Apulia is a region rich in treasures and beauty: Locorotondo is definitely among them! This small town in the metropolitan city of Bari is one of the most beautiful villages in the region! Located in the Valle d'Itria, Locorotondo is a small village with narrow streets that will allow you to lose yourself in the many corners full of artisans' workshops and small taverns where you can taste some of the best Apulian specialities.
What to do and visit in Locorotondo
Locorotondo takes its name from the shape of its historic centre, which is developed in a perfect circular form, hence the name of the village, from the Latin Locus Rotundus, meaning 'Round Place'.
Just like some of the most renowned Apulian villages, such as Ostuni, Cisternino, Castro and Otranto, the predominant colour of the houses and buildings in Locorotondo is white, a colour that makes everything ethereal and pure and to which the many colourful flowers on display outside the alleys and on the balconies of the houses contrast. The locals take good care of their homes, which often become a real attraction for tourists who enjoy taking pictures among the colourful and flowery alleys of Locorotondo.
One of the major attractions of the old town centre is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, one of the most important in the city; it is in fact a 19th century square, surrounded by wonderful buildings and in the centre of it we find the Monumento ai Caduti (War Memorial), from which one can admire a splendid view of the entire village.
Also in the heart of the historical centre is one of the town's most important religious buildings: the Mother Church of San Giorgio, built between 1790 and 1825 on the remains of two ancient churches. The façade is characterised by its Renaissance style, faithful to the rules of perspective, and inside we find a mix of different artistic styles: the Baroque and the Renaissance style that echoes that of the façade. The dome of the Church of San Giorgio, more than 30 m high, and the bell tower dominate the entire town and are visible even from afar, testifying to the importance that religion had and still has in this small Apulian town.
However, one of Locorotondo's most beautiful treasures is the Church of San Nicola: but what makes this building so special?
Just a stone's throw from the Mother Church, this small church houses an entirely frescoed ceiling depicting the life and miracles performed by St Nicholas of Myra: it is an artistic work of immense value that is well worth a visit to nourish one's eyes and mind with a bit of pure art!
Other places of worship not to be missed in Locorotondo include Chiesa Madonna della Greca and Chiesa Rettoria Sant'Elia propeta.
Taste traditional dishes in the heart of Apulia
After strolling through the streets of the village of Locorotondo in search of artistic and historical treasures, a relaxing break in one of the many restaurants you may encounter along the way is recommended. Here it will be possible to taste and enjoy some good Apulian cuisine, which will be the icing on the cake for being able to say that you have done everything you could possibly do in Apulia: orecchiette alle cime di rapa (orecchiette pasta with turnip tops), barbecued meat and roast bombette (bombette pasta) are just some of the dishes that will begin a real journey of discovery of the flavours of Apulia, all accompanied by an excellent local wine, prepared and bottled by the skilful hands of Apulian farmers who dedicate body and soul each year to harvesting their fields.
