WELCOME HOME!
Since i won’t be always around, in order to make your stay as pleasant as possibile, i leave you therefore some important information
WIFI
Name: Wifi Trullo or Wifi Piscina Pw: trullomerlino
IMPORTANT and EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Maria Giulia +393341383569
Stefano (for technical/electrical issues) +39 330804750
Ivana +39 3381027903
Police 113
Ambulance 118
Firemen: 115
Ambulance Cisternino: Via XXIV Maggio 2 - 080 4448571 Police Cisternino: Piazza Aldo Moro 66 - 080 444 8014 Closer Emergency room in Cisternino: Via Regina Margherita 1 - 080 4448116
THINGS TO KNOW
There is a storage closet near the Trullo Merlino Apartment, that is accessible for everyone. There you can find stuff for cleaning, washing machine, iron, vacuum cleaner…The food, water, soaps and creams you find inside are NOT for the guests.
The garden is rich in fruits such as Pears, Figs, Prunes, Apples, Cherries, Apricots, Almonds (depending on the season) and also in spice plants such as sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, mint, bay trees, marjoram, lavender.. Enjoy them!
Our land is completely free from pesticides
Near the swimming pool, there is a net to clean the pool from insects, leaves or anything that can goes inside it during your stay
Puglia is a dry land, so please do not throw cigarettes on the ground… if you don’t want to assist to a big fire!
Please do not smoke on the swimming pool pillows
There is a barbecue in front of the house that can be used by everyone
Sometimes in the early morning or late afternoon, the gardener or who takes care of the maintenance of the swimming pool can come to water plants or check the pool.
For minors it is particularly not allowed to climb the stairway to the upper apartment or use the pool without wearing armrests or lifebuoys or other supports.
Pay attention where you do park your car because in Cisternino you can easily get tickets!
Inspectors are everywhere and at any time!(even at night) The machines to buy car tickets are on the sidewalks
The closer store is called Ladies café and it’s just 1 km’s far from home, in contrada Grieco. There you can find basic products (milk, water, pasta, oil, creams, cigarettes, biscuits…) and a gas station.
It is a bit expensive and owners are not vert nice but, in emergency, is perfect and it’s opened everyday from 6 am to 8-9 pm.
WATER: A PRECIOUS GIFT
Puglia is a dry land due to hot temperatures. The water should be used with consideration.
Please do not waste it!
The house water is not connected directly with the aqueduct but it is refilled in big tanks.
Linked to this, there are two important things to know: 1) The water can serenely be used for showers, cooking and cleaning veggies, but it is better not to drink it 2) The water can finish! In that case, do not panic!
Just call us and, as soon as we can, we will provide you other water
THINGS AND PLACES YOU SHOULD TRY and GO DURING YOUR HOLIDAY
Fist of all you should know that Monday is the day of Cisternino local market, where you can find everything: food, clothes, shoes, house stuff, presents for friends… It is the best place to experience the traditional atmosphere of Southern Italy. Timetable of the market: early in the morning, until 13 p.m.
As i guess you already know, Italy is well-known for its food culture! If you follow my advice… you will understand why!
FOOD: TO BUY AND EAT AT HOME
We are all accustomed to buy products and food at supermarkets, they are usually closer and faster, but here you are in holidays and, presumably and hopefully, not in rush! I really advice you to buy stuff in local shops: it’s better quality, cheaper and the products are made with raw local materials. I leave you then a list of the best places to buy food in Cisternino:
MILK PRODUCTS (such as Mozzarella, Scamorza, Cacio Cavallo, Ricotta, Burrata, Stracciatella...)
C.A.V.I The are two stores: the main and bigger one, just outside of Cisternino, is located in Gravina di Castro 14 And the other one, in the city center: Via G. Papini 39
Caseificio la Valle - Via Domenico Cirillo (Cisternino)
MEAT: Longo Oronzo - Via Regina Margherita 83
BREAD PRODUCTS (such as Focaccia, Bread, Tarallucci…)
Al Vecchio Forno - Piazza Mazzini 12 - Try the focaccia with tomatoes and the one with onions and olives!
Briciole di Tradizione - Via Francesco Clarizia 1
FRESH FISH
Pescheria la Scogliera - Corso Umberto I, 116 or Pescheria Valle D Itria - Via Dante 66
VEGETABLES AND FRESH EGGS
Cirasulo is a farming organic cooperative where you can find any type of vegetables and fresh eggs. It is located in Via Ceglie 1
If you are interested, there are very close friends of us who have a synergic bio vegetable garden, close to Cisternino (on the way to Martina Franca). I leave you the number of the representative: Paola +39 3342674592
BIO PRODUCTS (vegetarian/vegan/gluten free products)
La Bottega dello Sfuso - Via Regina Margherita 97
There are anyway supermarkets spread all over Cisternino:
Despar - Via Fasano 85 OPEN: 08–13:30 16:30–20:30
Di meglio - Via Eroi del Mare P. Zaccaria
EATING OUTSIDE
BREAKFAST IN CISTERNINO
Best place to buy typical local almond sweets and to have tasty croissants or Pasticciotto
Bar Palazzo - Corso Umberto I, 103 Only closing day: Tuesday (In July and August is opened every day)- FREE WIFI
Cremeria History Vignola - Via San Quirico 28 Only closing day: Wednesday. Free WIFI. It's a Nice and cosy bar-bakery with a beautiful view on the valley
Bar Fod - Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 2 (located in the main Cisternino square; very good ice-cream)
Almond, a nice bar located in the countryside just outside Cisternino in Costrada Tanzarella 37,A, is another perfect place to have breakfast or a snack. You can find super good almond sweets, croissants, cakes, ice creams, but also go for an Aperitivo! Do not go away without having tried heir homemade almond milk.. you won't regret it!
If you are coffee lovers, don’t forget to try Caffè Leccese! You can find it in every bar and it is made with ice and local almond milk.
LUNCH
If you plan to go to the seaside, don’t forget to stop and try the amazing sandwiches or the tasty black rice (with salmon and avocado or with fresh cherry tomatoes and cheese) you can find in Caseificio Crovace - Via Diaz Armando 8 Speziale(BR)
And on the way back from the seaside… you must stop at Tony Bar - Via Petrarca, 59, Speziale (BR), to enjoy the best Panzerotto! In the evening is better to book at 080 481 0099
APERITIFS
Definitely, the best place to have an Aperitivo is 110 Cavalli Mozzarella Bar - Via San Quirico 24 (Cisternino)
There you can enjoy the best alcoholics / non alcoholics fresh fruit cocktails in the whole village! Gianni, the owner, is the only one who makes them.. so don’t stress out if he’s going to be a bit slow! You won’t regret it!
You can ask him to bring you something to eat with the drinks and he will prepare for you super tasty caprese, focaccia or frisellas (local type of bruschettas)
DINNER
Fornelli Pronti are local restaurants spread all around Cisternino village, where you can select meat from a big counter and chefs will cook it at the moment in the embers and, on request, with salads or potatoes. The main dish are Bombette: a kind of meatballs made with a local type of cold cut (air-cured pork meat) and melted cheese (or with other fillings). Bombette are one of the most famous speciality from this area and indeed you can find them only in Cisternino. They are delicious!
Zampina sausages are very yummy too! Fornelli Pronti are opened only for dinner.
The best Fornello Pronto is
Braceria Lo Sfizietto Via Bari 1, Contrada Sisto (on the way to Locorotondo). In weekends is better to book: +39 334 158 9036
And the best ones in Cisternino city center are
Da Zio Pietro - Via Duca D’Aosta 3 Telephone: 080 444 8300
Rosticceria l’Antico Borgo - Via Tarantini 9 Telephone: 0804446400 (close on Sunday)
For fish lovers there is a really nice, cosy and not expensive restaurant on the beach, go and have a look at
Albachiara at Strada Provinciale Torre Canne, Savelletri, Fasano (BR) - 339 536 5659
If you want to give your self a special luxury dinner, Osteria bell’Italia is the right restaurant to go! Via Duca D'Aosta, 29 (Cisternino) - 080 444 9036
Another very good typical and rustic restaurant is Da Tonia - Corso Umberto I, 13 Cisternino) - 080 444 8301
Here you can enjoy the best Puré di Fave!
Vegetarians and vegans.. don't worry!
It is possibile to find yummy alternatives, such as the really good and tasty Puré di fave con Cicorie - broad bean purée with chicory or peppers - or the Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa
There is a nice vegan restaurant named Micro - Via Santa Lucia, 53 (Cisternino)
PIZZERIAS
If you want to taste a very good Pizza, go at Pizzeria Casa Pinto that is located in Locorotondo, Via Aprile 23. The location is very beautiful (there is also the rooftop)In the weekend is better to book at +393462749859
or at Pizzeria Da Zio Giacomo, located in the main road between Cisternino and Martina Franca. The best one!
In Cisternino: At Da Tonia you can also enjoy a very good pizza! (for infos see above)
SEASIDE
Astonishing places are spread all over this area: such as the marine protected area of Torre Guaceto, Monticelli or Torre Pozzella, for wild lovers.
Lido Morelli, Lido Kypos, Lido Bosco Verde for families
The sea side can be easily reached in 15 minutes - Adriatic sea - or 50 minutes - Ionian sea -
SUBURBS/CITIES
There are many beautiful close suburbs to visit such as Cisternino, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ceglie Messapica and Oria ... If you have time for a day trip, do not miss the beauty of Lecce and Otranto!
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Zoo safari Fasanolandia Via dello ZooSafari (Fasano) - 080 441 4455 It is the first fauna park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe for the number of different species
Grotte di Castellana Piazzale Anelli, (Castellana Grotte) - 080 499 8221.
It is one the most important cave complexes in Italy and Europe
DON’T FORGET TO WALK AROUND THE HOUSE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE!
This way you can really enjoy the beauty, the Mediterranean perfumes and the landscapes!
For any question or doubt, do not hesitate to write me on my email: mariagiulia.mapelli@gmail.com
Since i won’t be always around, in order to make your stay as pleasant as possibile, i leave you therefore some important information
WIFI
Name: Wifi Trullo or Wifi Piscina Pw: trullomerlino
IMPORTANT and EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Maria Giulia +393341383569
Stefano (for technical/electrical issues) +39 330804750
Ivana +39 3381027903
Police 113
Ambulance 118
Firemen: 115
Ambulance Cisternino: Via XXIV Maggio 2 - 080 4448571 Police Cisternino: Piazza Aldo Moro 66 - 080 444 8014 Closer Emergency room in Cisternino: Via Regina Margherita 1 - 080 4448116
THINGS TO KNOW
There is a storage closet near the Trullo Merlino Apartment, that is accessible for everyone. There you can find stuff for cleaning, washing machine, iron, vacuum cleaner…The food, water, soaps and creams you find inside are NOT for the guests.
The garden is rich in fruits such as Pears, Figs, Prunes, Apples, Cherries, Apricots, Almonds (depending on the season) and also in spice plants such as sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, mint, bay trees, marjoram, lavender.. Enjoy them!
Our land is completely free from pesticides
Near the swimming pool, there is a net to clean the pool from insects, leaves or anything that can goes inside it during your stay
Puglia is a dry land, so please do not throw cigarettes on the ground… if you don’t want to assist to a big fire!
Please do not smoke on the swimming pool pillows
There is a barbecue in front of the house that can be used by everyone
Sometimes in the early morning or late afternoon, the gardener or who takes care of the maintenance of the swimming pool can come to water plants or check the pool.
For minors it is particularly not allowed to climb the stairway to the upper apartment or use the pool without wearing armrests or lifebuoys or other supports.
Pay attention where you do park your car because in Cisternino you can easily get tickets!
Inspectors are everywhere and at any time!(even at night) The machines to buy car tickets are on the sidewalks
The closer store is called Ladies café and it’s just 1 km’s far from home, in contrada Grieco. There you can find basic products (milk, water, pasta, oil, creams, cigarettes, biscuits…) and a gas station.
It is a bit expensive and owners are not vert nice but, in emergency, is perfect and it’s opened everyday from 6 am to 8-9 pm.
WATER: A PRECIOUS GIFT
Puglia is a dry land due to hot temperatures. The water should be used with consideration.
Please do not waste it!
The house water is not connected directly with the aqueduct but it is refilled in big tanks.
Linked to this, there are two important things to know: 1) The water can serenely be used for showers, cooking and cleaning veggies, but it is better not to drink it 2) The water can finish! In that case, do not panic!
Just call us and, as soon as we can, we will provide you other water
THINGS AND PLACES YOU SHOULD TRY and GO DURING YOUR HOLIDAY
Fist of all you should know that Monday is the day of Cisternino local market, where you can find everything: food, clothes, shoes, house stuff, presents for friends… It is the best place to experience the traditional atmosphere of Southern Italy. Timetable of the market: early in the morning, until 13 p.m.
As i guess you already know, Italy is well-known for its food culture! If you follow my advice… you will understand why!
FOOD: TO BUY AND EAT AT HOME
We are all accustomed to buy products and food at supermarkets, they are usually closer and faster, but here you are in holidays and, presumably and hopefully, not in rush! I really advice you to buy stuff in local shops: it’s better quality, cheaper and the products are made with raw local materials. I leave you then a list of the best places to buy food in Cisternino:
MILK PRODUCTS (such as Mozzarella, Scamorza, Cacio Cavallo, Ricotta, Burrata, Stracciatella...)
C.A.V.I The are two stores: the main and bigger one, just outside of Cisternino, is located in Gravina di Castro 14 And the other one, in the city center: Via G. Papini 39
Caseificio la Valle - Via Domenico Cirillo (Cisternino)
MEAT: Longo Oronzo - Via Regina Margherita 83
BREAD PRODUCTS (such as Focaccia, Bread, Tarallucci…)
Al Vecchio Forno - Piazza Mazzini 12 - Try the focaccia with tomatoes and the one with onions and olives!
Briciole di Tradizione - Via Francesco Clarizia 1
FRESH FISH
Pescheria la Scogliera - Corso Umberto I, 116 or Pescheria Valle D Itria - Via Dante 66
VEGETABLES AND FRESH EGGS
Cirasulo is a farming organic cooperative where you can find any type of vegetables and fresh eggs. It is located in Via Ceglie 1
If you are interested, there are very close friends of us who have a synergic bio vegetable garden, close to Cisternino (on the way to Martina Franca). I leave you the number of the representative: Paola +39 3342674592
BIO PRODUCTS (vegetarian/vegan/gluten free products)
La Bottega dello Sfuso - Via Regina Margherita 97
There are anyway supermarkets spread all over Cisternino:
Despar - Via Fasano 85 OPEN: 08–13:30 16:30–20:30
Di meglio - Via Eroi del Mare P. Zaccaria
EATING OUTSIDE
BREAKFAST IN CISTERNINO
Best place to buy typical local almond sweets and to have tasty croissants or Pasticciotto
Bar Palazzo - Corso Umberto I, 103 Only closing day: Tuesday (In July and August is opened every day)- FREE WIFI
Cremeria History Vignola - Via San Quirico 28 Only closing day: Wednesday. Free WIFI. It's a Nice and cosy bar-bakery with a beautiful view on the valley
Bar Fod - Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 2 (located in the main Cisternino square; very good ice-cream)
Almond, a nice bar located in the countryside just outside Cisternino in Costrada Tanzarella 37,A, is another perfect place to have breakfast or a snack. You can find super good almond sweets, croissants, cakes, ice creams, but also go for an Aperitivo! Do not go away without having tried heir homemade almond milk.. you won't regret it!
If you are coffee lovers, don’t forget to try Caffè Leccese! You can find it in every bar and it is made with ice and local almond milk.
LUNCH
If you plan to go to the seaside, don’t forget to stop and try the amazing sandwiches or the tasty black rice (with salmon and avocado or with fresh cherry tomatoes and cheese) you can find in Caseificio Crovace - Via Diaz Armando 8 Speziale(BR)
And on the way back from the seaside… you must stop at Tony Bar - Via Petrarca, 59, Speziale (BR), to enjoy the best Panzerotto! In the evening is better to book at 080 481 0099
APERITIFS
Definitely, the best place to have an Aperitivo is 110 Cavalli Mozzarella Bar - Via San Quirico 24 (Cisternino)
There you can enjoy the best alcoholics / non alcoholics fresh fruit cocktails in the whole village! Gianni, the owner, is the only one who makes them.. so don’t stress out if he’s going to be a bit slow! You won’t regret it!
You can ask him to bring you something to eat with the drinks and he will prepare for you super tasty caprese, focaccia or frisellas (local type of bruschettas)
DINNER
Fornelli Pronti are local restaurants spread all around Cisternino village, where you can select meat from a big counter and chefs will cook it at the moment in the embers and, on request, with salads or potatoes. The main dish are Bombette: a kind of meatballs made with a local type of cold cut (air-cured pork meat) and melted cheese (or with other fillings). Bombette are one of the most famous speciality from this area and indeed you can find them only in Cisternino. They are delicious!
Zampina sausages are very yummy too! Fornelli Pronti are opened only for dinner.
The best Fornello Pronto is
Braceria Lo Sfizietto Via Bari 1, Contrada Sisto (on the way to Locorotondo). In weekends is better to book: +39 334 158 9036
And the best ones in Cisternino city center are
Da Zio Pietro - Via Duca D’Aosta 3 Telephone: 080 444 8300
Rosticceria l’Antico Borgo - Via Tarantini 9 Telephone: 0804446400 (close on Sunday)
For fish lovers there is a really nice, cosy and not expensive restaurant on the beach, go and have a look at
Albachiara at Strada Provinciale Torre Canne, Savelletri, Fasano (BR) - 339 536 5659
If you want to give your self a special luxury dinner, Osteria bell’Italia is the right restaurant to go! Via Duca D'Aosta, 29 (Cisternino) - 080 444 9036
Another very good typical and rustic restaurant is Da Tonia - Corso Umberto I, 13 Cisternino) - 080 444 8301
Here you can enjoy the best Puré di Fave!
Vegetarians and vegans.. don't worry!
It is possibile to find yummy alternatives, such as the really good and tasty Puré di fave con Cicorie - broad bean purée with chicory or peppers - or the Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa
There is a nice vegan restaurant named Micro - Via Santa Lucia, 53 (Cisternino)
PIZZERIAS
If you want to taste a very good Pizza, go at Pizzeria Casa Pinto that is located in Locorotondo, Via Aprile 23. The location is very beautiful (there is also the rooftop)In the weekend is better to book at +393462749859
or at Pizzeria Da Zio Giacomo, located in the main road between Cisternino and Martina Franca. The best one!
In Cisternino: At Da Tonia you can also enjoy a very good pizza! (for infos see above)
SEASIDE
Astonishing places are spread all over this area: such as the marine protected area of Torre Guaceto, Monticelli or Torre Pozzella, for wild lovers.
Lido Morelli, Lido Kypos, Lido Bosco Verde for families
The sea side can be easily reached in 15 minutes - Adriatic sea - or 50 minutes - Ionian sea -
SUBURBS/CITIES
There are many beautiful close suburbs to visit such as Cisternino, Ostuni, Locorotondo, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ceglie Messapica and Oria ... If you have time for a day trip, do not miss the beauty of Lecce and Otranto!
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Zoo safari Fasanolandia Via dello ZooSafari (Fasano) - 080 441 4455 It is the first fauna park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe for the number of different species
Grotte di Castellana Piazzale Anelli, (Castellana Grotte) - 080 499 8221.
It is one the most important cave complexes in Italy and Europe
DON’T FORGET TO WALK AROUND THE HOUSE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE!
This way you can really enjoy the beauty, the Mediterranean perfumes and the landscapes!
For any question or doubt, do not hesitate to write me on my email: mariagiulia.mapelli@gmail.com