The Itria Valley and Salento bear witness to ancient knowledge, passed down through generations and transformed into an art form that thrives to this day. The journey begins at the Papier-mâché Workshops, where time travel commences into the realm of art, leading to the heart of Salento, where handcrafted white stones by the grand masters of Baroque art await. However, each place serves as a voice from different eras, a testament to the region's long history that has united cultures and peoples for millennia, culminating along the rocky shores of the heel of Italy, where the lands of Puglia reach their end.
Itria Valley and Salento: timeless artistry
Points of interest
Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
The Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Galatina is considered the "Sistine Chapel of Salento" for its 15th century frescoes.
Complesso del Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae e del Faro di Leuca
The Finibus Terrae Sanctuary Complex, which includes the area of the sanctuary and the lighthouse, is one of the most evocative places on the southernmost tip of Apulia.
Torre Colimena
Torre Colimena is part of the Ionian coastal system of watchtowers, commissioned by Charles V in the 16th century to defend his kingdom from Saracen incursions.
Chiesa del Carmine
The Chiesa del Carmine (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) in Lecce, in the heart of the historic center of the Salento capital, is one of the most magnificent examples of Baroque art that embellish this town.
Museo Archeologico Provinciale "F. Ribezzo"
The 'F. Ribezzo' Archaeological Museum in Brindisi is part of Apulia’s Library and Museum Network and recounts the ancient history of Brindisi and its territory in a vast collection of artefacts
Le Botteghe della Cartapesta
The Botteghe di Cartapesta (Papier-mâché workshops) are the artistic treasure chest of the ancient Putignano Carnival, the oldest carnival in Europe, which has been regularly celebrated for over six hundred years.
Centro Storico di Presicce
With its hypogea Presicce, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, dominates the southernmost area of Salento, in the Serre Salentine area.
Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto
The State Nature Reserve and the Protected Marine Area of Torre Guaceto are a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity.