Church of Santa Maria d’Aurio

The Church of Santa Maria d’Aurio dates back to the 11th century and, located on the border between Lecce and Surbo, it represents the historical nucleus from which the latter town originated.\n\nThe Romanesque building is the last remnant of the ancient casale d’Aurio, which disappeared between the 15th and 17th centuries. The nearby 16th-century tower, called Torre dei cavalieri, was part of the defense system that included the coastal towers and fortified masserie of Salento.\n\nThe gable facade is decorated with hanging arches. The portal features a lunette at the top and, on the sides, two lions, remains of the base of a portico.\n\nThe interior is divided into three naves, each ending in an apse, and is supported by eight columns with capitals adorned with floral motifs. The sacred building still bears faint traces of frescoes, including a Madonna and Child from the early 15th century, and several inscriptions in Greek.