L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano T he Isole Tremi- ti, located in the Adriatic Sea off t h e c o a s t o f P u g l i a , a r e a n e n c h a n t i n g a r c h i p e l a g o k n o w n f o r t h e i r p r i s t i n e b e a u t y a n d r i c h h i s t o r y . Comprising five islands – San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, and P i a n o s a – t h e y o f f e r a unique blend of natural won- ders and cultural heritage, which makes them a favorite destination of many. San Domino, the largest of the islands, is often con- sidered the most scenic, also t h a n k s t o i t s l u s h p i n e forests, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches. Among them, Cala delle Arene and Cala Matano are the most well-known: a real par- adise for nature lovers! The island's grottos and coves, including the famous Grot- ta delle Viole and Grotta del Bue Marino, are per- fect for exploring by boat or snorkeling. Here's some triv- ia for you: the name Grotta del Bue Marino, or "Cave of the Sea Ox," comes from the m o n k s e a l s ( M o n a c h u s m o n a c h u s ) t h a t u s e d t o inhabit the area, and were colloquially referred to as bue marino (sea ox) due to their large size and the way t h e y w o u l d g r a z e o n s e a grasses, similar to how oxen g r a z e o n l a n d . T h e m o n k seals were once prevalent in the Mediterranean but have become increasingly rare due t o h u n t i n g a n d h a b i t a t d e s t r u c t i o n . C u r i o u s l y , a n o t h e r c a v e i n S a r d i n i a shares the same name, for the same reason. San Domi- no is also home to several charming villages, where vis- itors can experience the local way of life and hospitality. San Nicola is the histori- cal heart of the archipelago a n d i s r e n o w n e d f o r i t s impressive medieval archi- tecture and significant his- t o r i c a l s i t e s . T h e i s l a n d houses the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare, a Benedic- tine monastery dating back to the 9th century, which remained active until 1792. This remarkable structure, p e r c h e d o n a c l i f f , o f f e r s breathtaking views of the surrounding sea, its presence a memento of the islands' religious and cultural past. The fortifications built by the Benedictines, and later by the Angevin and Aragonese rulers, give San Nicola a dis- t i n c t l y h i s t o r i c a l a t m o s - phere, making it a perfect d e s t i n a t i o n f o r h i s t o r y enthusiasts. C a p r a i a , t h e t h i r d island, is uninhabited and wild, covered in dense vege- t a t i o n a n d r u g g e d l a n d - scapes: it is a haven for hik- e r s a n d b i r d w a t c h e r s , o f f e r i n g t r a i l s t h a t w i n d through nature. The island's isolation has allowed it to m a i n t a i n a n u n t o u c h e d ecosystem, which makes it a critical site for conservation efforts. The island of Cretaccio is little more than a large rock between San Domino and San Nicola and serves primarily as a diving and snorkeling spot. Thanks to the tranquillity and clarity of its waters, Cretaccio is home to a rich marine life, which f o u n d r e f u g e a n d h o m e a m o n g t h e r e m n a n t s o f ancient Roman structures you can still see beneath the waves. L a s t b u t n o t l e a s t Pianosa, the smallest and f l a t t e s t o f t h e T r e m i t i Islands, which is a protected n a t u r e r e s e r v e . A c c e s s i s restricted to preserve its del- i c a t e e c o s y s t e m , w h i c h includes rare plant species and seabird colonies. The history of the Isole Tremiti is as interesting as their landscapes: inhabited since prehistoric times, they have served various roles over the centuries, from a monastic retreat to a penal c o l o n y . W e h a v e a l r e a d y m e n t i o n e d t h e A b b e y o f Santa Maria a Mare on San Nicola, which was a promi- nent religious center during the Middle Ages, attracting pilgrims and scholars. Dur- ing the Bourbon era, the i s l a n d s w e r e u s e d a s a prison, a role they continued to play into the 20th century under the Fascist regime, which exiled political pris- oners there. The Tremiti Islands also h a v e a m u s i c a l c l a i m t o fame, thanks to their con- nection to the famous Italian s i n g e r - s o n g w r i t e r L u c i o Dalla, who found inspira- t i o n i n t h e a r c h i p e l a g o ' s beauty. Dalla owned a house o n S a n D o m i n o a n d f r e - q u e n t l y r e f e r e n c e d t h e islands in his music, helping t o r a i s e t h e i r p r o f i l e a n d attract visitors. Tourism on the Tremiti is characterized by a focus on s u s t a i n a b l e a n d e c o - friendly practices and, as you can guess from the brief descriptions we gave of each island, their natural reserves and marine protected areas attract divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts who come to explore the rich bio- diversity both on land and underwater. Thanks to their rich marine life, the islands are also a prime destination for underwater photography and marine research. Cultural traditions are preserved and celebrated in various ways on the islands. Festivals and religious cele- b r a t i o n s , o f t e n c e n t e r e d around the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare, play a signifi- cant role in the local com- munity but also offer visitors a glimpse into the islands' cultural fabric, providing opportunities to participate in local customs and festivi- ties. And how could we not mention food? The cuisine of the Tremiti is deeply root- ed in the flavors of the sea: fresh seafood is a staple, as well as other Puglian dishes, c o m p l e m e n t e d b y l o c a l l y produced wines. Traditional g r u b i n c l u d e s e a f o o d spaghetti, a type of fish soup k n o w n a s c i a m b o t t a d e l p e s c a t o r e , o m e l e t s w i t h anchovies, the pesce fe'jute soup, which mentions fish, but it's entirely made of veg- etables, and unique delica- cies such as fried jellyfish. D e s s e r t s l i k e l e t r e c c i n e , made with fennel and anise a n d s o a k e d i n l o c a l V e r - miglio wine, add a sweet fin- ish to meals. Local cheeses such as ricotta, pecorino, a n d c a c i o c a v a l l o a r e a l s o popular. Beautiful and tranquil, surrounded by a crystal-like sea, it's no wonder the Isole Tremiti are also known as le perle del Mare Adriatico, the pearls of the Adriatic S e a . F r o m t h e l u s h l a n d - scapes of San Domino to the historical treasures of San Nicola, all the way to the wild charm of Capraia, the underwater wonders of Cre- t a c c i o , a n d t h e p r i s t i n e n a t u r e o f P i a n o s a , e a c h i s l a n d o f f e r s s o m e t h i n g u n i q u e , m e m o r a b l e , a n d breathtaking. FRANCESCA BEZZONE Isole Tremiti: one of Puglia's best- kept secrets ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES Sea and architecture of the Isole Tremiti (Photos: Vaclav Janousek/Dreamstime; bottom right: Maudanros/Dreamstime)

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