Day 16 - Polignano

Italians speak very loud and very fast, exaggerated by hand movements which seem to be incessant.  Our guide Simona speaks very good English, both vocabulary and pronunciation.  Most of the Italians we have come across know very few English words.

There are six million olive trees in this area, plus fig trees, almond trees, cherry trees, and grape vines.  The roads in the towns are mostly cobblestone, whilst country roads are very good and the freeways excellent.  Parking is difficult, even with small vehicles - basic rule is if you can't find a park you just park anywhere.  There does not seem to be a pecking order for pedestrians, motor bikes, cycles, trucks, and cars.

Each small village has its own charm and hidden treasures.  The buildings are primarily limestone blocks which glow white in the sun.

This town is spectacularly beautiful, and our apartment looking directly over the Adriatic Sea.  There is a cave beneath us with a long steep ladder leading to the cave (not to be confronted by accident in the dark!)

This town of Polignano is our last stop, and the pick of our accommodation and location for the time in Italy.

We were looking forward to seeing the famous Trulli houses and they did not disappoint.

We found them at Alberobello and they were there in their hundreds. They are conical shaped stone structures originally built in dry stone.  Many have been restored but no new ones are allowed in this location.  Some have been converted into wedding/conference centres and others into tourist shops but many are inhabited by locals.  There were a few B&B's but all were well maintained and a popular tourist destination.  The first one below was a wedding function room.

Inside they are very basic before they are restored for every day use, some even hold animals.

The stones were originally placed dry but when restored they used local mortar to ensure they did not allow water inside.

Just amazing the way they they have lasted hundreds of years

Judy and our guide Simona wandering amongst the trulli.

They are certainly well kept and of great interest.

Street after street they were impressive.

And here they are in their hundreds.

And again.

This is the area of Puglia that we are exploring.

Then we dropped into a winery at Alberobello and did a bit of tasting.

And of course lunch is a good idea with local produce including cheeses, meats and pasta.

Then after a few drinks you would make a fool of yourself.

We then drove to another nearby village of Locorotondo known for its balconies and flowers.

The church clock.

Amongst the flowers.

Then on the way back we came across a very old plantation of olive trees.  Even after many hundreds of years these trees are still bearing fruit.