Locorotondo

 

Locorotondo is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is located at the heart of Valle d’Itria on a relief 410 metres above the sea level. Its name means “Round place”.  It perfectly describes the circularity of its historic center shape which encloses bright whitewashed houses, small arches and narrow streets. The old town perches upon a hill. From there are magnificent views over vineyards, olive groves and cute Trulli.  

I was attracted to Locorotondo with the information about it. But it was not on our list originally as we had many places to visit in our plan.  On the day, we arrived at Alberobello shortly after 9am. It was quiet at the Rione Aia Piccola district. But soon after the other commercialised side, the Rione Monti quarter, was packed with tourists, at the various slopes of lane and trulli shops.  It’s stressful with the crowds all over the place. I initiated to visit Locorotondo. My trip mate hesitated at the beginning but accepted the suggestion as there was no hope for shrinking crowds. From the websites Romeo / Omio there would be a bus (operated by the train company, Ferrovie del Sud Est) between 12 and 1 to from Aberobello to Locorotondo. We could not buy that bus ticket but a train ticket after 1pm. When we stepped out the train station, we saw the bus going to Martina Franca (via Locorotondo). A very nice woman conductor let us go on the bus with our train ticket. The 8-kilometre journey went quick without waiting. Very very lucky!

We got off at the new town of Locorotondo. It’s easy to reach the old town on the hill. Just walk towards the left and uphill. Then, there we were.

Cafes and restaurants dotted outside the main gate leading to the old town. Once through the arch, views of charming white houses, colourful flowers and layback atmosphere fills every corners. It is lovely to stroll through the many lanes to enjoy different delightful views. Or pick a restaurant or imbiss to enjoy lunch. We had wonderful sandwiches at Adimare, at a lane not far from the main square.  The owner was funny and generous.

It’s time to walk to shed off some calories. We walked along Via Nardelli, Lungomare, even though we’re far from the sea. This sidewalk along the city walls brings sweeping views of the surrounding valley and picturesque countryside.  There are endless views of vineyards, Mediterranean scrubs and dashes of Trullis.

To have nice views of the town sitting on the hill, we walked down two paths and looked back to Locorotondo. Great and unforgettable! Almost nobody, except a few locals.

If you want to look for a place to rest, go to the Villa Comunale Garibaldi. It’s a shady and cool place which is fabulous to break away from the heat.  Plants and flowers decorate and locals dot the venue. Visitors can enjoy amazing panoramic views over the surroundings.

Another option to escape from the strong sun is certainly church visit. The one I like most is the tiny church Chiesa di San Nicola. The width of the church is slightly wider than the doorway. The fresco ceiling of angel musicians caught my eyes. They play the music instruments merrily. 

Other arts impressed are the painting of the Last Supper by Neapolitan painter Gennaro Maldarelli at Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio Martire and the rose window on the façade of Chiesa Rettoria Madonna della Greca.

Locorotondo is pity small. We finished the sightseeing ahead of the time of our scheduled bus returning to Bari. So, we switched to the new town. Most shops were closed during the long afternoon break. Randomly we reached the bus station and the return bus appeared within a few minutes. Lucky again!