Salento or Salentu in local language is found in the south east portion of Apulia which is a region in Italy. It is said to be the heel of the boot in the Italian map. The whole area encompasses the province of Leece. If you journey through the south of Puglia, it is probable that you will be awestruck with the changes in the landscape. There are hills and valleys in the vast expense of the flat land. This is how Salento can be described in terms of geographical make up. The industrial city is where you can find intricate roads and principal towns. The historic province has three entrances – Porta Napoli, Porta S,Biagio and Porta Rudiae. The city is where you can find old churches and baroque plazas. The best ones are the Puglian Baroque and Basilica of Santa Cronce which is next to Palazzo dei Celestini. The buildings have great facades with exuberant characteristics.
You can also find the Church of Santa Chiara and the Church of Sant’Irene. The roads leading to the Salento are filled up with great wine cellars where you can have a glass or two of the famous wines like Primitivo di Manduria or Salice Salentino. There are traditional bars where you can find musicians, dancers and craftsmen. There is also Otranto where you can access through internal roads that run next to the coastline. You can also pass by bathing resorts like the Torre Specchia and Torre del Orso. In 1480, Otranto suffered from the attacks made by the Turks. This is provoked by the refusal to abandon their faith on Christianity. The remains of the 700 martyrs are conserved in the cathedral that is found in the town which was survived all throughout centuries. Proceeding further will take you to Leuca where you can find a great panoramic views and enchanting coves. There is also the Santa Cesarea Terme which has renowned various ranges of spa treatments. Few kilometers away are where you can find Castro Marina where are located natural caves with immense beauty. There are pre historic remains that are discovered inside these caves.The most important cave in the whole of Salento is Zinzulusa cave.
There are numerous formations of lime stones in the ceiling. The southernmost area of Saleto is Santa Maria di Leuca. This is where the waters of Adriatic Sea and Ionic sea converge. You can find one of the most important lighthouses in the area. You will also be fascinated by Leuca with ornate villas and with Arab decors. For food lovers, you can’t resist the sweet concoctions that are sold in the pastry shops in the region, just be sure to learn to speak Italian phrases beforehand so you know where to find them. There are number of places that are very remarkable. The coast is varying in nature that is both sandy and rocky and it boasts pristine beaches and clear waters.
By Ina K
Salento photo :Gojca, photo 2+3:Irina Mastalyarchuk , Photo 4:Antonio Bruno, Photo 5+6: Antonio Di Leo, Photo 7:Antonio Torkio
