The Trabocco Coast

We hired a couple of boats so that we could explore the coast last Sunday with a small group of students. The forecast was a bit dodgy leading up to the weekend, so we were very pleased to arrive at the marina well ahead of any rain.

Particular to this section of the Adriatic, are trabocchi. These complex wooden structures date back to the 1700s and were designed to allow fishermen to catch fish even in rough seas. This was accomplished by suspending a large net from the antennae of the trabocco. The fishermen would lower the antennae to drop the empty net into the water; when the timing was right, they would raise it filled with their catch.

These days, the trabocchi are no longer used for fishing, but have been restored because of their historical importance. Some have even been converted into restaurants.

We ended the tour in San Vito around half past twelve and went for lunch on one of these unique structures. Lasting for hours, it was a proper Italian lunch, with great food and even better company.