Arts, Culture and traditions
Ancient villages and cities of art dot the Salento; Romanesque and Baroque architecture are represented by cathedrals, castles, palaces of ancient noble families and squares.
Priceless treasures await your visit; you will be fascinated by immersing yourself in a timeless era.
Do not miss to visit the underground oil mills, dug into the limestone rock; the oil produced, an important economy until the end of the 19th century, was distributed throughout Europe starting from Gallipoli.
Evening festivals will introduce you to the popular traditions of Salento with local cuisine and crafts (including the precious creations in paper mache, embroidery and ceramics).
Then let yourself be overwhelmed by the dance of the "pizzica", we assure you that you will be involved because "the enthusiasm. And the joy are contagious".
- Felline: 5 minutes from the hotel, a small charming village with an ancient underground oil mill and excellent restaurants. A tip: combine a visit to the village with an unforgettable dinner at the tables scattered around the village
Presicce: 25 minutes away, called the "city of hypogea" due to the high number of underground oil mills, it is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Paved streets and baroque buildings will give you enchanting historical views. A riot of Baroque architecture.
Specchia: 35 minutes away, also classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Heaps of stones visible on the territory, in Salento called "specchie", give origins to the village. Characterized by narrow alleys and suggestive stairways, set of numerous film productions.
Nardò: 40 minutes away, for 500 years under the Byzantine rule of which traces remain, it is one of the cities that best represent the Baroque art that is highlighted in the central Piazza Salandra. In the same square you can also admire the cathedral, in Roman-Gothic style, and an imposing castle of the sixteenth century
Galatina: 45 minutes away, local tradition has it that the city was founded by Greek colonists, the historic center is enclosed by walls and to access it you will have to go through one of the five gates. The Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria has been declared a national monument; enter to admire the frescoes compared to those of the Basilica of San Francesco
Castro: 50 minutes, the oldest part of the city is Castro Superiore. The castle and the fortifications testify to the need to defend oneself from the frequent attacks of the Turks and Saracens. Very characteristic Castro Marina, with its wonderful cliffs.
Santa Cesarea Terme: 55 minutes away, stands on a cliff overlooking the sea. Known for its thermal waters, full of beautiful oriental and liberty style villas .