History reports

Salento does not mean only welcoming beaches and clear sea, but it is also a land rich in history and traditions that are worth being learned about. And why not do it in a season that does not “distract us” with the sea and its attractions? That is what SalentoVirtuale.com is offering you: a short itinerary through art and history, omitting for a moment the countless summer views.
Let’s start from Leverano (about 19 km from Lecce), whith the charming Torre Quadrata (30 m high), built by Frederick II of Swabia between 1220 and 1230. And it was precisely this building that made of Leverano the “hinge” of the defensive system of ancient Salento. But the town is also known for its wines, oil, flowers and vegetables of undoubted quality.
If your “medium holiday” should occur in November, then an appointment not to be missed would be the “Novello in festa” festival, full of events, animation and entertainment in the splendid setting of the historic centre. In addition to the eno-gastronomic stands, where it is possible to taste the new wine and the typical Salento specialities, the craft activities are also promoted with exhibitions in the old houses of the historic centre: everything on the notes of the characteristic “Pizzica Pizzica” …
But if instead of November, your holidays include mid-January, it will be impossible not to visit Novoli (just a few minutes from Lecce). Between the 15th and 18th of this month, in fact, there is the annual ritual of the Fòcara (bonfire), built for a height of 25 metres, with bundles of vine shoots tied and placed on one another, according to techniques that are handed down from generation to generation and that belong only to a few local families. The bonfire takes three days to burn out, so you have time to appreciate its warmth and to honour the celebration of the patron St. Anthony Abbot together with he inhabitants of Novoli …
From Novoli to Lecce, called by someone the “Florence of the South”. Rich in monuments, churches, squares, palaces, it is really a must for those who appreciate the history and art of Salento. In fact Lecce is precisely the hub of Baroque culture in our territory and it is all to be discovered …