«Between streets and stories, pills of tranesità» and «One day, one year: Trani almanac», are the weekly columns edited by Alfredo Cavalieri and Francesco Squatriti, an exclusive format on Radio Bombo and on the pages of the Giornale di Trani. You can listen to them on our PODCAST through the website www.ilgiornaleditrani.net
“BETWEEN STREETS AND STORIES…PILLS OF TRANESITA”
VIA CASTRIOTA GIORGIO SCANDERBEG
LOCATION: municipal section from n. 89 of Via Papa Giovanni XXIII up to the stretch alongside the railway; from n. 152 of Via Papa Giovanni XXIII towards Via Barletta, formerly 39th Street to be called. Resolution of 24 April 1997.
Born in 1403, Giorgio Castriota is a noble Albanian national hero. He takes the name Iskanderbeg after his conversion to Islam, thus combining two names: Iskander (Alexander) and Beg (prince). Fighting against the Turks to defend the Muslims from the Ottoman invasion, in 1459 he supported Ferdinand I of Aragon in the fight against John of Anjou and Antonio Orsini. By doing so he obtains a considerable number of fiefdoms. He disembarks in Barletta and subsequently reaches Trani. Here he becomes master of the Angevin-owned castle, capturing the governor Antonio Iosciano. Thus, thanks to this achievement, King Ferdinand gave him the title of Count of Trani.
ANECDOTES
ALBANIAN CULTURE: It is thanks to Iskanderbeg that some colonies of Albanian origin spread in Puglia. In fact, we remember: San Giorgio Jonico; Monteparano; San Marzano and Botrugno. In the latter there is Palazzo Castriota.
WORK OF FERDINAND I: Ferdinand I of Aragon carries out interventions for Trani. In a far-sighted manner he implements reforms. In 1464 he granted the merchants of Trani the ability to purchase grain in every part of Puglia. Subsequently, he allows the city a ten-year deferral on the payment of its debts. Among other things, thanks to the d’Aragona, the people of Trani obtained a sort of protection from state officials in 1473: they could no longer impose the collection of money deriving from sealing rights and the issuing of deeds.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Giuseppe Giusto – “Many roads, so much history”, Puglia Region, 2003, p. 50;
Giuseppe Viesti – “Stories of the city of Trani, Athens of Puglia”, Landriscina Editrice, 2015, pp. 277-278.
“ONE DAY, A YEAR: TRANI ALMANAC”
“…from 30 April to 4 May 1924, the First Interdiocesan Eucharistic Congress took place in Trani. It’s the first time in Puglia. For diffusion, the press and propaganda are used…”
FIRST PUGLIA EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
Exactly a century ago, Archbishop Leo announced the First Interdiocesan Eucharistic Congress, held in Trani from 30 April to 4 May ’24. It’s the first time in Puglia. The intent is given by the revival of the Eucharistic cult of the three Dioceses of Trani, Barletta and Bisceglie. In addition to having a profound meaning in terms of faith, the Congress makes a surprising, very social and, we would say, avant-garde move. In fact, during those days, in addition to the sacred functions celebrated in the Cathedral, real assemblies are held at the Municipal Theatre. There is also a scientific contribution that tests some themes in terms of faith. This through the intervention of Prof. Comm. Siro Grimaldi of the University of Siena who, together with Giovanni Beltrani, held a debate on two Eucharistic miracles (Siena and Trani).
Pink Presence: despite the historical time, the Congress is characterized by in-depth mutual listening, with a large presence in terms of “female quotas”. Thus, among the organizers and speakers are the ND Riccardina Leo, Baroness Gerolimina D’Amely, Countess Amalia Berarducci, Baroness Mariannina Bacile Lepore and Marchesina Laura Antonacci Cutinelli. Last but not least, Dr. Moretti who, on May 3, 1924, at the Municipal Theatre, at 10.30 am, explored the theme: “The Madonna and the Eucharist.”
Diffusion: with every means available, mention is made of the Congress. Through newspapers and print media (posters and postcards) the citizens of the seven cities of the Diocese are informed as much as possible about the extraordinary event. A real commission was formed entitled “Press and propaganda commission”. The members are five priests; a lawyer; four young ladies and a busy layman.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Antonio Bartoloni – “Proceedings of the First Eucharistic Congress celebrated in Trani from 30 April to 4 May 1924”, year 1925, Bagnoregio, Award-winning Typographic School.
