THEthe Salentopeninsula led to Eastern Europe, is the land of myths linked to its millennial history. Lecce According to legend, it was founded by the King Malennio in the XII century BC but The true history of the city is written in the Lecce stone: the remains of Roman theater in the historic center, the Castle of Carlo Vwhich hosts an original inside Papier -mâché museumThe Cathedralauthentic triumph of the Baroque, and the Basilica of Santa Crocewith the decorated facade that looks like a three -dimensional lace. A stop at Alvino coffee in the center of Lecce (Piazza Sant’Oronzo, 30) is inevitable to taste the sweet symbol of Salento: the Lecce pasticciotto, a chest of shortcrust pastry filled with soft cream.
Good cone the bread (Apulian)
Also a Minervino di Lecce there is one Church of Santa Crocewhich has the twin rose window to that of the Lecce Basilica. Cultural excellence also the tradition of Apulian bread. Among the best bakeries in the area, the Caroppo oven (via Sant’Anna 48, Località Specchia Gallone, Minervino di Lecce) which produces a large variety of bread and biscuits cooked in wood ovens. It is worth exploring the village of Minervino in the evening, when on the stones of Palazzo Venturi or Palazzo Scarcigliathe rays of the moon are reflected.
The cult of Minerva
Minervino is strongly linked to the myths, in particular to that of Minerva. Legend has it that the goddess donated the olive trees to Salento after a challenge with Neptune, who instead gave a horse to the place. The Olive tree of Minerva proved more useful, and for this reason the inhabitants sworn eternal loyalty to the goddess, erecting a temple in his honor. The studies, research and excavations of the University of Salento have identified him In the Borgo di Castro. Already Virgil, in the Aeneid, reports that Aeneas, who arrived in Italy fleeing the destruction of Troy, landed in Castrum Minervae, and that his port was dominated by a majestic building similar to the Parthenon.
Santa Maria di Leuca, Salento. (IPA)
In Salento, among the wild orchids in bloom
The finds of the excavations are on display at Mar, the Archaeological Museum of Castro. A strategic point to visit these areas is the Marenea Suite Hotel, in Marina di Marittima Diso, positioned at the center of this coast overhanging the sea, also rich in splendid blooms of wild orchids that color the landscape of the neighbor Oasi wwf le cesine, Among the most preserved humid reserve in Italy which extends for 350 hectares. You visit in the company of the environmental guides, to see aquatic birds, woods and coastal swamps up close. Upon returning to the hotel, a relaxing massage under the olive trees ends the day of excursions.
Looking east
Ancient art and history cross a Santa Cesarea Termeappointed by the historians Dionysius of Alicarnasso and Herodotus and Santa Maria di Leucaknown as De finibus terraeon the borders of the Earth, where on the ruins of a pagan temple, the sanctuary of Leuca is located. The tour between myths and legends can end admiring the first dawn of Italy from Punta Palascìa-Capo d’Otranto lighthousethe most east point of our country.
Where to sleep in Salento
Marenea Suite Hotel Cds Hotel Castro-Tricase 158, Marina di Marittima diso (Lecce). A charming address on the Adriatic coast, in the heart of the regional natural park “Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase”, immersed in a landscape made of roads overlooking the sea, cliffs and bays. The hotel organizes Salento cooking courses and horseback riding or feet. Bicycles for rental are available for lovers of two wheels to explore the paths in the surroundings. Double from 220 euros, with breakfast. marenesuitehotel.com
The swimming pool of a Marenea Suite Hotel room in Salento, Puglia.
Where to eat
300 thousand
Via 47 Infantry regiment, 3/5, Lecce. It is a taste hub, where to have breakfast with the Lecce pasticciotto, to eat a sandwich for lunch and taste bubbles and spirits.
What to buy
Bissh
Via Archbishop Petronelli 8, Lecce. Monica Positano, after traveling half world, returned to Lecce and opened her clothes and artisan knitwear shop. Instagram.com/bishmadeinitaly
Canefiori space
Via Malennio 30, Lecce. A crafts laboratory, applied art jewelry.Texun Corso Garibaldi 43, Otranto. Sculptures and objects for the Lecce stone house carved by hand. Texunpietralccese.it
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