Click here to join out Facebook group Ancient ruins just down the street Halfway through our trip found us in Bari. We took the train from Taranto, about 90 minutes and very reasonable at about 9 Euros per person. The train was spotless inside and out and very comfortable. We could have walked from the train to our B & B, but it’s good that we did not as we would have gotten lost in the old city. Even with the taxi dropping us off it took some time to find our place. It is a real twisty old town filled with alleys. Eventually, we would take the sea walk to get back to the B & B, but by the third day we were able to find our way around! We had a nice little store across the street, however the locals were pretty loud at night Our street in the Old City Once we got the lay of the land, Bari was much more enjoyable than we expected. It was only a short walk to an array of fine restaurants and to via Sparano, which I liken to 5th Ave in NYC, but even better as it is pedestrians only for about a mile. There is also an other pedestrian street adjacent to via Sparano. Via Sparano is full of high end shops, gelato and pastries. You won’t go hungry in Bari that is for certain. By the way, I went to grammar school with my good friend Antonia Sparano. Via Sparano Via Sparano Of course, like most Italian cities and towns there is an old fort. The Fort of Sant’Antonio or the Swabian Fort was only about a 15 minute walk from us. It’s a self tour with an interesting  state of the art presentation that displays the history of Bari. There was also a free archeology museum just minutes away. We did go into the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, but ran out of time to visit that museum. Bari is a great jumping off point to many many great places. My maternal grandparents were born in Toritto about 30 minutes by car and train. That will be my next post. We also went to Matera a really must see place if you are in Puglia or Basilicata. Short Video https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0912.mov Of course all  the food in Bari was excellent, however, if you find yourself there, be sure to check out L’Osteria del Borgo Antico Piazza Mercantile 15. borgoantico.bari@gmail.com. Be sure to make a reservation, we missed out on a second meal because we did not. Images from the Fort Bari Street Views For the experience of a lifetime ItalyRooting Buying a home. Contact Sabrina Franco Bari at night Saint Nick’s https://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0912.movhttps://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1138.movhttps://www.italiangenealogy.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_0930.mov Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com​

Click here to join out Facebook group Nico Piromallo, Matt Sorrentino, Bob Sorrentino, Roberto Piromallo, Francesco Piromallo Cousin Francesco’s shop in the piazza You may be asking yourself where is Taranto? It’s a port city and home to a large Italian navy base located in the instep of the boot. So why go there may be your next question. The reason for me was that my great uncle Enrico Piromallo, who was an admiral in the Italian navy moved there and hence his family is there. My father’s first cousin Roberto and his family now reside there. There are several historical sites in Taranto one being MAARTA the archeological museum in the heart of the city. The museum has artifacts dating back to 6000 BC with many interesting exhibits. Another interesting site to see is the Castello Aragonese or Castel San Angelo located on the channel between the old and new city. It is run by the Italian Navy and there are hourly tours and no entrance fee. However, the tours are in Italian so I only picked up like every fifth word! The Castle was built by Ferdinand I of Naples in 1492. Previously there was a Norman castle and a Byzantine fortress. Taranto was founded by the Spartans in the 8th Century BC. There is a Spartan museum which was supposed to be open, but we could not find the entrance. We stayed on the east end of the old city and it was about a one mile walk to the train station, even with luggage it was not a bad walk but walk along the sea not through the town. We found several good restaurants close by. Fabula was a really cool place where they serve your pasta in a mozzarella bowl. We also saw one in Bari. Biaggio may not look like much from the outside, but they have awesome seafood dishes, and I don’t like fish! We ate breakfast and some main meals at Barone just across the bridge from us. Very good pizza and sides. And of course Aperol Spritz. Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com​ All and all Taranto is a great walking town with a long pedestrian Main Street with a lot of stores. There is also a very long Lungomare with plenty of benches and a nice cafe.

Click here to join out Facebook group On our 2023 rooting trip we made a quick stop to visit our friends Sabrina and Antonio in Roseto Capo Spulico. Sabrina runs a beautiful B & B less than 1/4 mile from the sea. Along the shore there is a magnificent walk with several restaurants. A great place to unwind and relax for a couple of days.  There is also a 1000 year old castle/watchtower in walking distance. Antonio and Sabrina took us to a great restaurant in the old town on the hill that had spectacular views and old world charm. The food was very good and we dine al fresco in a garden type setting.  Antonio gave us a tour and the history of the old town. It was fascinating to hear how the people lived 6, 8 or 10 to a room and used a small common square for marriages, funerals and festivals. We also discovered “Lovers Walk” the most narrow street in the world where the young lovers would meet away from the crowd. Now old lovers can meet.  To book a stay at Open B & B click here. Catch my interview with Sabrina on buying a home in Italy and be sure to mention Italian Roots and Genealogy. Obiettivocasa can fulfill all your needs whether you plan to purchase for your use or rent to guests. Sabrina offers an array of services from purchase to renovation to property management throughout Italy. Italian Roots and Genealogy is sponsored by “Your Dolce Vita” and Dawn Mattera connecting people to their purpose in life and continuing their legacy. Contact Dawn at www.yourdolcevita.com​ On the way to Calabria we made a quick stop in Pagani the birthplace of my paternal grandfather Ubaldo Sorrentino.

Discover how a family’s quest to learn about their Italian heritage turned into a riveting multi-generational journey of exploration and discovery. Our special guest, Kimberley McLaughlin, spins a captivating tale about her husband’s family lineage, which dates back to the early 20th century. As she peels back the layers of their history, we learn about Mr Salvatore Vincenzo Nicolai, a tenacious 17-year-old Italian immigrant who left his hometown in Montefiascone, Italy, in 1912. Join us as we follow his path, from his early days as a rigger to his later years as a boiler operator, and how his work ethic and dedication shaped the lives of his family generations later. Kimberley also takes us through the crucial role of the Italian Heritage Center in Portland, Maine, in their pursuit of knowledge. It was here that the journey truly began, with Kimberley’s husband’s aunt Sylvia taking the bold step to delve into their ancestry. As we traverse through their family story, we’re moved by tales of resilience and determination, the loss of young parents, and the strength of orphans growing up in Maine. This is not just a story about tracing one’s roots, but also about community, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit in face of adversities. Buckle up for an emotional roller-coaster ride through a family’s past, and how it has shaped their present. Be sure to check out Kimberly’s Podcast Chasing Hazel’s Tales Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

I’m very excited to publish the first edition of the Italian Roots Newsletter. Every month we will have great stories, videos, book reviews and more. Please subscribe so you don’t miss an edition. I will also be looking for Christmas stories for December, so stay tuned. And don’t forget our YouTube Channel.