Locorotondo,la
Città Rotonda.
When you drive from Martina Franca
or up from the coast near Fasano, Locorotondo appears on the
top of a round hill, as a large cluster of white houses dominated
by a tall church.
The
name of the town means "round place", and the circular
plan of the old town centre, the Centro Storico, is still
evident today.
Inside
the walls surrounding the centro storico, and breached only
in a few places,is a fascinating and beautiful warren of narrow
streets and alleyways, whitewashed houses, arches, and balconies
full of colourful flowers. The main individual sights of the
town are the impressive Mother Church of St George, built
around 1800, and the late Gothic church of San Marco della
Greca.
Locorotondo
probably started as a Greek colony town, but concrete facts
about its history date from 1431, when the "Terra Loci
Rotondi" belonged to a principality of Taranto. In 1645
it transferred to more local rule under the dukedom of Martina
Francesco Caracciolo.
Today
the town still enjoys fine views over the Itria Valley and
its trulli. It is best known for its wines, the white wine
of Locorotondo.
Recommended
links -
Locorotondo
an excellent site including a detailed tour of the town in
English.
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