Alessano Among the Old Town, Churches and Olive Oil Culture

Alessano lies at the foot of the Serra dei Cianci. Its historic center preserves cobbled lanes, houses with courtyards, stone portals, elaborately decorated balconies and small churches within a medieval Mediterranean urban structure. If you would like to combine architecture, religious art and local culture, you will encounter several distinct facets of a town in southern Italy here.

Old Town and Historic Palazzi

The Chiesa madre di San Salvatore was built in the second half of the 18th century in place of a Romanesque cathedral dating from 1150 to 1200. Its three-aisled interior is shaped like a Latin cross and preserves Baroque altars. The church also houses Paolo Finoglio’s painting “Tobiolo e l’angelo,” which is associated with the Caravaggesque school.

Several palazzi add to Alessano’s architectural character. The Palazzo Ducale was built toward the end of the 15th century under the rule of the Del Balzo feudal lords. During the rule of the Gonzaga family, it was an important cultural center. The fortified building features elegant decorative elements. The Palazzo Sangiovanni is a Renaissance building erected toward the end of the 15th century during the rule of the Del Balzo family. Its façade features zigzag rustication made of diamond-shaped points.

The Palazzo Legari also combines architectural history with clearly discernible details. The merchant Donato Legari, who came from Tricase, had it built in the Renaissance style in 1536. Its portal has a round arch, as do the windows on the ground floor. The religious architecture is complemented by the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova, which was built between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century.

Churches and the Connection to Don Tonino Bello

The church and monastery of the Frati Cappuccini were built in 1628, and the church was consecrated in 1658. The Capuchin church preserves a monumental wooden altar, carved and inlaid by local craftsmen in the 18th century. It is complemented by the 17th-century painting “Il perdono di Assisi.”

Faith trails starting in Alessano are connected with the birthplace of Don Tonino Bello and the cemetery where his mortal remains rest. Part of the Capuchin monastery is dedicated to the Casa Francescana di spiritualità, which is dedicated to Don Tonino Bello. Don Tonino Bello was born in Alessano on March 18, 1935. These places give the town’s religious history a personal dimension that is firmly rooted in the local area.

Macurano and Olive Oil Culture

Macurano is a rock settlement along the route connecting Alessano and Marina di Novaglie. Because of its two oil mills, trappeto Sauli and trappeto Santa Lucia, which are still in use, Macurano is regarded as a symbol of olive oil culture. Montesardo is also part of the culturally distinctive surroundings: there, the traditional “Sagra de lu porcu pri pri” is considered a valuable part of the local community’s cultural and social heritage.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

More destinations for your travel planning include Marina Serra, Torre Specchia Ruggeri, Merine, Santa Maria Al Bagno, Seclì, Serrano, Scorrano and Cannole.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecce.