Salento
Food and Whine
The main ingredients of Salento cuisine, that is predominantly vegetarian, are vegetables, legumes, cereals and olive oil, which are all grown locally and are often organic. It is a healthy diet because it is light and tasty at the same time, thanks to the many herbs that grow here naturally and to [ … ]
Land and sea
In Salento nature is as rich and varied as the culture. South of Otranto the Adriatic coastline is characterised by steep cliffs and rocky coasts whereas further North, all along the most of the Ionian side up to Gallipoli, one finds long stretches of golden sandy beaches which are ideal for childr [ … ]
Craftsmanship
Salento is extremely rich with highly skilled craftspeople. Cutrufiano and Lucugnano are the largest of the centres where ceramics are produced, employing techniques and patterns that go back for thousands of years. Salento is also famous for the art of intricate wrought iron and metal work, and evi [ … ]
Traditions and craftsmanship
The folklore of Salento is the most vibrant and original in Apulia and in all of Italy. The strong Greek influence is expressed in the songs, fairy tales and stories about witches, nymphs and elves that populate the magic countryside of Salento, where satires dressed in white guard hidden treasures [ … ]
Flora and Fauna
Salento is a paradise for botanists. In mid January the first wild flowers start to appear in the fields and gently spread everywhere, along the roadsides, in the cracks of the walls, under the olive trees, on rocky outcrops over the sea, in blaze of colour that becomes more vibrant after every spr [ … ]
History and Art
In both prehistory and protohistory, Puglia has occupied a position of extreme importance. There are numerous caves in which both Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens resided. Evidence of their existence can be found in sites and artefacts the equivalent of which are rarely found anywhere else in Europe. S [ … ]
Towns and Cities
Lecce, the capital of Salento, is known as the Florence of the South for the sheer abundance of its exquisite architecture. The malleable local stone permits stone carvers to create incredibly intricate forms which decorate all of the important buildings with the complexity of a rich tapestry and t [ … ]
Climate
The climate is typically Mediterranean, cooled by the onshore sea breezes. Salento enjoys a very pleasant climate all year round. Summer here is exceptionally long and dry and one can swim for six months of the year. Autumn is soft. Winter is very short and is often interrupted by the so called ‘Ja [ … ]
