I'm very fond of clay-related goods, therefore I could not miss a visit to Grottaglie that, since the Middle Age, has been known for the production of Italian pottery and especially for its functional ceramics: large jars, pitchers, urns and pots to carry or store water, wine, oil, vinegar and food supplies.
Over the centuries, the ceramics have evolved and ornamental objects, like holy water fonts and Pumi (photo below), have been adding to the fame of Grottaglie pottery.
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| Different Pumi adorning the roof of a craftsman's atelier |
Yes, the Pumi! I was very much intrigued by the rounded ceramic objects that adorned the balconies and the terraces of the houses. I noticed that they were invariably placed in pairs at both ends of every balcony, no matter if the house was old and shabby or newly restored, simply built or richly adorned.
I learned from a craftsman that a pumo was a popular symbol of good luck in Grottaglie and more in general in the region of Puglia. Every family celebration and important event was sanctified by the gift of a ceramic pumo, rigorously handmade. They were on sale in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. I brought home a small one that I placed in my living room as a decorative accent piece ... We all need good luck, don't we?
I was interested in walking in a wood. Before leaving Lisbon and when I was searching every detail about Puglia, I learned that there was a nature reserve not far from my 'headquarter'. So, one day I walked for several hours in it, always guided by a friendly dog that at the end seemed to be more tired than me.
The area was good to walk around, and the various trails were clearly marked, so there was no risk of being lost. For a while, I had the feel I was in Portugal as I saw a strawberry tree, the fruit of which we use to make a sort of brandy. Perhaps I was not on a lucky day... I had no idea where the birds were hidden, probably playing attending a summit meeting... I presume the end of Summer had brought the low season to the Reserve...
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Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the visit and comment!
DeleteBeautiful and interesting collection of pictures... Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteYou're always welcome, Viera!
DeleteVery lovely Mediterranean sites, and your pictures make it even more lovely :)
ReplyDeleteYou, Edoardo, never miss the opportunity to be kind...
DeleteLoved all of it but the pooch won my heart, it is a beautiful looking dog.I especially liked the bright pottery but all of it is beautiful. I would love to be able to walk and visit beautiful places to Belita but can enjoy your fabulous tours. This way I get to see some of it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Huggles.
Yess, Shayna, the dog was really nice and very sweet..... loved that pottery, the colours, the design, all were special ones... I'm glad to know you do enjoy walking with me... Hugs back at you, Shayna!
DeleteAnother fascinating leg of your journey. Such a rich variety of pottery!! Another place I wouldn't mind exploring for myself. I also enjoyed the woodland walk accompanied by the friendly dog. There seemed to be a lot of butterflies around, but my favourite was the little lizard.
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch! I had never expected that region of Italy to be as much interesting as it proved to be, at least, at my eyes. I admit the woodland was a bit disappointing as I had thought I would see a great variety of butterflies. Anyway, it was good to change a little from what I had done on the other days.
DeleteThanks for the visit!
A little bit of everything for everyone in these two regions close to your headquarters... :-) I enjoy seeing 'clay' works and tile too. I'm always impressed with artistic and creative talents. How do you travel between these regions? Do you take a taxi, or bus? Rent a driver and car? Is there public transportation?
ReplyDeleteThe Pumi were interesting, someone created a fad and others followed in suit, and you are right we all need a little extra luck!
Great trip, as always....
Hi Monica! I always try, as much as I can, to be free from scheduled times, so I like renting a car and start the day depending on the time I wake up. Then, I go wherever I want to go. Logically, I didn't look for buses but I believe they were running specially for the local residents.
DeleteThank you for the visit and your always interesting comment....
Two lovely balconies and an exquisite tiled set of roosters with flowers. So many rich colors. Thank you for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteHi Benni! I thank you for the visit and sincerely hope you feel fine, already!
DeleteLots of good pictures here, Isabel. My favourites are the ones with the dogs. One of the lizard pictures is great too, the very green one.
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