The main reason for returning to southern Italy was to visit Toritto, Bari, Puglia, the birthplace of my maternal grandparents Luigi Nicoletti and Marietta Nicoletti. We were welcomed with open arms by the mayor Dionisio Rutunno, Don Nicola Mastandre the pastor of the church, Rocco Mercurio who was the chief of police and is now the town historian and has access to the archives.
My cousin’s cousin, Nicola Bartolomeo, who was born in Toritto, was so wonderful in that he picked us up in Bari and took us to Toritto and back and took us to lunch. More about the amazing lunch later.
Our good friend Letizia Sinisi founder of ItalyRooting and a native of Puglia set up this special visit for us.
It was such a special feeling to walk the streets of my ancestors, visit the piazza and get a tour of the church were they worshipped.
Throughout the church and Toritto there is amazing mosaic art work by Nebi. In fact, his art is in many Italian cities such as Naples and Pisa. You can find his site here.
As far as I know I do not have any close cousins in Toritto, as most of my grandparent’s brothers and sisters came to America in the early 20th Century. But then, as we were walking through the piazza we were introduced to Mauro Nicoletti, 96 years young. I do not have a Mauro in my tree, but I suspect that he may be a relation. Later on we were told that in 1956 he moved into the home vacated by my uncle and his family in 1954.
Rocco is going to help put the pieces together for us.
During the tour of the Olive Oil and Almond collective of 350 farmers, we were presented ambassador certificates from the mayor and Pasquale Mongelli, who also serenaded us with Italian classics. Also thanks to Mario Bartolomeo, President of the Cooperative and our photographer and translator Giuseppe Paccioine
When we first arrived the wonderful people of Toritto took us to Cafe Cube, just a short walk from the town hall. We also went there for lunch, which was out of this world and I had two of my favorites Orcchiette and Chivalata. Now if you are from Toritto and have not had it there, ha! You have now idea how exceptional it was. As you can see my wife’s seafood pasta was also excellent.
When in Toritto you must go. Cafe Cube on Facebook.
For a tour like ours, contact Letizia Sinisi at www.italyrooting.com
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