Witches, Wizards, and the Devil: A Fully Apulian Halloween

Apulia is not just about the sea and trulli: it is also a land of dark legends, ancient rituals, and stories that have stood the test of time. If you are looking for an out of the ordinary Halloween experience, here are four destinations where folklore, history, and mysterious atmospheres come together.

1- The Witches’ Arch in Bari

Walking through Bari Vecchia, you not only step into a medieval atmosphere but also discover hidden corners full of history and mystery.
Among its narrow streets stands the Witches’ Arch. According to legend, this Gothic arch was the meeting place of the "Gatte Masciàre" (Masciàre Cats), women said to be able to transform into black cats using a magical ointment called “olio masciàro".

By day, they appeared as ordinary members of the community, but at night... they performed magical rituals!

Today, the arch stands as a symbol of Bari’s rich folkloric heritage.The Witches’ Arch is the perfect place for those seeking an authentic and evocative experience.

2. The Village of Uggiano la Chiesa (Lecce)

Uggiano la Chiesa is an ancient rural village in the province of Lecce, renowned for its traditions and legends.

According to local tales, in the past witches and wizards of Puglia would gather in the village to celebrate their sabbaths in honor of the Devil. These festivities included feasts, dances, and songs, and took place during the solstices and equinoxes around a "magical" tree, a walnut next to a mill.

Beyond its fascinating history, Uggiano offers enchanting rural landscapes, with traditional farmhouses and countryside that tell the story of past peasant life. It is ideal for those seeking tranquility and authenticity.

3- The Devil’s Bell Tower of Soleto, Lecce

Soleto features a historic center rich in history and culture, with its imposing bell tower dominating the landscape—an ideal spot for enthusiasts of medieval history and Gothic architecture.

This charming town in the province of Lecce is also known for its association with magic and the occult.

Legend has it that the bell tower was built in a single night by a host of demons under the command of the alchemist Matteo Tafuri, intended to intimidate the townspeople and display his magical powers.

It is said that some demons, caught by the rising sun, became forever trapped in the stone...

4. La Farmacia del Mago Greguro a Massafra, Taranto

Massafra is perfect for those who love nature excursions, with its breathtaking landscapes, ravines, and caves. 

Along the Gravina of Madonna della Scala lies an extraordinary complex of twelve interconnected caves carved into the rock, including the mysterious Pharmacy of the Wizard Greguro. 

Massafra was said to be a land of "masciari", practitioners of magic, and Greguro was the most famous among them, believed to have lived around the year 1000. 

The Pianelle Nature Reserve is also located in Massafra, where another eerie place name recalls the region’s occult past: the Witch’s Horn, which is actually the highest point of the reserve. Who knows, perhaps up there women devoted to the worship of the Devil once celebrated their sabbaths!

The Curious and the brave only dare

Exploring these four mysterious sites reveals a side of Puglia that goes far beyond its sun-soaked beaches and iconic trulli. Here, history intertwines with legend, and every alley, tower, and ravine seems to whisper stories of magic, witches, and the supernatural, inviting the curious and the brave to uncover their secrets.