Our Trullo Home in Ostuni, Puglia
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
Our base of operation in exploring Puglia, Italy.
Trulli homes are built with dry-stone masonry, meaning there is no mortar (or other material) to hold the stones together. They are expertly crafted beehive-style structures that have been in Puglia since around the 8th century when
Greeks, who colonized this area of Italy arrived.
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
One of the treats was having breakfast on the large, stone, beautiful patio surrounded by olive groves. We enjoyed many fresh local fruits and Italian pastries each morning.
The interior of the beautiful historic Trullo home included large common family rooms, with each of us having a private bedroom with bath.
About Puglia, Italy
Breakfast on our Trullo Patio in Ostuni, Puglia
About Puglia, Italy
Puglia has the longest coastline in Mainland Italy. There's the Adriatic sea, the Ionian Sea, gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto on all the sides. located in the southern region of Italy, it's known for its stunning coastline, cute little towns and villages, quaint countryside vibe, and oh so very Italian way-of-life.
Puglia is also known for its olive oil and wine making production, Puglia is one of the fastest growing tourism in Italy. It's most visited destinations include:
- Alberobello an ancient town known for its concentrated cluster of Trulli-style buildings. _ Ostuni is the hippest town in central Puglia. While most of the little towns in the area have charming historic centers composed of a maze of tiny streets, Ostuni is the one favored by the cool crowd.
- and Otranto, a tiny seaside town on the Adriatic Sea, is Southern Puglia’s most notable destination for seaside relaxing, dining, and beach-side clubs.
Manduria, Puglia, Italy
Canna, Province of Cosenza, Calabria Italy
Checking out Manduria, Italy
Manduria, Italy is the ancestral home of my maternal grandparents, Giuseppe and Maria D'bramo.
Manduria has more than 2,000 years of history. It was an important stronghold against attacks by the Spartans from Greece, and the King of Sparta died here in battle in 338 B.C.
Manduria also has a long tradition of winemaking, which goes back to ancient times. Its most famous wine is Primitivo di Manduria, a red wine made from Primitivo grapes.
Checking out Manduria, Italy
Canna, Province of Cosenza, Calabria Italy
Checking out Manduria, Italy
Cindy, Todd and Ophelia at the base of the
The war memorial of Manduria to honor the fallen hero's of Italy's wars. While Manduria is one of the oldest towns in Southern Italy, and is
a fascinating old city with a long and ancient history with megalithic walls, an archeological park, and old churches, and a great place to visit ---- it was too large to be able to track down our ancestral history in the limited time we stayed there.
Canna, Province of Cosenza, Calabria Italy
Canna, Province of Cosenza, Calabria Italy
Canna, Province of Cosenza, Calabria Italy
Canna, Italy is the ancestral home of my paternal, grandparents, Pasquale and Philomena Dalotto.
Of medieval origin, Canna is surrounded by centuries-old olive trees and the Commaroso forest. It has a typically 17th-century urban structure, with Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Presently its economy is mainly based on agriculture.
This is without doubt the highlight of our ancestral journey where we met very friendly people who went out of their way to connect us with our family heritage
A family in Canna who welcomed Todd and I into their home.
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
While the girls remained in the local park before dinner, Todd and I visited a local bar for happy hour and Todd, with his cellphone was able to successfully translate English/Italian with some of the local men. They went out of their way to try and connect us with people of the namesake Dalotto and landmarks. One of the men we met took us to the home of a D'alotto family (though unable to verify connection to my ancestors) who invited us into their home to have an espresso to try and help us.
The same man who to took us to this family invited us to breakfast the next morning and to introduce us to the local Police Chief to try and trace down our heritage.
This does not happen in the USA!!!
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
Two men who knew our family told us three Dalotto's sent a total of $5 (USD or Lira?) from the US to help build the church in 1929. It includes my father.
This document posted on the wall of the church on the top of the hill in Canna lists my father Frank Dalotto, in 1929 at the age of 23, as a donor.
His name appears in the 2nd column, 2nd row.
Ancestor listed on WWI Memorial in Canna
Discovered that my Father was a donor to building a new church in Canna
Ancestor listed on WWI Memorial in Canna
Giuseppe D’Alotto died fighting with the Allies in the Italian Front in WWI.
His name is listed 11th down from the top