The region of Puglia is known for many things: juicy burrata, aperitivo-staple taralli, nonne rolling orrechiette in the Barese streets, white conical Trulli houses, sandy beaches, and rows upon rows of olive trees. But there’s much more to Italy’s heel (if the above info was new to you though, get reading on the rest of our Puglia Issue here).

Take, for example, the fact that the region is home to a neutral speed, circular test track that’s visible from space, spawned a dance with roots in female expression, and claims over 100 different types of local breads. Here, five things you never knew about Puglia, each more of a reason to love and explore this peninsular region.