Salento
Known as the “hill” of the boot. Located between the marvelous Adriatic and Ionian sea, more than 250 km of low and sandy coasts as well as high and jagged ones. It comprises the all province of Lecce, surrounded by secular olive trees, tobacco fields, and vineyards; beautiful landscapes with white-colored houses and winding streets. A strip of land rich of history and traditions, its proud features are natural and architectural beauties, hospitality, magic atmosphere, hot sun, blue sky and a crystalline sea.
Galatone
Town founded during the Dark Ages, it conserved beautiful buildings such as the Romanesque church called “Santa Maria dell’Idro” of the XIIth century or the “Marchesale” palace, ancient resident of the liege lords of Galatone since the XVIth century. Some Middle Ages walls can still be found in the residential area along with a nice XIVth century gate, “Porta S. Sebastiano”. Vivid example of Baroque, the Crucifix Church overlooks the homonym square, with a shining prospect and an interesting mix of “leccese” stone and carparo. In the surroundings of the town, the remains of the Fulcignano castle of the XIVth century, outpost of a defensive line made by the Normans along with a menhir nearby the Coppola district, trace of ancient human settlements.
Gallipoli (14 km from Galatone)
Located on the Ionian sea, on the western coast of the Salento peninsula, in the Taranto Gulf. It is divided in two different zones: the “old town” and the “new town”. The striking old town, rich with ancient buildings and frescos, rises on a chalky Island linked to the land by a walled bridge. The massive surrounding walls made in the XVIth century to face enemy attacks, were downsized during the XVIIth century, and they now enable to enjoy wonderful landscapes.
Over the bridge, one can find the Greek-Roman fountain, the oldest one in Italy, then you enter the new town, through Corso Roma, the main road with numerous shops and tourist accommodations.
Lecce (25 km from Galatone)
Lecce is the main town of Salento. The historian Gregorovius named it “Florence of Baroque”. The Baroque art is dominant in the old town and fascinates the guest with chromatic effects through the use of a peculiar construction material: the “pietra leccese”, a golden-colored, hard but still crafted.
One of the symbols of the city is the Santa Croce Church of 1549, in the immediate surroundings of Sant’Oronzo square, the hearth and center of Lecce. Garden lovers can enjoy the Villa Comunale, located nearby the square. All the palaces of the city convey an idea of richness and prosperity with Baroque decorations on columns and porches.
Porta Napoli is the natural access to the old town from the north, this is where all the main streets start on which we find overshadowing palaces of the XVIth century Outside Porta Napoli you can admire the complex scenography of the obelisk. Another interesting sight is the Duomo on the homonym square; you will be impressed by its enormous architectural structure.
Otranto (40 km from Galatone)
The town of Otranto, known as “Porta d'Oriente”, is located south of the Adriatic in the easternmost point of Italy and overlooks the strait named Otranto Channel. Ancient capital of the Otranto land (comprising the actual provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto), it shows its oriental charm to all the tourists.
Although it has been destroyed many times, the town has a well defined historical core, striking for the southern aspect of its houses painted with vivid colors, closed in the surrounding walls overlooking the southern coast of the port. The 1908 Cathedral is worth a visit, decorated with Romanesque, Byzantine and Doric elements: the peculiar misterious mosaic picturing the life tree, the seven reliquaries containing the remains of the 800 martyrs of Otranto (murdered by the Turks on the Minerva hill for repudiating Islam), and the XIth century crypt of great historical value.
Santa Maria di Leuca (57 km from Galatone)
Located between Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola, where the Adriatic melts with the Ionian sea, the easternmost pearl of Italy, among rocks and small sand dunes. The numerous cafes are very interesting from an historical and naturalistic point of view, sea beds are real paradises for the diving tourists.
The geographic position of the town has developed a rich culture, seen in the marvellous villas with exotic names, towers and Moorish motives.
Santa Maria di Leuca allows the tourist to go back over a history of faith made of Christian and Pagan memories. The De Finibus Terrae sanctuary is a significant example, dated back the first era of Christianity, built on an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva. A sign at the entrance witnesses the changeover from Islam to Christianity. According to popular believes, visiting the sanctuary is the first step to accessing the gates of Heaven.
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