Salento Baroque - The treasures of Salento

The Tavoliere of Lecce and Serre Salentine characterize this province, which forms the southernmost tip of Italy, with 97 municipalities and a rich and rugged coastline stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, the so called land between two seas.

This area is particularly active and productive, is known for its olive groves andvineyards, as well as the many nature reserves.

Landscapes of Stone

The reddish color of the earth, and understood the presence of the stone, which has such importance in the local architecture, are the main features of the landscape of Salento peninsula.

The entire line of sight of Puglia seems to be characterized by the presence of the stone outcropping near or on the course from the ground, there is an even greater amount of stones in some way shaped and transformed by man. Stones appear in the form of large slabs or blocks tall and narrow in prehistoric megaliths. Overlapping stones to build an infinite number of huts and shelters manifold. And yet roughly hewn stones to track thousands of miles of stone walls that mark the division of property or to support the frequent terraced slopes. These are all signs of an ancient land occupation and agricultural activity that constitutes an important part of the regional economy, where large areas alongside the cereal crops are reported oil and vine, important for orchard plots, but Also specialized crops of vegetables, industrial crops of tobacco and cotton.

In the vast countryside is also possible to see the dolmens and menhirs, the presence of intact ancient human settlements.

City of Art

In Salento, thanks to a special decorative taste and an intense cultural ferment, you can enjoy art centers with monuments of significant historical and artistic interest. Among them is remembered for the triumph of Baroque Lecce, Otranto and the mosaic of PantaleoneGalatina to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Lecce, originally iapigio - Mass magpies, Lupiae was called in ancient times, when it became a Roman colony. Substantial evidence, archaeological and artistic importance of the said city as historic and cultural center. Major monuments: the Roman amphitheater, the palace of the Seat or Seat, the Duomo, its square and the Seminary, the church of Santa Croce, the government palace, the church of Saints Nicolò and Cataldo partially rebuilt in the Baroque.

Otranto, situated on the Adriatic coast of Salento peninsula, is the easternmost town in Italy.First Messapic center and Roman, then Byzantine and later aragonese, spread around the imposing castle and the Norman cathedral, known for its mosaic of Pantaleone.

The mosaic floor of the Cathedral of Otranto, is among the most famous artworks of the Salento; It was made ​​with pieces of limestone, between 1163 and 1165, from Pantaleone monaco part of the Abbey of San Nicola di Casole in Otranto.

The mosaic extends for approximately 16 meters and covers for the entire floor. In the central part shows a tree with branches of good and evil, considered until recently, the representation of the tree of life. The other figures are drawn, however, from the old testament. Many of the mystical aspects of this mosaic, whose reading and interpretation has been, always, an intricate puzzle with no credible solutions.

Seaside resorts

There are not enough words to describe the beauty of the beaches of Salento and transparency of the waters of places like:

Porto Cesareo, offers long and spacious beaches guarded by watchtowers, a destination for tourists seeking tranquility and a beautiful clean sea, and continuing Isle of rabbits, Lapillo Tower, Punta ham;

Santa Cesarea Terme, an elegant town ideal for those who want to relax and indulge in self-care, its main features are the presence of sulfur springs flow at a temperature of 27 ° -30 °, the four natural caves on the cliff-forming sources Gattulla , Fetida, Solfurea and often inaccessible ravines. Its economic development and construction is due to the presence of thermal waters.

Otranto, characterized by a clear sea;

Gallipoli, an important cultural center, is admired for the old town with its beautiful sea;

Castrigliano Cape, famous for its coastline;

Castro, which houses the fascinating caves Zinzulusa and Romanelli;

Ugento, surrounded by his cyclopean walls, still on his side the Tower of St. John, the oldest tower of Salento.

Santa Maria di Leuca, famous for its shrine also called De Finibus Terrae for its location on the edge of the large square head. The sanctuary occupies the site of a temple dedicated to Minerva, and was rebuilt in 1722.

And yet, Badisco Porto, San Foca, Torre dell, Baia dei Turchi, the great toe Ciolo, Pesculuse, Cutrofiano, Otranto, Porto Selvaggio, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria al Bagno, Green Bay, Point of Swine.

Local Products

• DOC Salice Salentino;
• the almond paste used for sweets during the Christmas and Easter holidays;
• semi-handmade pasta.

Open Tours organizes tours in Puglia Salento Peninsula.

Puglia Tour Open can customize your travel itinerary according to your needs.