CHRISTMAS IN LOCOROTONDO

This winter we spent Christmas in Locorotondo in the region of Puglia. Why did we choose this relatively unknown place? Well, we found out that Christmas decorations in this pretty little town are among the most beautiful in Italy. And indeed, Locorotondo appeared to be an authentic Christmas jewel.

We could see Locorotondo from far away, perched upon a hill in the Valle d’Itria. That is why the town is also called ‘the Balcony of the Valle d’Itria’. The elevated position offers a beautiful view of the surroundings and the historic center is only accessible to pedestrians. Locorotondo is part of the ‘land of the Trulli’ and one of the major tourist attractions of the region. It owes its name to the circular street plan, ‘locus rotundus’ in Latin, which means round place.

Another nickname for Locorotondo is ‘la città del vino bianco’, the city of white wine. They really make a very good white wine here, the Locorotondo DOC.

When we arrived, Locorotondo looked like a fairy tale. All streets and alleys of the historic center were filled with lights and creative decorations. Every corner told a unique story, an expression of local imagination and talent. Walking around, we were fascinated by the attention to detail and the variety of installations. The narrow streets with their bright white houses looked like an open-air gallery.

Locorotondo is on the list of the ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’, the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is particularly beautiful because of the narrow, rectangular houses that give the town its own atmosphere, the so-called ‘cummerse’. That was also the reason why we decided to book a B&B in such a ‘cummersa’. And that appeared to be a great experience. It’s true, the stairs in the house were very narrow and steep, but we also had a roof terrace with view of the roofs and churches in the historic center.

Exploring Locorotondo, we were surprised to see so many visitors. Many Italians had come to experience the wonderful Christmas atmosphere in Locorotondo. The narrow streets were full of Italian families, enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and buying ‘vin brule’ and ‘pettole’, a kind of donuts, but also hot chocolate and traditional sweets. A Santa Claus village made the town perfect for families.  

In the meantime, we also visited some tourist attractions: the Mother Church of San Giorgio, the San Rocco and the Romanesque Chiesa della Madonna della Greca. The Clocktower is another interesting building, and the Belvedere in Villa Garibaldi Park offers panoramic views over the Itria Valley that is dotted with iconic ‘trulli’ and abundant olive groves. 

Locorotondo enchants its visitors with a unique blend of history, architecture and authentic Italian lifestyle. The history of Locorotondo traces back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements in the area dating back to the 7^th century BC. Locorotondo flourished as agricultural center in the Middle Ages.  The fertile soil and mild climate made it possible to grow wine and olives.

In the 19^th entury, Locorotondo experienced a period of economic decline, leading to the emigration of locals in search of better opportunities abroad. But in recent years the town has undergone a revival, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty.

Exploring the white streets of Locorotondo is like stepping into a fairy tale. And the wonderful Christmas atmosphere in the maze of alleys and picturesque squares is an experience I will never forget!