Leverano: Culture, Wine and Nature in the Salento Hinterland

Leverano combines a largely intact, uniformly preserved historic centre with the broad themes of wine, olive oil and nature. Small houses line its paved streets and give the town a distinctive architectural character. At the same time, Leverano lies in the fertile plain of the Salento hinterland on the Ionian side – an environment where cultural history and regional produce stand closely side by side.

Historic Centre and Notable Buildings

An important landmark in the town centre is the Torre Federiciana, which rises 28 metres high there. Piazza Roma is also home to the Torre dell’Orologio, which dates from the first half of the 18th century. Also on this square, in the historic centre at Piazza Roma 19, is Leverano’s tourist information point. It was established in July 2017.

The town’s religious architecture includes the 17th-century Church of Madonna della Consolazione. According to tradition, its construction is attributed to the miraculous discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary. The Museo Multimediale della Cultura del Lavoro di Leverano offers another perspective on the town’s history. It is housed in reclaimed spaces of the former Tabacchificio Masseria Quartararo and presents audiovisual accounts of traditional occupations as well as the modern world of work.

The Teatro Comunale also draws on a former use of the site: it is part of a multifunctional centre built on the remains of Leverano’s former covered market. Thus, different forms of history meet you in the town – in its streets, towers, religious buildings and cultural institutions.

Wine, Olive Oil and Regional Culture

Conti Zecca offers a tour of the main stages of winemaking and ageing. It covers local grape varieties and vineyard management, as well as a tasting during which the history and essential characteristics of each wine are explained. The Enoteca Conti Zecca is located at the winery in Leverano and offers an immersive experience featuring the cellar’s most representative wines.

The regional importance of olive oil and the olive tree takes centre stage at “L’Oro della Terra – i giorni dell’olio e dell’olivo”. This event takes place in December and is dedicated to protecting and promoting both characteristic elements of the area. “Novello in festa” is organised during the first days of November by Pro Loco Leverano together with the municipal administration and local wineries.

Nature and Events Throughout the Year

Vora delle Arche is notable for its ecological importance to amphibian reproduction and because of the birdlife present there. Patula Cupa is now a city park; its remaining wetland is considered ecologically important. Both places add a landscape and ecological dimension to Leverano’s historical and culinary themes.

During “Novello in festa”, “L’Oro della terra” and “Leverano in fiore”, the Info-Point turistico hosts art installations and organises evening aperitifs, wine tastings, tastings of local products, workshops and live concerts. “Leverano in fiore” is a two-day event dedicated to floral art and takes place in May in Leverano’s historic centre. The town therefore reveals different cultural and regional facets depending on the event.

More Places for Your Trip to Italy

Find more destinations here: Zollino, Torre Rinalda, Torre Saracena, Aradeo, Vitigliano, San Dana, Surbo, Melendugno.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecce.