- JUNE 2013 -
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Puglia
History and Folk Traditions
Otranto A story of pride and courage
by Vito Spada Famous for its amazingly blue sea, the easternmost town in Italy is rich in historical heritage.In 1480 the Turks landed and devastated it.
Eight hundred locals preferred to be decapitated rather than abjure their faith. Recently, after more than five hundred years, they have been proclaimed saints by Pope Bergoglio June 2013
19th century Gallipoli The Mediterranean capital of lamp oil
by Nicolò Carnimeo Its port was first in the exportation of lamp oil which reached the seaports of all Northern Europe.In the subterranean oil mills of Gallipoli, Salento, and Terra di Bari this precious liquid was produced, the best of that age.
The special feeling with the British April 2013
The magic of Puglia’s Nativity scenes
by Pietro Marino An itinerary that takes in the most interesting Nativity scenes in the region.From the Gargano to Salento, from Bari to Taranto there are numerous groups of admirable 15th and 16th-century statues, representing the Nativity.
Lecce is one of the capitals of the Nativity scenes, and since way back in the 18th century its papier-maché has reigned supreme December 2012
Lucera Indelible traces of History in its fortress
by Bianca Tragni The magnificence of Frederick II had allowed the Saracens to build mosques and Moorish dwellings. The Angevins destroyed them to build churches and province-style houses.Artistic gems, like the cabinet that contains a precious baroque altar, in the Diocese Museum, contribute to making a visit to this city a must July 2012
The myriad rites of Holy Week Midst faith and folklore
by Bianca Tragni In many Apulian towns, with innumerable traditions, the Catholic rites leading up to Easter are celebrated in varying ways.Fascinating processions with statues, hooded men, veiled women and musical bands April 2012
The Apulian heroes of the Risorgimento
by Lino Patruno Two books hot off the press are talking about them: I nostri eroi (Our Heroes) by Bianca Tragni and L’agente segreto di Cavour (Cavour’s Secret Agent) by Nico Perrone.New light is thrown on unknown heroes, forerunners of modernity, in Tragni’s work, while the historian Perrone gives us unedited revelations about a well-known personality of the epoch: Giuseppe Massari, native of Taranto and secretary to Cavour February 2012
Tarantism When music healed the soul
by Brizio Montinaro A lucid analysis by Brizio Montinaro, actor, writer and author of Danzare col ragno (2011, Argo, Lecce), of a phenomenon which, with its renewed popularity, is dogged by inaccuracies and absurd interpretations December 2011
Castel del Monte Charme and mistery
by Roberto Pazzi A poet’s verses and reflections on the myth of Federick II April 2011Nature and Landscape
Margherita di Savoia salt flats The kingdom of birdlife
by Enzo Cripezzi It’s the largest salt flat in Italy, the most important in Europe, an international stopover for thousands of migratory birds.Frederick II probably went hunting with his hawks here June 2013
FAUNA
In the Margherita di Savoia salt flats more than 4,700 wintering birds have been observed June 2013
The avocet
by Giuseppe La Gioia It is one of the most elegant waders.In the Margherita di Savoia salt flats more than 4,700 wintering birds have been observed June 2013
Punta della Contessa Realm of rare plants and migratory birds
by Fabio Ippolito and Piero Medagli A regional nature park since 2002, the ponds and the salt flats of Punta della Contessa, while bordering on some mighty industrial works, constitute a precious habitat for migratory birds and rare plants April 2013
FLORA
In Puglia it is present in several places, amongst which “Saline di Punta della Contessa” April 2013
Hairy smotherweed
by Piero Medagli and Fabio Ippolito A minute, unremarkable, rare plant which is at risk of becoming extinct.In Puglia it is present in several places, amongst which “Saline di Punta della Contessa” April 2013
FAUNA
The great egret
by Giuseppe La Gioia In the migratory periods and in winter they can be seen in Puglia between Manfredonia and Margherita di Savoia and at Punta della Contessa April 2013
Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano regional nature reserve A dive into beauty
by Emanuela Rossi e Salvatore Inguscio Archeological and paleontological treasures, rare plants and beautiful coastal towers, but, above all, breathtaking panoramas make the Porto Selvaggio regional park one of the most fascinating places in Puglia November 2012
FLORA
In Puglia it can be found in the Palude del Capitano and recently has been sighted in a new spot on the Adriatic coast November 2012
Sarcopoterium spinosum
by Fabio Ippolito It is an endangered species, on the National Red List.In Puglia it can be found in the Palude del Capitano and recently has been sighted in a new spot on the Adriatic coast November 2012
FAUNA
In 2007 some nests were seen in the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano nature reserve.
The females lay their eggs in magpies’ nests, and the magpies hatch them and take care of the fledglings November 2012
The great spotted cuckoo
by Giuseppe La Gioia It is on the Red List of threatened species.In 2007 some nests were seen in the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano nature reserve.
The females lay their eggs in magpies’ nests, and the magpies hatch them and take care of the fledglings November 2012
Bosco delle Pianelle at Martina Franca Amongst lovely holm-oaks and rare plants
by Piero Medagli The wood, characterized by magnificent, dense vegetation, stands within a Karst dolina.The author, an export botanist, has discovered the Saxifraga hederacea, a very rare species previously never found below an altitude of 800 metres October 2012
FLORA
Ingrassia’s Ophrys
by Piero Medagli Rare and extremely lovely, it has been found in only three locations, all in the territory of Martina Franca October 2012
FAUNA
The robin
by Giuseppe La Gioia In Puglia robins nest in hilly or mountainous areas. But in fall and spring many can be seen migrating October 2012
The fig tree in Puglia: amidst “forgotten landscapes” and new fig groves
by Francesco Minonne Plants or dried figs were transported by ancient peoples across the Mediterranean basin.Few other fruit trees can bear the summer heat and salty atmosphere.
Its fruits are exquisite (and are of several varieties) whether fresh or dried July 2012