Historic Villas of Cenate

Between Cenate and Santa Caterina, districts of Nardò, the ensemble of rural architecture in this area deserves particular attention due to its significant historical and artistic value. The area can be identified as a system in which different phases of development allow us to distinguish two subsystems, usually referred to as the old Cenate and the new Cenate. The first includes constructions dating back to the beginning of the 18th century, mostly attributable to the casino type, while the second comprises villas built between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, a clear expression of the 19th-century revival of various styles known as Eclecticism.\n\nWhile walking or cycling along the country roads that flank these homes, suddenly, among olive trees or centuries-old pines, one may stumble upon small, ancient and precious baroque villas, in Moorish style, rich in oriental motifs, or in Art Nouveau style. There are also imposing buildings with grand staircases and rich neoclassical motifs, or low buildings almost completely immersed in the garden, hidden by monumental pine trees.\n\nAmong them, we recall the Bishop's Villa, the summer residence of the bishop of Nardò, Villa Taverna, Villa Saetta, Villa Maria Cristina, Villa Personè, Villa Sangiovanni, Villa Del Prete, Villa Venturi and Villa Casa D'Africa, the latter transformed into a rustic style.\n\nThe Villa Taverna building, one of the oldest, seems to date back to the 15th century, and the most probable hypothesis is that it was originally a resting place and a place for changing horses. It was located on an ancient road that led from Gallipoli to Avetrana and Taranto, perhaps a Roman trail, of which evident traces remain today.