Polignano a Mare: The streets

Like any other city or village, Polignano a Mare has more than just pretty landscapes to offer. 

The streets of Polignano a Mare are not that different from those in Bari or even G’s hometown Giovinazzo: similar white, beige walls, long green or brown windows and a lot of plants and flowers decorating every little inch. But then there were the literary and philosophical writings on the walls, the doors and even the boxes that used to hold phone lines.

“Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, But love from love, toward school with heavy looks.” Romeo and Juliet.

“Silence is the source of great strength.” Lao Tse

“Love is life and life never dies.” Emily Dickinson

“Thou wast that all to me, love,

For which my soul did pine –

A green isle in the sea, love,

A fountain and a shrine,

All wreathed with fairy fruits and flowers,

And all the flowers were mine.”

Edgar Allan Poe

“Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.” Euripide

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Right near the entrance of the village, there’s an old cafe and bar called Mario Campanella Il Super Mago Del Gelo. Polignano a Mare has an interesting drink called Caffe Speciale. This is where it is known to have originated. The ingredients are quite simple: Coffee, sugar, lemon zest or even a lemon peel, cream and amaretto. Nothing too fancy, but the lemon and liquor add a kick to the drink and it is a very unique taste. The bar opened in 1935 by Mr. Campanella who first started selling almonds for a living. Now it’s one of the most popular and famous places in the town. People were lining up to try the unique drink, while I had gelato.

Domenico Modugno is more than a celebrity here, he is a symbol. There’s a sculpture of him near the sea, his arms stretched out as if he’s flying, just like the way he used to sing his song “Volare.” The cafe has a wall full of his photos, newspaper clips and interviews. He was certainly very loved.

• Mario Campanella Il Super Mago Del Gelo (Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 22, 70044)

All photos by rachelsanghee