A Journey from the Adriatic to the Heart of Puglia

The moment I set foot in Trani, I was enveloped by the salty breeze of the Adriatic Sea, a familiar scent that instantly transported me back to my days in the Amazon, where the air was thick with the aroma of the rainforest. This time, however, I was in Puglia, embarking on a three-day trek that promised to reveal the region’s imperial landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. The journey began at the medieval port of Trani, where the Swabian castle and the iconic Cathedral on the sea stood as sentinels of history. As I walked along the seafront, the vibrant colors of the bee-eaters caught my eye. These slender birds, with their kaleidoscope of hues, reminded me of the diverse avian life I had studied in the Amazon. Their presence here, nesting along the rocky cliffs, was a testament to the interconnectedness of nature across continents.

The path led me to a shady pine forest, where the air was filled with the scent of wild orchids. These deceptive plants, with their intricate shapes and colors, were a delight to behold. As I continued my trek, I couldn’t help but reflect on the delicate balance of ecosystems, both here in Puglia and in the Amazon. The day’s journey ended at Torre Olivieri, a lookout tower that offered a panoramic view of the coast, a perfect spot to contemplate the day’s discoveries.

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Murgia

The second day of the trek took me deeper into the heart of Puglia, along the roads of transhumance. This ancient path, once traversed by shepherds and their flocks, was a journey through time. The Dolmen Della Chianca, a prehistoric megalithic tomb, stood as a silent witness to the region’s rich history. As I explored the karst caves, I was reminded of the caves in the Amazon, where ancient peoples once sought refuge. The discovery of a Neanderthal femur here in 1955 added a layer of intrigue to the landscape, a reminder of the deep history that lies beneath our feet.

The afternoon brought me to the Zona Pantano-Ripalta, where the sea caves whispered stories of the Neolithic period. The dry stone walls and straw huts of the Apulian rural landscape were reminiscent of the traditional structures I had encountered in the Amazonian villages. As I walked along the pebble beach, the spontaneous orchids in the meadow were a vibrant reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty. The day’s trek ended at the coves, where the erosive furrows of the landscape met the sea, a perfect confluence of land and water.

Embracing the Spirit of Castel del Monte

The final day of the trek was a journey through the Alta Murgia National Park, a landscape of clay hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The farms and ancient cisterns along the cattle tracks were a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage. At the Masseria Sei Carri, I had the opportunity to learn about organic farming and the art of cheese-making, a hands-on experience that connected me to the land in a profound way. The process of turning barley, wheat, and oats into bread and pasta was a reminder of the sustainable practices that are essential for preserving our planet’s resources.

The trek culminated at Castel del Monte, an octagonal stone fortress that stood majestically on a hill. Commissioned by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, it was a symbol of power and control. As I stood in its shadow, I was reminded of the castles in the Amazon, where nature reigns supreme. The vast panorama from the hilltop was a fitting end to the journey, a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit. This trek through Puglia was not just a journey through landscapes, but a journey through time, culture, and the interconnectedness of nature.