This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page After eight years of persistence and dedication Tony Demonte's dream finally has become a reality – his hometown of Mola di Bari Monday (May 5) for more than 3,200 seats on city councils He was found possessing a “ghost gun,” which is illegal in Washington state 12-year-old dies after late-night crash in Enumclaw 2011 at 4:18 pm ETThe people who helped Carroll Gardens become the neighborhood it is today came together Sunday to celebrate their past and their rich cultural history Italy have called Carroll Gardens home since the 50s and their contribution to the neighborhood is now recognized by the city Court Street and Fourth Place is also "The Citizens of Mola di Bari Way." "This is the most beautiful thing that the Molesi could ever dream of," said Alberto Ingravallo Perhaps the Molesi's most famous son is Michael Pesce a judge in the state Supreme Court and a former New York State Assemblymember reminded those in attendance that the street naming was a celebration of the accomplishments of immigrants but an immigrant is an immigrant," Pesce said "If we ever have an opportunity to extend our hand we'd be adding to the fiber of that magnificent tapestry that is America." And while Carroll Gardens is now one of the hottest places to live in New York City those in attendance yesterday say the people who've always been in Carroll Gardens are the ones to thank it "We made this the most desirable place to live in New York and maybe in this country," said the Commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management Joe Bruno whose family has lived in the same Carroll Gardens house since 1907 Perhaps the street naming will encourage new comers to ask questions about the neighborhood's history "Maybe they'll see the street name and wonder what it's about," she said "And maybe the new people will ask you what this neighborhood is all about." Also in attendance was Carlo Scissura from Borough President Marty Markowitz's office Chairman of the Federation of Italian American Organizations Jack Spatola and nearly 100 Molesi and their family and friends Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Major: Multidisciplinary Studies Guiliano Fellow The Effects of Covid-19 Lockdown on a Small Southern Italian Town: Mola di Bari  Fall deadline: October 1  (Projects will take place during the Winter Session or spring semester) Spring deadline: March 1 (Projects will take place during the Summer Session or fall semester) Please submit any questions here.  By John Deike, Editor, La Nostra Voce Italian Sons and Daughters of America recently caught up with Brooklyn’s own Rossella Rago author and social media influencer who has deftly promoted old school Italian cooking traditions using new age digital platforms Immersed in her culture, Rossella speaks Italian fluently, she has traveled through the old country extensively and today she’s shuffling around the U.S. shooting the ISDA-sponsored docu-series Greetings From Italian America which explores the Italian side of America one Little Italy at a time let’s start at the beginning (literally): where are your Italian family members from and when did they emigrate to America Every family belonged to at least one of the Mola di Bari cultural clubs back then A: I always credit being from Brooklyn in shaping my identity I believe that it’s being an Italian-American from Brooklyn that made me who I am and instilled an exceptional work ethic and pride in my heritage I was so fortunate to grow up in what I believe was the Golden Age of Bensonhurst in the very late 1980s and early 1990s A time when kids still played on the streets ’til dark while trusted neighbors (many of them nonne) watched us from stoops On Sundays the aroma of everyone’s sauce permeated the avenues and if you ran into someone while shopping on 18th avenue they’d invite you over for coffee and sambuca after Sunday dinner I’m old enough to remember old school brooklyn dinner dances that were held in church gymnasiums in their early days I’d watch my parents get ready like they were attending the Oscars There were always ceremonies with pomp and circumstance and plaques and posed photos and trays of baked ziti at every table heated up by sterno warming trays All the parents would dance the tarantella until midnight while all the kids played together before falling asleep on piled up fur coats The whole neighborhood was like a big Italian family back then Q: Did the storied borough play a role in your decision to become a celebrity chef and social media influencer A: You know, it’s funny. I suppose in the very beginning it didn’t. It’s sort of only been really cool and exotic to be from Brooklyn for the past decade, or so. At the inception of Cooking With Nonna there was no one out there really like me It was very much the dawn of the YouTube content creation era If there were people out there making cooking videos they were most likely trained chefs or owned restaurants They weren’t 22-year-olds cooking in a basement in Brooklyn with Italian grandmothers I remember so many managers and agents telling me that no one would ever want to buy or watch the MonaLisa Vito cooking show So for years I tried really hard to water down my accent and appear more “medigan,” if you will I was actually pitched to major networks more times than I can count And I swore I’d never try to hide my voice or my personality ever again Because Italian girls from Brooklyn are who we are Q: You’ve amassed nearly a million followers on Facebook and Instagram who you engage with on a daily basis What’s your favorite part about connecting with so many Italian Americans A: I think it’s realizing that we really all have the same story My Nonna Romana always says “siamo tutti fatti dalla stessa pasta” we are all made from the same dough As Italian Americans we can all be in different places and have different upbringings but once we start talking about our heritage there’s such a strong connection that unites us Getting to see so many people who are so passionate and nostalgic about their grandmothers and the beautiful memories that inspire this larger conversation about culture and traditions always gets me What did the experience teach you about the value of family and faith I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least try and thank the thousands of people that prayed for Nonna to get well My family and I were absolutely floored by the outpouring of love and support Her recovery was nothing short of a miracle and after this experience I fully believe that not only saints grant miracles ordinary people coming together can make so much happen too I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from Nonna being ill is to absolutely live in the moment and not take tomorrow for granted There is simply never enough time with someone you love that much So I encourage everyone to live for today and spend as much time with your loved ones as possible Ask them all the questions you have about your family and your origin story now Q: You and she just released Cooking with Nonna: Sunday Dinners with La Famiglia what’s in store for your readers in this robust and immersive cookbook A: This book is a love letter to my Italian American upbringing and the wonderful Italian dishes that evolved here as a result of the brand new culinary landscape and the abbondanza that Italian immigrants found in America I wanted to celebrate italian American cuisine and give people a roadmap to forge their own Sunday dinner traditions The book includes 130 recipes and tells my own Nonna Romana’s story of immigration to two different countries Since the pandemic people are craving togetherness more than ever And what better way to be together than over a big Sunday dinner A post shared by Rossella Rago CookingWithNonna (@rossellarago) A: Oh I’d love to write 10 more books about Nonne But I do think Nonna Romana has earned a well deserved break Make a pledge and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America Today Nonna Romana and celebrity chef Rossella Rago during a recent photoshoot in NYC Huffington Post shares eight bottles that are great selections and a great deal Food Network brings back the Italian liqueur Try this unusual (but delicious) take on arancini ISDA has kept its strong sense of community alive and thriving to become one of the largest and most financially successful Italian American organizations in the country We now unite Italian Americans across states nationwide to celebrate our culture and preserve the traditions our ancestors brought with them from Italy Share your email address with us Italian Sons & Daughters of America 419 Wood St. © 2025 Italian Sons & Daughters of America ...but your activity and behavior on this site made us think that you are a bot Note: A number of things could be going on here Please solve this CAPTCHA to request unblock to the website Giovanni Demonte of Coopersburg died Tuesday He was the husband of Antonia (Guardavaccaro) Demonte with whom he celebrated 47 years of marriage on Feb he was a son of the late Benedetto and Veronica (Clemente) Demonte He was the longtime owner of Frank's Pizza and Michael; eight sister-in-laws; 18 nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money Information on COVID-19 Funeral Assistance through FEMA \u003ca href=\"/resources/funeral-assistance\"\u003eRead More\u003c/a\u003e Longtime Eltingville resident Leonardo Cristino, died at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Mola Di Bari, Italy. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1971, moving to Brooklyn and settling in Staten Island in 1974.... View Obituary & Service Information The family of Leonardo Cristino created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Longtime Eltingville resident Leonardo Cristino © 2025 John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals Inc. Made with love by funeralOne now a trendy home to many young professionals got a blast from the past last Sunday in true Catholic Italian style Dozens of women wearing all black came out of Sacred Hearts-St Stephen Church to publicly show their devotion to their great intercessor a group of whom carried a nearly life-sized statue of their patroness Maria Addolorata is the patroness of Mola di Bari where there is great devotion to Mary under this title displayed in public through processions When a group of Mola immigrants came to settle in Carroll Gardens they brought their devotion and tradition with them They made a replica of the Molanese statue and processed in Brooklyn for their first time in 1948 The tradition continues twice a year in honor of the feast day of the patroness and on Good Friday “It’s something that we are proud of,” said John Ingravallo “Our fathers and grandfathers brought the Madonna here Among the ways that the tradition is passed down through the generations is by physically handing down dresses for girls to wear during the procession Joseph Tanzi lends out his daughters’ dresses for different young girls to be able to participate in the procession His daughter was born when he was fighting in Vietnam Because his mother had a great devotion for Maria Addolorata she wanted her granddaughter to be able to wear an Addolorata dress for the Carroll Gardens procession She got her wish when her granddaughter walked the procession for the first time in 1974 in full Addolorata attire Tanzi has been lending the dress out since his daughter has outgrown the dress the honor was bestowed upon 4-year-old Maria Teresa Heyer Another dress that has been passed down the generations is the Conena dress Her parents did not know what exactly was wrong with her her paternal grandmother in Mola was convinced that if she would walk the Addolorata procession in costume So she commissioned a local convent to make her granddaughter a dress She was able to pick up the dress from the nuns exactly one week before the procession in Brooklyn She mailed the dress in an express package Rosanna said she remembers her father picking her up from the hospital and helping her walk the procession “I’ve been better every since,” Rosanna said “It’s an important part of the family spirit,” he said The Molanese heritage Juliana Nuzzi hopes to one day pass down to her future daughter is the title of Miss Mola Nuzzi won this honor a little under a year ago in a pageant and would soon pass it down to the next young lady Her cousins and aunts held the title in years past Nuzzi said it was an honor to make the Addolorata procession as Miss Mola “It’s the best feeling!” she said enthusiastically Many of the adult women in the procession wore ribbons identifying them as Sorellas Nina Comes has been an official Sorella since 1963 but has had a devotion to Maria Addolorata her entire life She said she remembers attending the procession in Mola as a girl she wedded in the church that hosts the statue of Maria Addolorata in Mola “I’m devoted to the Blessed mother,” Comes said Stephen parish who marched in the procession said the devotion the Molanese people display is exemplary to the surrounding community Even though many of these people moved away they still come back to show their love for Maria Addolorata I had a good time,” the pastor said to the Molanese congregation after the Mass that concluded the day at 8 p.m He said many people in the congregation shared with him stories of weddings “This is your spiritual home,” he told the congregation Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was the main celebrant of the Mass in honor of the patroness which followed immediately after the street procession and a display of fireworks an emotion clearly displayed on the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows He said that just like in New Testament times people today find the Messiah’s message too controversial because that message brings meaning to human suffering when bonded with Christ’s suffering The bishop said one only needs to look at the cross to gain a better understanding of suffering He said the vertical plank can signify human suffering when it is joined with the vertical plank that brings humanity to heaven The bishop also invoked Mary’s intercession for the persecuted Christians in the Middle East to help them receive the necessary graces to remain steadfast in their faith I’m happy there is this passion in USA Your email will be used to send you The Tablet newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. For more details, review our privacy policy. More info Create your free account or log in to continue reading The Tablet is the newspaper of the Diocese of Brooklyn, serving Brooklyn and Queens since 1908.© 2025 DeSales Media Group, Inc. Website by 345 Design ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Via Francigena F.A.Q © Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene | C.F. 91029880340 – P.IVA 02654910344 Powered by ItinerAria Privacy | Cookie Policy  | Legal Notice  © Associazione Europea delle Vie Francigene | C.F Powered by ItinerAria Carroll Gardens today is all brunch spots and Canada Goose jackets the neighborhood was one big extended Italian family with plenty of locals who hailed from a small fishing village in Puglia called Mola di Bari The Molesi decided to host a beauty pageant — a common ritual among the towns in their homeland and a way to bring a little bit of the old country into their shared brownstones pushing farther and farther away from brownstone Brooklyn (like the Molesi-Americans themselves who have since dispersed from Carroll Gardens to Bensonhurst and Staten Island and central Jersey) when there were 20 women seeking the trophy and as many as 600 guests; when there were rumors of fixed winners and tearful first runners-up spiking their bouquets in the street in protest But the social club that hosts the evening even though the event now takes place at El Caribe Country Club The contestants still buy their crystal-studded gowns at the same neighborhood boutiques where their mothers shopped and 265 Molesi club members still come out to see them — a competition-cum-dinner-dance where the girls are required to answer a single question before a panel of judges in between eating penne with red sauce and swinging to the tarantella And even though only four entered the pageant this time around (the criteria is that you must be between 16 and 25 years old and have at least one parent or grandparent born in Mola) the Generation-Z paesani that do show up have a fundamentalist devotion to the tradition drove in from college in Philadelphia — and missed a chance to see the pope — so that she could be there this past Sunday night under the supermoon eclipse outside and crater-size chandeliers inside The winner is tasked with appearing at social-club events throughout the year and keeping the bellezza della Mola alive in Brooklyn and a couple of mother-daughter duos representing Miss Mola past and present Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York The family of Vito Demonte created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories After a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease By 2023-07-31T14:54:00+01:00 Eight of Italy’s most important fresh grape production areas have agreed to pool resources and work together on joint promotional activities to support sales and exports of the fruit which are located in Puglia and together form Italy and Europe’s largest production centre for table grapes signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect during Regina di Puglia The initiative is seen as a unique project in Italy’s fruit and vegetable sector Puglia’s regional agriculture representative Donato Pentassuglia told the event: “Here [is] a new process to build a network of relationships that is fundamental for our agricultural economy.” president of the UniVerde Foundation and former Italian Minister of Agriculture are finally valued by telling people about their territory,” he commented president of Puglia export association APEO underlined the region’s importance when it comes to a product that is second only to apples in terms of the country’s fruit and veg exports “58 per cent of Italian table grapes come from here but we must stop talking about it among ourselves,” he urged “We must make our role known in the local and national economy.” Donato Fanelli of Italy’s recently established table grape consortium CUT believes the new entity will play a vital role and we can become the Assomela of table grapes,” he suggested “In a few months we have already registered 11,000ha the first big step for a national product register.” The eight zones involved are Noicattaro (which has led the project’s initial development) Site powered by Webvision Cloud You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Staten Island Advance StaffSTATEN ISLAND -- Longtime Eltingville resident Antonia (Maria) Cristino a loving homemaker who was dedicated to her family she immigrated to the United States in 1971 Cristino also had worked as a seamstress and was a member of the former International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union She delighted in time spent with her family and especially loved going with them to the family home on Long Beach Island She is survived by her husband of 66 years Christina Puglisi and Maria Cristino; 16 grandchildren The funeral will be Friday from the Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025) © 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices a long-delayed street renaming ceremony took place at 379 Columbia Street to honor the late Dan Defonte the former proprietor of Defonte’s Sandwich Shop The large Defonte clan and their friends and fans gathered from near and far to celebrate donning tee shirts honoring the new Daniel Defonte Way The usual speeches were heard and the old days were recalled One of the old-timers who Dan broke in never forgot his friendly advice: “There are no short cuts just do it the right way.” Nick got choked up remembering his dad Then came the after-ceremony meal: tables full of Defonte sandwiches I grabbed the legendary “Potato & Egg” which sustained me while I filed this dispatch My son James was working reconstruction jobs in the wake of Sandy when he chanced upon Defonte’s for the first time heading down Columbia to the BQE entrance two blocks away And he’s returned whenever work takes him anywhere near the BQE I almost cried with gratitude.” His friend Henry Finkel works for the City’s Environmental Protection agency Defonte is his work crew’s  go-to early morning or lunch destination and those roasted peppers…” His voice trailed off and I could tell another trip from Flatbush to Red Hook was in the offing These tales of satisfaction by hard working Brooklynites who’ve discovered Defonte can be traced back a hundred years In the early 1880s a four story brick building was erected at the confluence of Dwight with a storefront on the ground floor and three floors of apartments above It would remain the only structure on the block facing Columbia for forty years and the McGuinn family ran a saloon on the ground floor until the First World War approached Thereafter the Italian immigration wave took over and the bar became a grocery a proud son of Mola di Bari on the Adriatic coast Mola was a town that was famous for focaccia so much so that entrepreneurs created two enormous ovens for town folk to cook their bread in foot and a half long pans and take it home Defonte knew how to bake bread but his real skill was filling the space between the slices with some home cooked gustoso mangiare By 1940 the storefront had become known as “The House of Sandwiches.” The growing Defonte family lived in an apartment in the building behind the store at 12 Liquer Street and eventually the sons Nick Dan and Vito would help out in what had become the go-to lunch spot for the dock and factory workers of thriving Red Hook Dan enlisted in the US Army after Pearl Harbor and when he came home running “Defonte’s Sandwich Shop” for the next half century Vito and three customers were robbed at gunpoint The hoods took $3,000 cash and fled in Dan’s car which most Americans used to call “the day the eagle screams” – Payday Defonte served as the de facto check cashing joint for the neighborhood But as shipping found other docks across the harbor the industrial infrastructure that supported the waterfront dried up Longshoremen hooks were retired and the neighborhood became one of the poorest in the City anyone whose work brought them to South Brooklyn and surrounding environs would plan on grabbing a hero at Defonte Defonte’s was the safe place—nobody bothered them Meanwhile the Defonte way was exported to Gramercy Park only to be doomed by the 2009 financial collapse it exposed Manhattan foodies to their fares and a Zagat listing ensued a Staten Island outpost has appeared in Stapleton Heights It’s called “Defonte’s of Brooklyn.” Naturally A Critical Moment for a Beloved Brooklyn Venue On May 2nd and 3rd The Music Matters will present a two-night indie music showcase at Our Wicked Lady (OWL)in Bushwick What began as a grassroots blog has evolved into a platform dedicated to elevating New York City’s emerging music talent The showcase also arrives at a turning point Author George Fiala George Fiala has worked in radio newspapers and direct marketing his whole life except for when he was a vendor at Shea Stadium He studied English and drinking in college staff are reshaping the way elementary schoolers learn educationally and socially They’ve put special emphasis on programs for students with intellectual disabilities and students who are learning or want to learn a second language making sure those students have the same advantages and interactions any other child would The New York City Council primary is less than three months away Incumbents Alexa Avilés (District 38) and Shahana Hanif (District 39) are being challenged by two moderate Democrats Vito Parente has good reason to be celebrating these days The president of Carroll Garden’s  Van Westerhout Cittidini Molesi Cultural and Social Club is breathing new life into the organization He is navigating the Italian social club scene onto new turf at a time when change is not just inevitable but almost necessary as it faces an aging membership he is wired to energize and please those around him His excitement resonates when he speaks of his plans to combine activities with his Molese members with that of the Carinesi (Sicilian) Club in Bensonhurst “This has never been done before,” he proudly boasts “but it’s time that as Italians living in America who belong to social clubs… Italian social clubs are male only and independent reflections of their home towns hardworking immigrants such as Red Hook’s longshoremen could hang out with their “paisani,” play cards there was a time when most women stayed home they would go to the club to unwind with the guys put up a wash and do homework with the kids too.” He would like to see more social events involving women and grown children but lived his whole life in Brooklyn and Staten Island Parente sets himself apart from the Italian-born members who have clung to their Molese identities in their adopted homeland He grew up on 3rd Place and Court Street by the statue of St His older sister married the owner of the nearby Mola Pizzeria American friends and culture suited his fancy just fine a family and the loss of his father brought him full circle to the ballad to his Molese roots his home has the European touches of a villa in Italy – a backyard that could be overlooking the Amalfi coast as most of the senior members of the club are he believes that may not be true for some of the younger members he is trying to recruit he made sure there were two big screens: one for members who watch soccer; the other for those who don’t He wants newer members to feel that they can stop by for a drink and catch up with friends without imposing on the older members whom whole-heartedly enjoy their soccer matches as well as their sometimes heated The next generation is more likely to have been formally educated and reared as intellectuals iPads and smart phones while still living their parent’s culture While many of their parents were longshoremen and other blue-collar workers many were able to seek formal education and moved into roles as business and store owners Their business presence and prominence was greatly felt in the neighborhood and gave it the community appeal it has maintained through the years Newer members face a different challenge particularly because their connection to Red Hook is not as rooted as their parents’ The Van Westerhout Club (named for a 19th century musician who was born in Mola to a Molese mother and a Dutch father) was formed in 1960 by 14 mostly youthful immigrant men from Mola di Bari rather than joining other Molese Clubs in the neighborhood whose memberships were older The Mola Social Club on Columbia Street had a soccer team that was in the Eastern District Soccer League Members of the Circolo Cittadini Molese Club on Smith Street originated the Miss Mola contest and dinner dance The Van Westerhout founders were students with part time jobs in printing shops, factories and food stores. They rented basement space on Summit Street, across from St. Stephen’s Church. Unofficially, they formed a soccer team and played behind 142’s, jokingly naming their teams “Team Mozzarella” and “Team Pizzeria.” They played with members of the Pozzallo Sicilian Club that is still on Henry Street. they merged with the Circolo Cittadini Molesi Club and continued the tradition of the annual Miss Mola dinner dance the founders collectively purchased a building on 4th Place and Court Street Their colorful garden and the patron-saint statue of the Addolorata nestled in a small gazebo-like shrine has quietly stood since Many things have changed in the neighborhood but one could depend on the tolerance and endurance of the Van Westerhout Club to remain intact 200 male teens emigrated from Mola di Bari to Red Hook seeking opportunity in a place becoming more like Mola The support of a social club was important for these immigrants to adjust to their new country they witnessed the harsh realities of undisputed waterfront crime they watched as drug wars began to occupy the streets they planted their hardworking roots in In the 1970s they saw family and loved ones make a slow but deliberate exodus to neighboring areas suburbs and other states to flee the uncertainty of Red Hook’s survival In the 1980s they contended with their neighborhood being renamed – from Red Hook to Carroll Gardens – never anticipating the impact of its economical gain – or loss – for those who stayed or for those who left This led to the nineties and hipster gentrification watched their homes become more valuable than they ever imagined Those who left suffered the jabbing pain of hindsight Most recently came the particularly touchy territorial conflict between the newcomers and the aficionados and old-timers of Red Hook Molesi members witnessed this evolution from their chairs outside the club They played more cards and cheered more soccer Their sidewalk existence got to the curiosity of some of the new neighbors Many of them often associated them with the mob This is an unfortunate but all-too-real stereotyping that plagues Italians opportunistic members remained steadfast creatures of habit This dialect has not been spoken in Mola since Italy’s educational system instituted Dante’s spoken word as the official Children in Mola were being taught Italian while many of their parents or grandparents In fact, Molese visitors who come to America now are quite impressed that these Molese Americans – often friends and relatives – are fluently speaking the ancestral tongue. They are also acutely aware that the Molese ancestry and solidarity is preserved here more so than in Mola. I was invited to several of the club’s celebratory events over the past several months There was no telling who was the retired longshoreman or who was the judge I connected with some members on a more personal level when I became involved with a garden project that allowed me to visit some members homes This was especially meaningful since my own father was a gardener and a farmer Here is where I was able to get a glimpse into the modest yet accomplished lives of these life-loving immigrants whose generosity to their families and friends was overwhelming I was guilty myself of not understanding the mysteries of the club’s mysterious facade spending every summer’s end at the Festa della Madonna as a child Stephen’s Church and even attending one or two Miss Mola dances with my Molese friends the nameless men whom I passed by for years as I walked on Court Street remained elusive to me many of the establishments that as Red Hookers came to love The House of Pizza and Calzone on Union Street renowned for their Baresi calzones made with cheese and ham was owned by members Onofrio Gaudioso and John Teutonico We were heartbroken as a neighborhood to see them go all the recipes were handed down to the new owner Many new to the neighborhood may not recall Latticini Baresi on Union Street just a few storefronts from the House of Pizza his freshly made cheeses were reminiscent of Mola I remember going there each Saturday to buy basket cheese for my grandmother the soaked grain we needed to make the traditional grain pie with ricotta Members Allegrino and Michael Sale owned Good Food Supermarket on Court Street by Third Place which is now Investors Bank – whose COO is a newer Van Westerhout member There was John and Frank’s Hero Shop on Columbia between Coles and Luquer Streets Owners John Verna and Frank Rotondi may not have been in business as long as Defonte’s on the next corner Frank’s Luncheonette at 365 Smith Street is still owned by member Frank Martino The members are not all as well known or even high profiled as Judge Michael Pesce whose own career was greatly supported by members of the Van Westerhout Club Pesce was a young lawyer at the Legal Aid Society active in Buddy Scotto’s Independent Democratic club of South Brooklyn His gained election to the NY State Assembly in 1973 with the help of his fellow club members Other members or officers such as Vito Parente and Vito Pietanza while not professionally visible in the area are owners of businesses outside of Red Hook/Carroll Gardens diversity and overall talents and successes of the club’s accomplished member base Last summer I was able to talk to some of the new members they did not know each other before joining Getting to know one another, they have discovered a common bond. They share many of the same views. Some visit Mola yearly, others sporadically. But they each value their ancestry and the club’s role in maintaining that brotherhood. They are honored to be receiving the torch being passed onto them and look forward to meeting new friends and enjoy the social pastime of sports and other gatherings where the meals (incredible Molese dishes cooked by members) take center stage The younger members understand that some of the older members are resistant to change They wholeheartedly understand where the senior members are coming from This 55 year-old sanctuary has stood the test of time – their way “We’re not here to take over,” said Frank Sale When I asked them about the gentrification of Carroll Gardens they seemed to unanimously agree that they recognize the hipsters as artists and entrepreneurs neighbors will come to appreciate them for their worth as a culture who has remained steadfast and traditionally loyal to their roots my mother broke the news to me as if there had a been a death in the family — A Brooklyn neighborhood lost a beloved merchant and patriarch on May 16 to cancer 1944 in the fisherman’s town of Mola di Bari Paolo had little more than a fifth grade education when he and his family emigrated to the U.S. but it was his humility and old school work ethic that opened the door to the American Dream he and his two brothers started up a deli at Bay 45th Street and Cropsey Avenue they opened their second store which is still operating today at 18th Avenue and 66th Street as C-Town Supermarkets They launched the next location in Dyker Heights called La Bella Marketplace and another in Staten Island “[Paolo]…devoted his very existence to my mother in law In a few short months they would celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Despite his great means he was a man of even greater simplicity who preferred growing tomatoes in his Brooklyn garden over globetrotting His yearly pilgrimage to our hometown in Puglia to walk behind La Madonna Addolorata in the annual procession would be the highlight of his year.” but you know scores of nonni who were just like him nonne too—the 70-and-over fixtures at Italian restaurants who spent decades clipping your hair or making your favorite pasta all while sneaking candies to the local kids and like with Paolo we lose another every day their story shines on through the good deeds and hard work of those who knew them best his three grandchildren and brothers Lenny and Frank (Rossella Rago Facebook page - screenshot) The beloved Italian chef wrote 22 cookbooks appeared in TV shows and owned restaurants in 3 countries The iconic crooner sold millions of records and was cherished for his easy-listening romantic ballads Dyker Heights says goodbye to a beloved local merchant died at age 75 from colon cancer complications his three grandchildren and brothers Larry and Frank Pesce was born Aug.12,1944 in a fisherman’s town He came to America 1966 and worked as a merchant marine at Texaco he and his two brothers opened up a little deli store at Bay 45th Street and Cropsey Avenue they opened their second store which is still functioning today at 16th Avenue and 66th Street as C-Town Supermarkets They opened another location in Dyker Heights called La Bella Marketplace and another market place in Staten Island.” Nick told this paper how much La Bella Marketplace meant to his father “He was just passionate about what he did,” he said “He was a very hands-on owner who would be here every day greeting the customers Those that remained in the neighborhood since day one.” “He had a lot of pride in his work and I think people recognized that and this is a supermarket You have kids that have grown up and are coming in all in-house cooking and baking and cheese machinery He had an ex-employee who worked for the deli many years while he was in college He went to Staten Island and opened a successful restaurant My father had a party there eight months ago put his hand on his shoulder and just said how proud he was of him.” “He said that If he could do it with a high school education from a poor family and not having anything “He got his first pair of shoes when he was 14 ‘I’m not a genius and that’s not why I’m successful I’m an everyday man and I just made it.’ That’s what the community saw in him He goes to the bagel store to talk to them.” Pesce also showed a love for his community “We went from 18th Avenue to 15th Avenue to 11th Avenue,” he said “He loved Brooklyn and had no problem walking the streets greeting people People loved him because he always had a big smile The thing he instilled in me and the next generation is to have passion in what you do He also stressed the importance of giving back “My father was a part of so many social clubs,” Nick said he would always contribute and show up to all the churches in Brooklyn and did something for them It wasn’t about the money or success It was about the everyday people and still being able to go to these social clubs and parties.” He also visited Italy for two months every summer his family was touched by the outpouring of support from customers and neighbors I was amazed that people put him on a pedestal,” Nick said “I’m 39 years old and I thought I knew everything about him but I didn’t I didn’t know all the favors and the conversations he had with people I’m getting all this feedback on social media and it is very touching.” “Someone reached out to us who was taking a voyage with him on the ship in 1966 when they came from Italy and he was throwing up but my dad was comforting him a family friend and president and CEO of New York Building Congress “Paolo is what you would consider the quintessential American immigrant success story He supported  a lot of the local organizations He was really there for anybody in need and I think his loss will be hard to deal with for the community and his staff He lived a couple of blocks from the store so he always walked right to work You could find him walking up and down the aisles making sure everything was going well it was always the Italian connection,” he said that there was an individual who continued the traditions of the foods we eat Everything continued as if we were where our ancestors came from To me that  was always something wonderful.” “I go there because they have all the products from Italy,” he said they have become an incredible part of the Italian community in terms of selling the products that we like then a part of the entire community because they’re a supermarket He made it into a one-stop shop so you could get your fruit and vegetables You can  buy your fish and meats and of course you can get all the fresh Italian staples that you want They even operated at a high level during the COVID-19 pandemic they figured out how to support people and do deliveries and everything they could to keep the neighborhoods fed and they never missed a beat,” said Scissura “I would tell people who don’t live in this part of Brooklyn who complain about empty store shelves They are full stock with fresh meats and produce.” Customers also shared their love for Pesce “His sole reason for living and greatest accomplishment “Sorry for your loss,” wrote Gregory Tartamella I met him plenty of times when i was a baker in labella on Staten Island REST IN LOVE ..DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO LENNY AND NICK “He was a man of community and wanted the best for it here and abroad for his hometown,” Nick said if(window.strchfSettings === undefined) window.strchfSettings = {}; window.strchfSettings.stats = {url: "https://bpm.storychief.io/dyker-heights-mourns-the-death-of-beloved-la-bella-marketplace-owner-paolo-pesce?id=1320548240&type=2",title: "Dyker Heights mourns the death of beloved La Bella Marketplace owner Paolo Pesce",id: "48397ebf-60e8-40da-a865-d67918c18543"}; (function(d sjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) {window.strchf.update(); return;} js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/scripts/v0/strchf.js"; js.async = true; sjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js I’m not complaining: I love the afternoon buzz you now get in the old streets of Monopoli and will always take a visiting friend to Alberobello Ostuni remains unbeatable for shopping and views and there’s a fish restaurant I go to regularly in Polignano a Mare "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"But while these places are absolutely worth a visit they have adapted to meet the needs of the international traveller — take the regeneration of (now extortionate) beach clubs the gradual disappearance of get-what-you’re-given antipasti It has everything that makes the popular hill towns special and more: smart whitewashed alleyways festooned with bougainvillea an imposing Swabian castle that can be climbed for long views of whitewashed towns and plenty of Jewish history — evidence of which you can see in the Porta degli Ebrei (Jewish gate) and large bronze menorah on the western edge of the old town There’s another viewpoint by the cathedral multicoloured dome and crypt with mummified bodies and the archaeological museum gives you a good sense of the place (free; comune.oria.br.it) with trattoria-laden piazzas dotted about and restaurants in hidden courtyards noble palazzo and sociable Piazza XX Settembre where locals gather in the evenings easily overlooked Mola feels like Monopoli did 20 years ago Recent investment has regenerated the wide seafront promenade particularly around the polygonal Angevin castle a striking angular fort that was built in 1279 to help defend the town from pirates Head to Caffé Roma on the main square for affordable "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"aperitivi"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" and "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"stuzzichini"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" (nibbles) Then make your way to the fish market on Lungomare Dalmazia for straight-off-the-boat catches and a very authentic experience Bari"}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"2b02f7f3-aa56-4309-aaa7-61f197e53603","display":"fullwidth","caption":"A scene from the latest James Bond film but did you know the bridge James Bond jumps off is actually in Gravina Make your way to Via Fontana la Stella to cross the famous bridge into town or simply enjoy views of the cathedral and once-inhabited caves You can explore some of the underground networks with an excursion to Gravina Sotterranea (weekend tours from £4; gravinasotterranea.it) with leafy avenues housing smart "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"pasticceria"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" and glossy dress shops and a lovely little garden square full of angular-shaped trees and a couple of bar/cafés Head to Bar Sayonara for a latte macchiato and a custard-stuffed croissant under the branches (facebook.com/p/bar-sayonara) Stay at the affordable B&B Giardino delle Delizie for its period features especially on a warm evening as the Aragonese castle catches the sunset with big exhibitions at the castle gallery (Chagall until October £13; arthemisia.it) and lots of jewellery boutiques and studios lining its streets The dining scene is varied and atmospheric from Michelin-starred Pasha (menus from £110; ristorantepasha.com) to cheap-but-charming Kalime on Corso Domenico Morea where you can sip cocktails for £4 and eat pinsa (like pizza) for £2 Not to be missed is Rampa Villa with its tables cascading down wide often with a live band playing at the top (mains from £8; rampavilla.it) but it’s not by the coast and it’s far less busy What it does have is a well-laid-out Wednesday-morning market that sprawls across town; one of the best historic centres a famous February carnival (the oldest in Europe dating from 1394); some excellent restaurants including Michelin-starred Angelo Sabatelli (mains from £27; angelosabatelliristorante.com) and a varied history involving Benedictine monks who apparently stole most of the church bells but if you want caves head to the underground casts in nearby Castellana Grotte (£16; grottedicastellana.it) and one that remains (wondrously) unspoilt by the masses It has a little bit of everything: deep-blue waters an architecturally beautiful historic centre with noble buildings crafted from local limestone such as the castle built by Frederick II (£6; museipuglia.cultura.gov.it) an arresting Romanesque cathedral dating from the 1100s (cattedraletrani.it) and excellent restaurants serving fresh fish and good moscato which has tasting menus from £85 (quintessenzaristorante.it) to take in the colourful palazzos and yachts at the marina Stay at the boutique Le Stanze di Corteinfiore which has an acclaimed restaurant downstairs and modern Lecce"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Castro about 11 miles south of Otranto towards the bottom of the heel draws lively Italians from the north and in-the-know international visitors during the summer months rocky and fun cousin of the other more popular coastal towns of Puglia such as Monopoli The Salento town cascades down a cliff from an Aragonese castle (housing the archaeological museum £5; museoarcheologicocastro.it) to Porto Vecchio where you can book excursions to nearby caves Its history stretches back to the ancient Greeks Rome’s answer to the Greek goddess Athena (the remains of her temple are still being excavated) In summer the seafront buzzes with activity — make time to stop by the Martinucci Laboratory for pistachio ice cream and a side of its famous pasticciotti (martinuccilaboratory.it) Maglie is positively bouji with its streets in warm Lecce stone — the colour of the Cotswolds — and beautiful baroque architecture setting a well-heeled tone That’s backed up further by the independent and upmarket designer fashion stores The historic centre is small but atmospheric with families idling together on the pleasant Piazza Antonio Tamborino Countless churches (the best is the cathedral whose tower is one of the highest in the province) and a couple of museums make Maglie ripe for a day trip — perhaps combined with a noodle around Castro on the coast August draws lively foodie crowds attending the festival of gastronomy Mercatino del Gusto (mercatinodelgusto.it) Stay at the Don Totu masseria just outside Maglie twin it with Canosa: this interesting town on the edge of the Murgia plateau is an archaeologist’s dream The town is redeveloping the small but shady Villa Comunale park (next to the Cathedral of St Sabinus and the Mausoleum of Bohemond) with its garden of Daunian and Roman relics and the prestigious National Archaeological Museum is five minutes’ walk from there (£4; museipuglia.cultura.gov.it) If you’re planning to see the castle ruins stop off for lunch at Nell’Arco del Tempo; an authentic all-afternoon nine-course meal with wine costs £30pp (booking essential; nellarcodeltempo.com) Note that the area towards the castle feels slightly edgier and less developed than the centre Stay at the Villa Pesce 1820 hotel on the outskirts of town with a smattering of street graffiti and a less polished feel a particular type of sourdough-style bread which you can buy from numerous bakeries dotted about — or learn about at the bread museum (free; museodelpaneforte.it) Then there’s the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption on Piazza Duomo built on an old Saracen site (diocesidialtamura.it) head to Palazzo Baldassarre to gape at the reproduced “popcorny” remains of a calcified Neanderthal skeleton called Altamura Man (£3; uomodialtamura.it) along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners is a big-hitter for holidays — but there are still uncrowded towns and villages that offer a window into slow-paced Italy is a country that never fails to wow Check out our recommendations","slug":"italy","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/europe-travel/italy/italy-hczrcm2mz","__typename":"Article","summary({\"maxCharCount\":105})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I fell in love with Italy on a trip organised by the art tutor of my sixth-form college We travelled in"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I fell in love with Italy on a trip organised by the art tutor of my sixth-form college We travelled in an old VW van"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"I fell in love with Italy on a trip organised by the art tutor of my sixth-form college driving from the 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holiday — a highly strung racing-car designer or a veteran film director in anticipation of Michael Mann’s biopic of Enzo Ferrari authentic Italian lifeCastro is towards the bottom of the heel of ItalyALAMYCharlotte Eggleston-JohnstoneSaturday June 01 2024 The Sunday TimesOver the past 20 years of holidaying in Puglia But while these places are absolutely worth a visit the old Italy is still here — these are the places in Puglia to find it — just don’t tell anyone This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue For all these stays fly to Bari or Brindisi Become a subscriber and Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X is a town famous for its historical shipping and for the beautiful Angievin Castle a sign of the town’s rebuilding wanted by king Charles of Anjou in 1277 The castle goes with the gaze all along the Lungomare Dalmazia recently renovated: a fancy walking area for the tourists coming from the North of the region Mola is also rich of architectonical jewels like the Holy Mother Church (Chiesa Matrice Mary Magdalene Church (Chiesa della Madonna Addolorata 1630) that treasures“Our Lady of Sorrows” statue and the “Madonna di Loreto” Church (Chiesa di Loreto Tourists can also admire civilian buildings like Niccolò van Westerhout Theatre and Roberti Palace (Palazzo Roberti) A nice peculiarity of Mola is the XX September Square embellish with a monumental fountain in the middle.  Heading further South - we recommend to take the alternative road which goes parallel to the main one and leads to the typical Apulian country landscape: olive trees South of Cozze (a little village of Mola district) a very little town dominated by the namesake Abbey almost a prelude to the beauties of Polignano a Mare.  I hope to convey to the readers the same amazement that I have in admiring the wonders of Italy Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter dedicated to the Italian culture Check your email to confirm your subscription and receive special offers Top Attractions Colosseum Santa Maria Maggiore Vatican Museum Uffizi Gallery Pompeii Ruins Milan Cathedral Pantheon Vesuvius Florence Cathedral Sant'Angelo Castle Doge Palace Verona Arena Experiences Positano,Sorrento&Pompeii Tour Chianti Tour& San Gimignano Lake Como from Milan Romantic Sunset Boat Tour in Naples Capri Private Motorboat Tour Private Electric Cart Tour in Rome Abruzzo Basilicata Calabria Campania Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Lazio Liguria Lombardy Marche Molise Piedmont Apulia Sardinia Sicily Tuscany Trentino-Alto Adige Umbria Aosta Valley Veneto Italy like a local Hidden gems How to go to Attractions and Tours Unesco sites Latest news Best Tours and Experiences Art and culture Food and Flavours Best Places to Visit in Italy Places and Tours Exhibitions, events and shows History and Traditions About us Advertise with us Contact us Work with us DISCOVER THE FREE “HIKE” PROGRAMME IN APULIA REGION In the framework of the European project HIKE the EAVF engages to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles.  Together with the international partners of the European project HIKE the EAVF commits to promote healthier lifestyles via hiking That is why we prepared two weekends full of free events open to everyone including walks  led by experienced guides Here are the dates to mark on your calendar: All scheduled events have been designed and organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena in collaboration with the official project partners: Regione Puglia and the Association Brindisi and the Ancient Roads The first HIKE weekend will begin on Thursday at the University of Bari with a workshop on physical preparation the hike from Bari to Mola di Bari (10 km) will start covering one of the most spectacular stretches of the Southern Via Francigena participants can choose between a yoga session next to the Angioino Castle or a guided tour of the castle the route will continue from Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare (16 km) including a cultural visit to the Museum and the Pino Pascali Foundation The first HIKE weekend will conclude on Sunday with the stage from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli (12 km) and a demonstration of sport fishing in Monopoli The second HIKE weekend in Puglia will start on Friday with an 18 km e-bike route from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Ostuni including a cultural visit to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano we will meet at Torre Santa Sabina to walk to Torre Guaceto with a stop at the Marine Turtle Recovery Center we will explore the area of the nature reserve with the stage from Punta del Serrone to Brindisi on the occasion of the European Week of Sport numerous recreational and cultural activities are planned such as muscle warm-up sessions and a kayak trial we will reach the Accademia degli Erranti for a workshop on safety during excursions Share this articleand follow us on social media: 👉🏻 Itinerary 👉🏻 Where to sleep 👉🏻 I ❤️ Francigena 👉🏻 The Via by bicycle 👉🏻 Events Calendar The European Association of the Via Francigena unites municipalities and countries crossed by the Via Francigena We’re always on the lookout for new partners who share our values and who want to help us promote sustainable travel across Europe during the Our Lady of Sorrows Procession from Sacred Hearts – St family and friends gathered for the Procession and Mass in honor of the feast of the Mola Di Bari’s hometown patron saint who is held aloft as a model of stoic strength amidst grief “The image of the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Sorrow is an example to us all of the pain and suffering felt when we loose someone we love in a sudden and violent way,” said John Heyer II “She shows us that it is appropriate to mourn while at the same time never losing our faith an important lesson to remember leading into the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.” As Brooklyn’s first Italian Roman Catholic parish Stephen Church serves as a touchstone for residents who remember the neighborhood’s history as stronghold of Italian culture and life The procession was part of the Congrega Maria S.S Addolorata and welcomed the people of Mola Di Bari to the celebration of “a community of changing identity from its historic days as an Italian stronghold.” This year marked the 65th annual procession and concluded with a fireworks display and Mass celebrated by Rev director of the National Italian Apostolate Conference for the US Bishops The statue of Our Lady or Sorrows was carried from the church at 3pm and brought through the streets upon the shoulders of the faithful Accompanied by men and women devoted to Our Lady the procession traveled throughout the neighborhood stopping for food and drink The procession returned to Sacred Hearts and St For more information please log onto www.mariaaddolorata.com Last Updated on 16th September 2024 by Sophie Nadeau Puglia is the sun soaked heel of Italy’s boot known as the “land of two seas” you’re never too far from crystal clear waters and breathtaking coastlines It is a region of Italy filled with charming historic centres and uniquely littered with traditional Trulli Here’s your guide on how to spend one perfect week in Puglia this part of the country is where Italians have been known to holiday for generations A region steeped in tradition and until fairly recently Puglia remained relatively undiscovered by travellers with a recent surge in popularity thanks to social media and the Italian government’s interest in drawing people to visit and live in the area the heel of Italy is rapidly modernising and opening up to the world (and for good reason!) Retaining the balance between tradition and modernity is important for the people of Puglia and its heritage while an increase in visitors is good for economic reasons those who travel to destinations like this must do so responsibly and respectfully The region of ‘Apulia’ as it is known in English or ‘Puglia’ in Italian and ‘Les Pouilles’ in French is a little more rural than other parts of Italy Puglia is most famous for its unique cuisine (which is very vegetarian focused) olive oil is more than just a Puglian pride the region produces an impressive 40% of Italy’s annual olive production output Home to some 60 million olive trees (including ancient ones) this means that Puglia alone currently has one olive tree per person to Italy’s entire population Puglia has also earned the nickname the “breadbasket of Italy” dry Mediterranean climate; it is one of the best places to produce wheat bread and pasta are staples in the Apulian diet Due to limited public transport and many remote or secluded locations in Puglia the best way to explore the Italian region is by car you’ll need your own means of transport to see every destination mentioned this itinerary is ambitious and in its entirety it is best suited to those who love to do something at every moment of every day We wanted to share every place and the joys of the Puglian region we fell in love with (hence why we were so eager to fit everything in!) However you can still see enough to fall in love with southern Italy Feel free to pick and choose your favourite destinations from the following mentioned Start your adventures in Puglia by exploring the small commune of Acaya one of the few fortified villages left in Apulia This small settlement dates back to the 16th century and is among one of the oldest villages in all of Italy crumbling hamlet home to a mere 400-something residents and evokes a time warp as you wander through what feels like the Middle Ages One of the best things to visit while exploring Acaya is the Castello di Acaya The Renaissance fortress was built between 1535–1536 it houses a fascinating collection of archaeological artefacts Around a 20 to 30-minute drive from Acaya is an unmissable stretch of coastline where you can soak up some of the weird and wonderful rock formations that carve out Salento’s East coast Torre San’Andrea is a picturesque beach which is most popularly visited for its remarkable white rocky towers or as they are geologically referred to as These fascinating cliffs have been shaped by the erosive powers of the Adriatic sea and wind for millions of years beating against the malleable stone and forming natural archways and hidden coves Heading further down Italy’s heel you’ll find the Zinzulusa Caves which extend around 150 meters inward and stretch up to 15 metres high These impressive caves were first officially discovered in 1793 though it’s likely that fishermen would have entered before this time Zinzulusa Caves are best known for their beauty and fascinating stalactites and stalagmites Exploring the deep depths of the caves will bring you across the “Corridor of Wonders” which is as enchanting as it sounds or the “Duomo” where you may even spy some of the bats hanging out The caves are huge, and only part of the excavated portion of them can be explored by the public. You can only visit Grotta Zinzulusa by guided tour, which usually lasts around 30 minutes. Book a boat tour of the caves like this one. End your day in Italy’s easternmost town This Puglian city is best known for its proximity to the strait of Otranto the stretch of water which connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and separates Italy from Albania Otranto is home to two UNESCO-listed sites the old town ‘centro storico’ and the remains of its medieval castle Some of the town’s unassuming ecclesial buildings include the Cathedral of Otranto which is considered to be one of the largest it Italy and a fine piece of Romanesque architecture It houses a 12th-century floor mosaic which depicts the ‘tree of life’.  Spend your first evening in Puglia (and every evening after for that matter) the Italian way ‘La passeggiata’ is a cultural tradition which essentially just means an evening walk The Italian “passeggiare” translates as “to stroll” and its an opportunity for locals to exercise in the Mediterranean fresh air as well as see one another and share the tranquil hours of the evening Spend a few hours shopping for Puglian delights or exploring the port area, before you head out for dinner in Otranto. Then you can choose from sushi joints to rooftop bars, with breathtaking views over the Adriatic sea and beyond. There’s no shortage of incredible nightlife experiences to have in Otranto. Read our guide on the best things to do in Otranto. then you could also consider checking out Grotta della Poesia or as it’s translated into English ‘the Cave of Poetry’ surrounded by limestone cliffs and fed by sea water that tunnels in from the open sea It has been listed as one of the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world by National Geographic. Though, it’s worth noting that this kind of destination is what comes to mind when thinking of the definition of over-tourism. However, if crowds don’t bother you then it’s definitely worth a trip! Read our guide on how to visit Grotta della Poesia here. Spend the morning exploring and embracing the fishing port city Located in the province of Lecce in Apulia It’s stunning old town sits on a tiny island in the centre and is connected to the rest of the settlement and its sprawling suburbs via a series of bridges Visitors to the Gallipoli of Puglia should ensure that they aren’t confused by the name ‘Gallipoli’; the name is also used for a peninsula in Turkey which was the site of a WWI  military campaign Perhaps the most defining architectural feature of Gallipoli is that of its 13th-century fortified castle Though the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages The other striking landmark in old town Gallipoli is the city’s main ecclesiastical building The cathedral of Saint Agatha was constructed between 1629 and 1696 to replace a previous church on site It is built up from local stone in the beautiful and ornate Baroque style Just outside of the old centre is The Greek Fountain an interesting architectural water feature that dates back to the 16th century and is intricately carved with mythical creatures and symbols of Gallipoli As one might expect from a town which was historically constructed on the fishing industry one of the best places to get a true sense of Gallipoli is to head to the fish market in southern Italy it’s not uncommon to eat raw seafood straight from the vendor The “sushi of Italy” has been consumed since the 1500s just be sure not to eat right in front of the market itself The very tip of the heel of Italy’s boot and indeed the most southern point of the country is found in the form of Santa Maria di Leuca which is often abbreviated as just ‘Leuca’ This area comprises the very end of Salento’s peninsula and is most famous for its striking white-washed lighthouse which was constructed in the first half of the 18th century and stands 47 metres tall Another highlight to visit while exploring Leuca is the ecclesial building the Basilica of Santa Maria De finibus terrae (at the ends of the earth) This beautiful 18th-century stone cathedral stands at a place where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea.  The speck of a town that is Specchia boasts as being one of the most attractive towns in the region thanks to its honey-hued buildings Much of the interest in Specchia can be found centred around its main piazza, Piazza del Popolo. Like many towns in Puglia the settlement of Specchia centres itself around a ‘centro storico’ (historic old town) and it’s here where visitors will soon discover the most architecturally interesting and ancient buildings It’s worth noting that although much of the town has been renovated and restored over recent years, there’s an enchanting draw to Specchia that feels as though it could crumble away at any moment, and a chance to visit the town feels that bit more magical. Read our guide on the best things to do in Specchia. Less than a half-hour drive away from Specchia the wonderful town of Presicce which spreads out from one of the most beautiful Baroque churches you’ll ever see and is interspersed with piazzas la panetterie (bakeries) and gelaterias (ice cream shops) The true heart of the town lies underground One of the biggest draws to Presicce is the 23 olive oil mills that are embedded below its historical centre where the ancient presses and millstones are still preserved It’s worth taking a peek to truly understand the workings behind the process for which most of the region’s economy has long been based on In recent years, authorities in Presicce have been offering a sum of money to encourage people to live here, in hopes of breathing new life into a part of Italy which is slowly depopulating. So, if you fall in love with Presicce, you could be in with a chance of having your own Under the Tuscan Sun moment End your day in the honey-hued historical city which is renowned worldwide for its Baroque architecture; as such the city is often referred to as ‘Signora del Barocco’ or ‘Lady of Baroque’ Thanks to the distinctive golden-yellow and malleable Lecce stone Lecce shines warm tones from morning till evening Lecce is also nicknamed “The Florence of the South” unlike some of Italy’s bigger cities where the architecture is much more refined and clean wonky and full of charm- every building wants to be seen this can be seen through the two Roman sites which were uncovered in the 1930s The Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre of Lecce are well-preserved sites which offer a glimpse into the city’s past Another absolute must-see while in Lecce is Museo Faggiano pieces of ceramics and several artefacts that are believed to span over 2,000 years of archaeological history; all of which was accidentally discovered thanks to a leaky pipe when Luciano Faggiano was renovating for his restaurant Other fascinating places to visit in Lecce include the three ancient city gates or as they are known in Italian ‘portas’ the magnificent Lecce Duomo and the underground Jewish Museum which illustrates the history and lives of the Jewish community in the city. Read our guide on the best things to do in Lecce Start your morning by exploring one of the lesser-visited attractions of Puglia yet fabulous and eccentric house museum created by artist Also known as Vincent’s Eremo or Vincent’s Hermitage Alice in Wonderland-like palace is nestled in swathes of olive trees and found in Guagnano Vincent is one of Salento’s colourful characters and a local celebrity His hermitage is an explosion of creativity religious depictions and a strong influence from the hippie culture can be found in the form of mosaics Vincent has created an inspiring playground that can only be summed up as you’ll likely find it wandering away to the next part you’ll find yourself staring at the facade for at least 10 minutes or more Vincent’s world opens up a new and playful perspective and the philosophy of life he holds has been conveyed through his art he emphasises his joy for disco music (so it might be worth bringing headphones if it’s not already playing in the house itself that is!) In a world where art, religion and nature have been fused, Vincent’s Hermitage feels somewhat akin to Antony Guadì’s Parc Güell in Barcelona Read our guide on how to visit Vincent’s house no trip to Puglia would be complete without visiting at least one vineyard Puglia is one of Italy’s oldest and most important wine regions and has a history of winemaking that dates back centuries Vast stretches of sun-kissed vineyards cover Apulia to be precise the Puglia wine region covers 83,000 hectares of land 80% of which is planted with red wine varieties of grape Some of the popular wines from Puglia include Primitivo, Nero di Troia and Negroamaro which are known for their velvet texture and richly intense flavours typically of darker fruits like plums and blackberries where you are taken through a journey of history Cantine San Pancrazio Winery produce all colours of wine San Vito dei Normani is a small Medieval town which you’ll only want to set aside a couple of hours to explore including the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria and the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista there are also a few historic castles to visit For even more insight into Puglia’s renowned olive production you can also visit The Museo dell’Olio where you can learn about the process as well as sample some of the delicious golden liquid for yourself which is known as the ‘White City’ (La Città Bianca in Italian) thanks to the white-painted old town which crowns the very top of the city Rising above a sea of olive groves and the twinkling Adriatic coastline Ostuni was strategically built here to protect the town from invaders in centuries gone by The magnificent Duomo di Ostuni (Cathédrale Santa Maria Assunta) can be found at the highest point of the town Its Romanesque architecture has blended with the Gothic style thanks to renovation works done after a significant earthquake in the 15th century One of the best things to do while exploring Ostuni is to simply get lost in its maze of little lanes and forgotten streets, allowing the town and its crumbling facades to slowly reveal themselves to you, layer by layer. Read our guide on the best things to do in Ostuni Spend your afternoon taking a (probably well-needed) respite from the heat and enjoy soaking in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea Torre Beach Pozzelle is the closest beach to Ostuni and aside from its obvious stunning beauty one of the unique aspects to this beach is that you’re surrounded by the luscious green hillsides that roll down the landscape from the white-washed town a town best known for its growing of grapes and olives This unassuming town is a little quieter than some of the more popular ones it’s for this reason that wandering around as a tourist here can feel as though you’ve accidentally happened upon a hidden gem Highlights of Mesagne include a Norman castle and a maze of streets that form its historic centre or as it’s more beautifully pronounced in Italian I highly recommend reserving a table at Osteria Braceria Tigelleria Antico Forno This cosy ristorante serves delicious traditional cuisine which you can indulge in under the twinkling lights of the stars on their charming terrace Start your day by exploring one of Puglia’s most underrated towns Monopoli is a picturesque fishing town which lies on the southeast of Bari The sleepy seaside town is known for its beautiful coastlines “Monos polis” derives from the Greek to mean unique and singular Some of the best things to do in Monopoli include: exploring the old town and spying out the influences of the various cultures that have left their mark going swimming out by the rocks like a local and people watching in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi Upon visiting the ancient harbour area, you’ll likely notice the 16th-century fortress, Castello Carlo V. This impressive fort was built during the Spanish domination of the town and was constructed to accommodate the Spanish military and their families. Read our guide on the best things to do in Monopoli here One of the most iconic and popular towns in all of the Puglia region can be found clinging to the cliff face Polignano a Mare is most famous for its incredible viewpoints and breathtaking beauty The best time to experience this small resort town is in the late afternoon when you can soak up the final hours of sun at the beach indulge in a late lunch of traditional Apulian cuisine or sip on a refreshing Aperol spritz as you slowly let yourself absorb the definition of “good living” Some other highlights of Polignano a Mare include heading to the contemporary art museum of Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali and watching the world go by on the main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Read our guide on the best things to do in Polignano a Mare. Located just 3 miles from Polignano a Mare is the delightful town San Vito which is centred around a little fishing harbour (known in Italian as the porto antico) The town itself remains somewhat of a hidden gem of the Puglian coastline One of the most popular things to visit is the Abbey of San Vito a former monastery which sits on the waterfront and was built in the 10th century was drowning in the Sele River in Campania she managed to escape from death thanks to St The town is sprinkled with little coves and beaches to explore all of which make for the perfect evening passeggiata as you watch the sun melt into the horizon If there’s one street you should visit when exploring the gateway to Puglia as it’s now more commonly referred to Strada delle Orecchiette or The Pasta Street a tradition which has been going on since the 1950s has become a ritual and way of life for the local women the women had to fend for themselves and make a living to get by what better way than to rely on the humblest of ingredients that the region has been gifting them for centuries Over the years this pasta making community has become an act of solidarity where passion and love is shared between the women who work here A wander down this street offers a glimpse into the coming together of tradition as well as the joy and excitement that can be brought by the simplicity of semolina and water these pasta-makers aren’t legally allowed to sell the pasta as there are no regulations you’ll find that tradition struggles against bureaucracy so much so that they will end up outlasting it selling for personal use is loosely permitted Found on the outskirts of the bustling city of Bari is the quaint coastal village An important historical sight to see is the impressive Castello Angioino which protected the settlement for centuries It stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerable position Puglian towns once had Another landmark and meeting point of the village is the Piazza XX Settembre where a monumental fountain lies at the centre and is dedicated to the local sailors The mother church of Mola is a beautiful 13th-century Romanesque building that can be found in the old quarter The greatest way to experience Mola is to simply wander around soak up the history and enjoy the peaceful pocket of life that exists just outside of the region’s main transport city Another sleepy town on the outskirts of Bari which is worth visiting is Conversano an ancient commune best known for its cherries which translates to “Railway Cherry,” is the variety of cherry that grows here between mid-May to early June The fruit is celebrated annually on the final weekend of May at the Cherry Festival One of the most striking architectural features in the town itself is the beautiful Monastero di San Benedetto You’ll likely only need an hour or two to wander around this settlement End your day by visiting the nearby and fascinating Castellana Caves A complex karst cave system where shards of limestone pierce out the ceiling and piles of stalactite and stalagmite formations form the kind of surreal landscape you only see in cinema Castellana Caves are Italy’s longest natural subterranean network and they comprise several “rooms” The main cave is known as La Grave (as abyss) the others being Black Cavern (Caverna Nera) White Cave (Grotta Bianca) and Precipice Cavern (Caverna del Precipizio) you’ll have to book a guided tour to go around and you’ll explore around 1 km into the depths of the caves Start your day in one of the most popular (and busiest) towns of the region This quintessentially Apulian town is a charming settlement where the traditional trulli dwellings reside by one another in harmony standing as the perfect picturesque scene of life in southern Italy This is a particularly special place to visit if you have specific interests in Apulian architecture which translates as ‘king’ or ‘ruler’ and stands as the only two-story trulli in the town trullo) are traditional Italian dwellings that are typically built from a dry construction method as residents could simply remove their roof when the taxman did his rounds These beloved structures have become synonymous with the region; thanks to their use of prehistoric building techniques they are considered to be so important that UNESCO has designated the buildings in Puglia as part of its World Heritage List Another important historical building with an interesting past is the Casa D’Amore which was built in 1797 and was the first house in the area to include terracotta & mortar in its façade It’s worth emphasising that Alberobello can be extremely busy so if you plan to visit (especially during peak season) I suggest aiming to get here as early as possible The crowds can swell making the experience of the town is somewhat non existent as you have to battle through people to see the main sights Home to a population of around 11,600 residents Cisternino is a tiny Puglia settlement that offers unparalleled views over the Itria Valley visitors need simply to head to Cremeria History Vignola which serves light snacks Cisternino is indeed one of a trifecta of delightful towns in central Puglia; Martina Franca and Cisternino are all a stone’s throw away from one another (all within 10 km of one another) Martina Franca is the largest of the three towns and Pick up a tourist map for free from the tourist office (Piazza XX Settembre n and you’ll soon discover that there are several self-guided routes to follow One of the greatest joys while exploring Martina Franca has to be simply marvelling at the stunning Baroque architecture When it comes to eating in the Puglia town We personally loved our meal at the well-reviewed La Tavernatta The dishes were well-cooked simple and local Italian cuisine such as pasta dishes served with local wine End your day in the white-washed gem Locortondo Sitting perched on a hilltop among swathes of olive groves the picturesque little town of Locorotondo has often been nicknamed the “round place” due to its circular structure Simply wandering around the labyrinth of narrow streets and allowing the town to slowly reveal itself to you is one of the best ways to experience Locorotondo which boasts breathtaking views overlooking the Itria Valleyand where huge stretches of vineyards and olive groves sprawl across the landscape A particular highlight while visiting Locrotondo is seeing Trullo Marziolla which dates back to 1559 and is believed to be the oldest traditional dwelling of its kind End your evening in town by indulging in the local cuisine (and wine!) Apulian cuisine is renowned for its vegetable-focused dishes and simplicity one of the best dishes to sample while in Locrotondo is Eggplant Parmigiana Your final day in Puglia will be spent exploring just the two cities giving you a chance to soak up the region’s beauty at a more leisurely pace for the last time… that is Taranto is known as the ‘city of two seas’ thanks to its location between the Ionian Sea and an inland basin named the Mar Piccolo this destination has quite a tumultuous past having been used at one time as a huge naval port which ended up being striked in November 1940 Taranto remains a bustling hive of activity and is the second-largest city in Puglia Offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history French and the Normans can be found to have left their mark here Right in the heart of the city lies The Cattedrale di San Cataldo a beautiful 11th-century Baroque-style cathedral with  Byzantine influence Another important landmark to visit is the 15th century Aragonese Castle which was built by King Ferdinand of Aragon During the 18th century the fortress was used as a prison If you’re looking for somewhere traditional consider having lunch at Trattoria L’Orologio This beautiful stone-vaulted restaurant serves delicious Apulian cuisine Taranto is particularly famed for its “cozze” (mussels) If you fancy seeing a little more history before leaving the city head to the National Archaeological Museum Roman and Apulian artefacts that illustrate the city’s rich cultural heritage Nearby Taranto is a small town built atop a rock of limestone that is synonymous with ceramics Grottaglie is one of the thirty Italian towns which is allowed to use the official designation as such the city has been nicknamed ‘Citta di Ceramiche’ (City of Ceramics) but Grottaglie takes its name from the fact that the countryside surrounding it is littered with deep ravines opening into the limestone surface and creating beautiful caverns The origin of these caves dates back to the Palaeolithic age though most of what is seen today is when they were inhabited in the Middle Ages One of the best things to do while exploring Grottaglie is to discover ceramics in the ceramics quarter As a destination where this tradition has been ongoing for over 1,000 years there are several family run ceramic shops selling all kinds of treasures and even making pottery before your very eyes There’s also the Museo della Ceramica, which is a museum showcasing the history and importance of this craft. And, if you want to get your hands deep into clay and learn for yourself, you could even consider taking a ceramics workshop. Book a workshop like this one. Other sights in the town include Casa Vestita a beautiful artistic residence and gardens and the Monastero di Santa Chiara which dates back to the 16th century and is adjoined to a church opt to head to Matera (though technically not in the Apulia region) the city is found in Southern Italy located on the border of Basilicata and Puglia Historically Puglia is Italy’s poorest region Matera is one of those destinations where poverty and hardship are a recent memory and it’s important to know this before visiting The ravine city was once dubbed ‘the shame of Italy’ and was a place where less than 70 years ago people were crammed into cave houses Matera is Italy’s ancient archaeological gem It is the third oldest city in the world (after Aleppo and Jericho) and is known for its ancient habitations and as such has been hailed with the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site Read our guide on How to Visit Matera & The Best Things to Do we suggest spending your first four nights based in Lecce and then the remaining three nights in the Itria Valley Here are suggestions of where to stay based on places we have been to ourselves (twice now!): Lecce – Torre Del Parco – Situated just a 10-minute walk from Lecce’s Old Town. There are only a few rooms in the hotel, and it was super relaxing. There are several courtyard areas to relax in, and they offer a delicious breakfast. Check prices and availability here Itria Valley (Locorotondo) – Trulli Pentassuglia – This is a great base for which to explore the Itria Valley plus you get to stay in a traditional trullo We booked the accommodation via the Airbnb website it’s a family run guesthouse where the owners are living on site Enjoyed reading about how to spend one week in Puglia Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. I started this site back in 2015 with one mission in mind: I wanted to create useful travel guides with a historical and cultural focus Today it has blossomed into my full time job and together with a small team of writers (including my husband and sister) we craft articles to help you travel better throughout Europe © 2015- 2025 Sophie Nadeau. Nadeau Pasquier LTD. All Rights Reserved. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy Send help right to the people and causes you care about Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee another popular Hollywood star will soon arrive in another municipality in the Province of Bari : “I am pleased to announce that Mola di Bari has been chosen as the location for the filming of a prestigious American film with the participation of one of the most famous icons of Hollywood We are in continuous contact with the film production to define all the details that in I will share with you all in the next few days” – announced the Mayor of Mola on social media who “It is important to note that the arrival of a production of this caliber could cause temporary inconveniences also due to some changes in traffic I am convinced that the final result will be largely compensated by the visibility and opportunities that this film will bring to our community Mola di Bari continues to be a choice for film productions and we are enthusiastic and proud of it” – concluded the Mayor of Mola di Bari The welcome and awaited guest will be Jean-Claude Van Damme The link to the post published on Facebook