pugliauncovered

There is no where more spectacular to be than Puglia out of season. The extraordinary colours of autumn and spring in contrast with the startling sharpness of summer's clear blue skies. Here in Puglia you can still find hidden coves where nature takes its course and hold secrets of alluring magical moments for many more years to come.

"Zinzulusa"- picture left

From San Valentino...From the XVII century, Vico del Gargano's economy relied heavily upon the agricultural resources of its proudly cultivated lands, with its ultimate production lying in the hands of the "Tramontana", that carries in its wake an icy precipitation that only divine intervention can hold back.

But as legend carries the story of the then Viking Chief, San Norberto, who because he was but a summer time Saint, could not be called upon to lend a helping hand in February; and for this reason a request was made to the upper house in 1618 for a change of Saint and thus we have today San Valentino!

And today The San Valentino festa is celebrated between the 9^th and 15^th of February, with a procession on the 14^th with an effigy of San Valentino carried through streets. Streets paved not with gold but oranges, clementines and lemons. During the same week there are many musical festivals,shows and exhibitions held to celebrate the adulated San Valentino. Or you could take an orange decorated with your favourite Saint and give it to the person you care most about....as fruit is said to transform into a love potion.

Whatever you decide to do, don't miss the Vico del Bacio, the Kissing alley which can be reached by  via San Giuseppe al Rione Terre; an area blessed and a "go between" or a "galeotto" for loved ones.

......To Rodolfo Valentino

The Saint of lovers for the celebration of love itself! Not many realise that Rodolfo Guglielmi, who is more artfully known as Rodolfo Valentino was born in Puglia in 1895, or more precisely at no. 34 via Commercio in Castellaneta (now is 116 via Roma). In the historic town there is an itinerary to follow Rodolfo's tracks with the finish line at  Museum dedicated to "Rodolfo Valentino".

Here his cinema life is explained graphically. His life as The Latin Lover was part and parcel of why he was so well known and a museum would not be complete without some deep and intruding reflections into his private life. A life so colourful it made his existence poetic.

A Boat Excursion

No better way to admire the coastline architecture of Puglia than by boat. As a starting point view the wooden structures upon the rocks, "i trabucchi", which are the fishman's vehicles. Visible also from the Gargano region, there are many anti-pirate towers, look-out lighthouses.

The Salento coastline is also populated with light houses that are raised like fairgrounds, from Capo d'Otranto to Isola Sant' Andrea in Gallipoli, the kingdom of rare seagulls coursing the coastline. The most extraordinary architecture was created by the sea itself: the grottoes. Some of the most famous are that of "Zinzulusa" in the south of Otranto. For romantic outings visit the port of San Foca in the region of Lecce. There is a legend that talks about two young lovers who find refuge here from the cold, die together in a solemn embrace nrot knowing that the tide was coming and unable to escape from their chosen refuge.

Another story tells of La Grotta della Poesie, near Roca, its name taken from the poets attracted to this spot to see the beautiful Princess who would bathe in the shallow waters. The poets would be lured here to write their magic.

And for a gift for your loved one...Leave aside the irony and let your romantic side unfold.In the province of bari, in Rutigliano www.comune.rutigliano.ba.it; terracotta pipes are given as gifts on the day of Sant'Antonio Abate, the 17^te

January. Each fiance gives one to his loved one, together with a basket of fruit. The chosen form is not at all casual, with a definitive reference made to the man who is truly inaugurated.