Scholars have developed many and different hypotheses on the real and original function of the menhirs, but the one in Sanarica, for its particular location, confirms particularly one. The Menhir Croce of Sant’Antonio is indeed at the crossroad of the provincial roads which lead to Palmariggi and Muro Leccese and this let people think that it was used as orientation sign, a sort of old road sign.
The monolith was destroyed by accident in the past, but in 1840 it was recovered, placing it on a double quadrangular basement with steps. Today is 408 centimetres high and its top ends with a sharp point. The scholar Cosimo De Giorgi analysed and registered it in 1880, locating it in the area which used to be called Contrada Zicche. Its height was a bit more than the actual one.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Mercoledì Latino
Salsa, bachata and kizomba night in Melpignano
Karaoke
Karaoke night with Sandro Stefanelli at Antichi Sapori.
OPEN+: Orientation to the World of Photography with Valentina Sergi and Giorgio Coen Cagli
Orientation meeting dedicated to photography with experts
Fiera di San Vito e Sagra del Maiale
The celebration of pork in Ortelle combines gastronomic tradition and local crafts in a convivial event.
FOS - soli deo gloria
Organ concert in Maglie with mezzo-soprano Serena Scarinzi and organist Maria Francesca Chiarello.
Concert for Soprano and Organ featuring Maria Francesca Chiarello
Concert featuring soprano and organ at the Salento Organ Festival
More places nearby
Churches and cryptsBasilican Crypt of the AssumptionBeneath the oldest church in Sanarica, the 17th-century Church of Assunta,
lies the even older treasure of a Basilian Crypt. Sanarica 1.3 km away
Museums and theatresMuseum of Peasant Culture of SalentoThe history of the smallest town in Salento runs through the halls of the
Civic Museum of the smallest town in Salento Giuggianello, among ancient
crafts and daily life. Giuggianello 1.3 km away
ArchaeologyMessapic city wallsThe ancient Messapic city walls of Muro Leccese stretched for kilometres,
surrounding the town with impressive blocks of stone. Muro Leccese 1.3 km away
Castles, towers and palacesPalazzo del PrincipeFulcrum of the 'ancient village, the Prince's Palace towers in Piazza del
Popolo and in addition to being the seat of the City Hall, preserves the
relics of the medieval city. Muro Leccese 1.4 km away
Farmhouses and oil millsThe Protonobilissimo semi-underground olive oil millSemi-underground olive oil mill built in 1602 at the behest of the
Protonobilissimo family. Muro Leccese 1.5 km away
Museums and theatresBorgo Terra MuseumThe Palazzo del Principe in Muro Leccese houses the Borgo Terra Museum
which traces the history of the whole town starting from the 14th century. Muro Leccese 1.5 km away