モットラのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Situated at the top of a hill to the north west of Taranto and Massafra is the town of Mottola, often referred to as the 'Ionian Spy' due to its geographical position. At 1270ft above sea level it is visible for miles around. Ancient remains were discovered in the area at the turn of the 20th Century, indicating significant Bronze Age settlement on the site of the current town. The altitude of the old town's narrow winding streets means that spectacular views of the Gulf of Taranto appear through gaps in the buildings. The centre of the old town is home to several churches, including the 12th Century Chiesa Matrice, as well as partial remains of 600 BC Greek walls.

Trulli - or trullo when you’re talking about just one dwelling - were initially built to provide temporary field shelters and storehouses. Over time they also became permanent dwellings for agricultural families and labourers of smallholdings. The simple traditional lime whitewash that decorates the trulli’s exterior complements the local geology and pastoral landscapes. To protect against the elements and balance the temperature all year round, the trulli walls are incredibly thick, made up of a double skin filled with rubble. Similarly, the doorways and windows are small. These iconic rural dwellings began appearing as early as the 14th century, and their popularity originated because of a 15th century decree that made urban settlers pay taxes to the crown under feudal rule. If the king’s inspectors came collecting, the villagers could easily demolish these inexpensive buildings into a pile of stones and hide in the forest, and then rebuild them once they’d gone.

functioning AQP fountain, near the Carmine church

functioning AQP fountain, near the Carmine church

From via Giovanni Amendola the road opens onto a beautiful view of the Ionian Sea and the cultivated plain of Palagiano.