I’ve loved trabocchi ever since I first arrived here nine years ago. There’s something mysteriously beautiful about these ancient fishing machines that have stood the test of time and stormy waters and decorate our strip of the Adriatic coast.
The trabocco in the Natural Reserve of Punta Aderci.
There are several theories about their origin. The oldest reliable and documented sources date back to the 18th century. Essentially, these structures enabled fishing without going out on a boat in adverse weather conditions. You lower the nets attached to the “antenna” beams sticking out of the trabocco, wait, and then pull them up with the catch.
Watch this video to get an idea of how it works.
The trabocchi were built using Aleppo pine wood, which is very weather- and salt water resistant. I find it fascinating to go close to a trabocco and observe the way the trunks are intertwined, creating a surprisingly stable and durable structure.
Also, there is a difference between the Abruzzo structures and those in Puglia. Here in Abruzzo, the trabocchi were built on water, transversal to the coastline, and you walk across a narrow bridge to reach the structure. The pugliese cousins were built lengthwise on the coastline, leaning on the rocks.
Trabocco Cungarelle in Vasto, about 2km from us. Perfect for a very romantic dinner!
Driving on our Trabocchi Coast is a lovely panoramic experience. Alternatively, you can rent an e-bike and take a relaxing ride on the new “Via Verde” cycle bath that runs along the coastline.
Many of the remaining trabocchi have been converted into restaurants, and dining in them has become popular in the last few years.
Let me know well in advance of your visit if you’d like to have this experience, and I’ll be glad to make reservations for you!
A view across the Trabocchi Coast from San Giovanni in Venere, Fossacesia.
Questions, comments? Drop me a line at anita@palazzoflorio.com
Greetings from the Trabocchi Coast,
Anita
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