On Wednesday, after classes had ended, we traveled to the coast to visit a traditional trabocco. Trabocchi date back to the 1700s. They are complex structures made of pine logs, designed to allow fishermen to catch fish even in rough seas. A large net is suspended 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 then 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 been converted into restaurants.
When we got to the trabocco, the owner spoke to us about the history of the coast and these amazing fishing machines. Afterward we were served fresh bread, lemon infused olive oil, and orange marmalade on waffles.
Below, are photographs of a model of the trabocco we were on.
We had to take turns on the trabocco due to its small size. So while one group was on the structure, the other group enjoyed a walk along the coast, making for great photos.
Many thanks to the photography class for these wonderful photos. Grazie mille!