted, for example, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s wedding!
