Orecchiette Quarter

The so-called "quartiere di orecchiette" is in the narrow pedestrian lanes of Bari Vecchia. Here you'll find a line-up of women seated outside their homes making this local variety of pasta from durum flour and water - no egg. It's the typical type served throughout Puglia. You can watch them through the entire process - from mixing and rolling the dough to hand-forming each ear-shaped piece, then placing them on drying racks, all while exchanging gossip and smiling for photos.

The lanes where you find the orecchiette makers are just a few steps from the imposing castle built by Frederick II. From Piazza Federico II di Sveva you'll see the Strada Barone, and from there two little lanes that lead into the old quarter with arches. Walk along Strada Arco Alto and you'll find them. Then you'll want to find a restaurant where you can taste the pasta for yourself!