Discover Ruffano: Church Art, Festivals and Landscapes

Churches, Art and Historic Buildings

Ruffano combines sacred art, historic buildings, landscapes and festive traditions. In the Chiesa della Natività di Beata Maria Vergine, built between 1706 and 1712, the painter Saverio Lillo, who came from Ruffano, decorated its walls between 1765 and 1776 with numerous large canvas paintings depicting biblical and hagiographic episodes.

The Chiesa dell'Immacolata was built around the middle of the 16th century. Its stone portal from 1603 bears carved Marian symbols. The Chiesa dell'Annunziata was built in the 17th century on the foundations of a chapel of the Greek rite with the same name.

The Church of Madonna del Carmine also combines architectural history and furnishings: it was built in 1713 on the foundations of the former Church of San Marco and has a Lecce stone high altar from the same year, attributed to Carrone.

In the Porticato dei Mercatanti, the arcades framed the entrances to workshops, manufactories and shops; this is why the portico was given its name. The Loggia Brancaccio, added in the 17th century, is an uncovered corridor with several rooms and connects the palace directly with Ruffano's Chiesa Matrice. At the end of the projecting part of the building stands the medieval Torre delle Moline. This part of the building extends across the Piazzetta Ruffo to the tower, with eleven arcades and a balustrade.

The Chiesa di San Francesco da Paola was built in 1709 and is currently privately owned. Inside, it preserves a wooden statue of the saint from the 18th century as well as a majolica floor from the same period.

Natural Areas and Practical Information

The Bosco Occhiazzi covers approximately two hectares and is mainly characterized by Mediterranean maquis. From Manfio on the heights of the Serra di Casarano, the view extends to the sea near Gallipoli and to the marinas of Ugento.

The Cripta SS. Crocefisso, also known as the Cripta di Santa Costantina, is a natural underground space in the area between Casarano, Ruffano and Taurisano that Byzantine communities converted into a Christian place of worship in the 11th century. The grotto contains Palaeolithic engravings. Access is via stairs and is difficult for people with reduced mobility.

Restored premises serve as the park's visitor centre and educational space.

Festivals, Dance and Flavour

The traditional Fiera di San Marco takes place in Ruffano on 25 April. At the festival, people traditionally eat Scapece, fish marinated in vinegar and breadcrumbs, with saffron giving it its characteristic yellowish colour. The dish was introduced by traders from Gallipoli.

Another tradition is Pizzica-Scherma, also known as the “dance of the swords”. In this traditional dance form, only men imitate a fencing duel with finger movements, while musicians playing tambourines in a circle accompany the rhythm. On the evening of 15 August, numerous people gather in Torrepaduli, a district of the municipality of Ruffano, for the San Rocco festival. There, spectators and dancers can take part in the “danza delle spade” and in Salento Pizzica.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to include other destinations in addition to Ruffano: Collemeto, Parabita, Conca Specchiulla, Marina di Marittima, Ugento, Taurisano, Baia di Gallipoli and Frigole.

To the main travel overview: Lecce.