Apulia. A Film Tourism Guide

Some of you may remember that last winter I was very busy working on the translation of a film tourism guide to the Apulia region. The book was just released in April and is available for those of you who love both films and travelling. Film tourism combines the two, offering itineraries that take you to the sites where films have been shot or where famous actors and/or directors have found their inspiration.

Here's an excerpt from the inside front cover:


"They are called 'locations,' but in Apulia they are simply life. Not only the most crystal-clear, spectacular sea you have ever seen, extending for 800 kilometres of coastline. Also the dazzling expanses of wheat seen in I'm Not Scared, the centuries-old olive trees and the ravines that 'wound' the land. The deserted villages of the Subapennine area and the candid towns eternally captured 'nel blu dipinto di blu' by Domenico Modugno. The trullos that captivate the English and now seduce Bollywood. The 'western' Murgia and the beaches of past invaders and present immigrants, the place were Lamerica begins. The indolent holiday resorts and the sensual nights that move to the rhythm of the taranta. The castles of Federico II and the Romanesque cathedrals. The mountain of the Angel and the cult of Padre Pio. The Ilva smokestacks and the outskirts of the cities. Bari, the hometown of the enamoured Meryl Streep of Madison County and of the resurrected Petruzzelli where Liz Taylor captivated the young Toscanini. The Felliniesque bands dear to Nino Rota. Castellaneta represents the legend of Rudolph Valentino. In the heart of Baroque Lecce, the nakedness of history and the strength of the light 'in the south of the south of the saints' of Carmelo Bene. Ten itineraries to discover Apulia, a variable scenery for hundreds of sets, from Pasolini, Totò, the Taviani brothers, Monicelli and Wertmuller, to Placido, Amelio, Salvatores, Rubini and Moretti. Visions and symbols, famous masters and young talents, characters and places in search of a region where films come to life."



If you are interested in the book, take a look at this link and remember "acquista" means "buy" in Italian! ;-)

Mystery Revealed

It's a trullo! A trullo is a traditional stone dwelling with a conical roof. This style of construction is found only in the region of Puglia (called Apulia in English), primarily in the Itria Valley area, particularly the town of Alberobello. Trulli were generally built as homes or storehouses. Traditionally, they were built without any cement or mortar. They are found in the countryside throughout Puglia. The one in this photo is is an abandoned specimen located in a field next to my house.

Compliments to Homebody at Heart who correctly guessed that this was a view from the inside of the trullo looking up through the roof. Great guess!!! And thanks to everyone who sent in their ideas!

For photos of some great looking trulli check out this link.