TuriBorgoAntico: The Revival of a Puglian Gem Through History, Culture, and Hospitality
- Turi BorgoAntico
- Sep 1
- 4 min read
TuriBorgoAntico: The Revival of a Puglian Gem Through History, Culture, and Hospitality
A new project is transforming the heart of Puglia, breathing new life into the historic town of Turi. TuriBorgoAntico is an initiative aimed at enhancing the cultural, historical, and gastronomic heritage of this enchanting corner of the region, turning it into a premier tourist destination. Turi, one of Puglia’s lesser-known gems, is experiencing a true renaissance thanks to an ambitious plan promoted by Graf Srl, a company specialized in territorial marketing and business innovation. The goal is to transform the town’s historic center into an attractive destination for visitors, investors, and new businesses, creating a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Walking through the cobbled streets and hidden corners of the Borgo, one senses the atmosphere of a place that has preserved its authenticity. The project seeks to establish Turi as a destination of distinction, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. The concept of a diffused hotel fits perfectly within this vision, offering visitors an immersive experience within carefully restored historic homes, where history meets modern comfort.
But it’s not just about hospitality. Culture and events play a central role in revitalizing the historic center. Turi aspires to position itself as a capital of culture in the name of Antonio Gramsci, who was imprisoned here and reflected on the connection between tourism and small towns. Participation in prestigious cultural programs, such as Lector in Fabula, and the organization of high-quality events—from food festivals celebrating local specialties to artistic and musical initiatives—will bring new life to the town.
Gastronomy is a key pillar of this revival, highlighting local products such as the Ferrovia cherry, Faldacchea pastries, Primitivo wine, tronèere, percoche peaches, and other regional delicacies. Collaboration with local producers will create authentic experiences for visitors, allowing them to discover the unique flavors of Puglia directly in TuriBorgoAntico’s restaurants and artisan shops.
The success of TuriBorgoAntico will rely heavily on collaboration between public institutions and private entities, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth that preserves the town’s identity while fostering economic development.
A crucial aspect of the project is the active involvement of the local community. Initiatives aimed at children and older residents will help rekindle pride in belonging to Turi. Through meetings, interviews, and thematic workshops, the project will strengthen intergenerational bonds, gather oral histories, and create moments of shared participation. Recovering historical memory and enhancing the sense of belonging will reinforce the social fabric, making Turi not just a place to visit but also a joyful place to live.
In this vision, Turi becomes the “Village of Happiness”, where the well-being and joy of residents are reflected in the experiences of visitors. Here, happiness is contagious: citizens rediscover pride in their history and traditions, while tourists enjoy genuine moments of sharing and discovery, helping make Turi a model of an inclusive and dynamic community.
TuriBorgoAntico also places the happiness of residents and visitors at its core. The town will soon establish a Happiness Committee, a creative hub dedicated to developing social, cultural, and community activities. The Committee will be responsible for designing and promoting initiatives that actively engage citizens, strengthen intergenerational ties, and make Turi an exemplary inclusive and dynamic community.
A Fascinating Highlight of the Initiative: Margherita Calefati’s Artwork
A captivating feature of this initiative is the artwork by Margherita Calefati, who created a drawing inspired by the millenary history of Turi. As part of the project, the artist depicted a Vestal, a symbolic figure that, according to her interpretation, has silently watched over the ancient stones of the borgo for over five centuries. This Vestal is not only a symbol of protection but also a reminder of the deep connection between tradition and the mysteries that envelop the town. The ethereal and imposing figure embodies the strength of the past shining in the present, awakening Turi’s mysterious spirit and the legends that continue to enrich its culture. Calefati’s drawing invites visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic essence of the borgo, where every corner tells a hidden story and every stone seems to whisper its secret.
Through a targeted communication strategy, TuriBorgoAntico will promote itself as a destination of excellence, participating in national and international tourism fairs and leveraging digital platforms to reach an ever-wider audience. The project includes the creation of an online portal that will narrate the history of the BorgoAntico, provide useful information for tourists and investors, and serve as a showcase for the opportunities offered by the territory.
TuriBorgoAntico is far more than an urban redevelopment project: it is a vision aimed at restoring Turi’s rightful role, making it a lively, welcoming, and attractive place where history and the future meet to create a unique experience. Thanks to the commitment of all involved, Turi can shine on the national and international tourism stage, becoming a successful model for the enhancement of Italian historic towns.
Press Release – www.turiborgoantico.it
Photo captions:
Panorama of the historic Borgo of Turi from the Municipal Library (photo by Giovanni Palmisano)
The Porta Nuova arch with the ‘TuriBorgoAntico’ project logo designed by Margherita Calefati
Article published by ilpaesemagazine.it, 13 February 2025
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