L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano A lberobello is a s m a l l t o w n i n t h e P u g l i a region, charac- t e r i z e d b y i t s unique charm and historical significance. Located in the province of Bari, it sits on the picturesque Itria Valley, a landscape characterized by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The town's name, m e a n i n g " b e a u t i f u l t r e e , " hints at its lush surroundings and natural beauty, which p e r f e c t l y c o m p l e m e n t i t s architectural uniqueness. The history of Alberobello dates back to the mid-16th century when the area was settled by peasants under the directive of the Acquaviva family, who were the local feudal lords. To avoid paying taxes to the Spanish Viceroy- alty, the lords instructed the settlers to build their homes w i t h o u t m o r t a r , a l l o w i n g them to be easily dismantled in case of royal inspections. This led to the creation of the iconic trulli, the conical- roofed houses that are now a symbol of Alberobello: these structures, made from local limestone, are constructed using a dry stone technique and are renowned for their d i s t i n c t i v e , p r e h i s t o r i c a p p e a r a n c e . T h e t r u l l i o f Alberobello were recognized as a UNESCO World Her- itage Site in 1996, preserv- ing their cultural and histori- cal significance. The traditions of Albero- bello are deeply rooted in its a g r i c u l t u r a l p a s t a n d t h e unique lifestyle of its inhabi- tants: the town has managed to retain much of its original c h a r a c t e r , w i t h r e s i d e n t s continuing to celebrate local f e s t i v a l s a n d e v e n t s t h a t highlight their heritage. One of the most notable tradi- tions is the annual Festa dei S a n t i M e d i c i C o s m a e D a m i a n o , t h e t o w n ' s patron saints, which brings together faith, tradition, and folklore, drawing both locals and tourists to experience the town's lively spirit. V i s i t o r s t o A l b e r o b e l l o l o v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p l o r e i t s l a b y r i n t h i n e streets, where over 1,500 trulli cluster together, creat- ing a fairy-tale-like setting. The Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts are particu- larly famous for their con- centration of trulli: in Rione Monti, travelers can wander through the narrow alleys and discover trulli that have been converted into shops, cafés, and small museums. A i a P i c c o l a , o n t h e o t h e r hand, offers a more authentic experience with its predomi- nantly residential trulli, pro- v i d i n g a g l i m p s e i n t o t h e everyday lives of the locals. A m o n g t h e m u s t - s e e attractions in Alberobello is the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo in the town: t h i s t w o - s t o r y s t r u c t u r e shows the ingenuity of trullo architecture and houses a small museum that provides insight into the history and construction of these unique buildings. Another notewor- thy site is the Church of Saint Anthony, a trullo- shaped church that stands as a symbol of the architectural heritage of the region. In addition to its architec- tural marvels, Alberobello offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors. The town is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Itria Valley, with its scenic c o u n t r y s i d e , t r a d i t i o n a l farms, and historic towns. For those interested in local craftsmanship, visiting the numerous artisan workshops i n A l b e r o b e l l o i s a m u s t . Here, visitors can observe the creation of traditional prod- ucts, such as ceramics, tex- tiles, and, of course, minia- ture trulli. N o v i s i t t o A l b e r o b e l l o would be complete without indulging in the local cui- sine, which reflects the rich agricultural heritage of the r e g i o n , P u g l i a , w h i c h i s known for its flavorful and rustic dishes, often made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In Alberobello, visitors can savor traditional specialties such as orecchi- ette pasta with turnip tops, creamy burrata cheese, and a variety of seafood dishes. The town's restaurants and trat- torias often serve these deli- cacies accompanied by local wines, including the robust Primitivo and the crisp white wines of Locorotondo. If you started "dreaming of Puglia" while reading this article, it may be time you join our Dream of Puglia S w e e p s t a k e : w i t h y o u r ticket, you will get the chance t o w i n a f a n t a s t i c t r i p t o Puglia and stay in a trullo at t h e T r u l l i T e r r a M a g i c a r e s o r t f o r e i g h t d a y s a n d seven nights. And you will also support us, your favorite paper! T h e F e s t a d e l R e d e n t o r e , o r the Feast of the Redeemer, is one of Venice's most s i g n i f i c a n t a n d b e l o v e d events, celebrated annually on the third weekend of July. This festival has deep histori- cal roots dating back to the 16th century, specifically to 1577, when it was established to give thanks for the end of a devastating plague that had swept through Venice, caus- ing immense suffering and loss. In gratitude for deliver- ance from the plague, the V e n e t i a n S e n a t e c o m m i s - sioned the construction of the Church of the Reden- t o r e ( C h u r c h o f t h e Redeemer) on the island of G i u d e c c a , a m a s t e r p i e c e designed by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. The festival's significance lies not only in its historical context but also in its contin- ued cultural and religious importance to the people of Venice. The event begins on the Saturday preceding the third Sunday of July with a unique and symbolic tradi- tion: the building of a pon- toon bridge connecting the Zattere to the Church of the Redentore, allowing thou- sands of pilgrims to cross the Giudecca Canal on foot to attend a special mass at the church. This act of walking across the water symbolizes the faith and devotion of the Venetians. Saturday evening is marked by a grand dis- play of fireworks, consid- ered one of the most spectac- ular in the world. V e n e t i a n s a n d v i s i t o r s alike gather in boats in the St. Mark's Basin and along the waterfront, enjoying pic- nics and festivities as they a w a i t t h e s h o w . T h e f i r e - works light up the sky and the lagoon, creating a breath- taking spectacle that reflects off the water. On Sunday, the festivities continue with a religious pro- cession and a solemn mass h e l d a t t h e C h u r c h o f t h e Redentore. This is followed by various regattas, including traditional rowing races that add a competitive spirit to the celebrations. The event is not only a time for religious observance but also a com- m u n a l c e l e b r a t i o n t h a t strengthens the bond among Venetians and between them and their city's rich heritage. The Festa del Redentore remains, still today, a high- light of Venice's cultural cal- endar, drawing locals and tourists together in a shared celebration of life, history, and hope. F i r e w o r k s i n t h e V e n e t i a n s k i e s d u r i n g t h e F e s t a d e l R e d e n t o r e ( P h o t o : Delstudio/Dreamstime) Trulli are the symbol of Alberobello (Photo: Peuceta/Dreamstime) T h e F e s t a d e l R e d e n t o r e , Venice's feast of gratitude Alberobello, where your dreams of Puglia can come true! LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE BORGHI

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