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Puglia - Brindisi's surroundings PDF Print E-mail

Salento

De Finibus Terrae, Land of Otranto, Bridge to the Orient: these are just a few of the terms used to describe the fascinating land of Salento, which is between the provinces of Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce. Discovering Salento means passing through centuries of history that were occupied by prehistoric populations, Greeks, Byzantines, and Normans, dazzled by the sunlight (which shines all year round) and intensely blue and crystal clear sea (which is dark blue if viewed from the high cliffs that hang over the Adriatic Sea) emerald and sky blue if viewed from the sandy beaches or low rock cliffs of the Ionian Sea).

 
Foto: Fabio Capoccia
  

Brindisi
   
Brindisi has always been, over centuries, the door to the Orient. This city was even an important mercantile centre during ancient Roman times. Many travellers departed from Brindisi to go to the orient, such as the army and religious pilgrims who went to pay homage to religious sites. Its most ancient part of town is located near the port. The ancient suburb has many Aragonite influences, and traces from the eastern cultures, which can be found inside the Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro and in the portico of the Templar Knights. The church, built during the 11th century, is a fantastic example of Norman architecture. By visiting the port, we will immediately run into the Aragonite castle known as “Forte a mare” (fort at the sea), which was constructed in 1445. Among the religious structures worth visiting, we make special note of the Church of Santa Maria del Casale, which is where the order of the Templars was dissolved in 1312.
 
Foto: Maurizio De Virgiliis

Ostuni
   
Ostuni, the “white city”, is splendidly laid out on three hills that are 218 metres above sea level, and is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. The most important economical activities are tourism and agriculture (especially olive oil and grape vines). The countryside of Ostuni hosts the famous trulli: the white cone-shaped houses that are in extremely high-demand by those who seek a unique home to purchase and restructure. And don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit one of the numerous manor farms, which are ancient fortified farms located in the countryside of Ostuni and along the coast where large land proprietors once carried out agricultural activities. The centre is entwined by alleyways, like an Arab cash bah, with numerous piazzas and small streets that lead to the principal street, Via Cattedrale. At the end of this street is where the beautiful cathedral is erected, a masterpiece of Romanico-gothic architecture, while the inside is in baroque-style.
 
Foto: Beppe Rubini

Oria
   
In the land of the castles of Puglia the Svevo Castle of Oria is one of the most well-known for its beauty. The construction of such castle was ordered by Emperor Federico II, who wanted to fortify this town before his promised wife, Jolanda of Brienne, arrived from Jerusalem in 1225. And so, this castle was built on the highest hill of the town, in a way to be forever admired as a majestic castle. A visit to the baroque cathedral, with medieval origins, is a must. Here is where you can find the very interesting “crypt of the mummies”, which is an oratory from the 1500s with niches carved into the walls that hold the mummified cadavers of monks from different time periods.
 
Foto: Salvatore Baldari

Manduria
   
Positioned at the intersection of three main cities (Taranto, Brindisi, and Lecce), Manduria was an important city during the ancient reign of the Messapii, and still conserves large megalithic walls that are protected inside a large open-aired archaeological park. Of particular beauty are the numerous churches, from different eras, that are present in this territory: from the Byzantine church of San Pietro Mandurino (from the 1st century A.D.) to the splendid architecture of the 500-year-old Matrice Church, to the decorations of the baroque altars of the neighbouring churches of San Giuseppe and Madonna del Rosario. We suggest that you take a walk through this town’s amazing historic centre, through its entwining alleys and its Jewish ghetto from the 1600s, until you reach the Palazzo Imperiale, which is from the late-baroque period.
 
Foto: Salvatore Baldari
 


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