What to see in Salento
Castles, churches and crypts, museums, beaches and nature: photos, description, how to get there and the events on nearby.
128 places
Sea and cavesAliminiAlimini beach, in Otranto, with its really fine sand, the dunes, the
shallow water and the transparent sea surrounded by the pine forest, is the
background for children’s games and for surfers’ performances. Otranto
Sea and cavesProtected Marine Area of Porto CesareoWith its crystalline, turquoise waters stretching from Punta Prosciutto to
Torre Inserraglio, Porto Cesareo boasts Italy's third largest protected
marine area. Porto Cesareo
Sea and cavesTorre Guaceto Protected Marine AreaOverlooked by centuries-old coastal watchtowers, the cliffs and sandy
beaches of the Protected Marine Area of Torre Guaceto extend along the
Adriatic coast from Punta Penna Grossa to the cliffs of Apani. Carovigno
Sea and cavesBaia dei TurchiIn the bay where the Saracens landed in 1480, to conquer Otranto, nowadays
there is white sand, lapped by a dreamy sea and embellished with the
scented pine forest and the Mediterranean scrub. Otranto
Churches and cryptsBasilica of Santa Caterina d'AlessandriaThe Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Galatina is a striking
jewel of Gothic architecture with valuable frescoes comparable to those of
the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi. Galatina
Sea and cavesCala dell'AcquavivaThe Acquaviva channel, with its cold water springs and small bays with
pebbles, flows amid the rocks and the lush vegetation. Diso
Sea and cavesCampomarinoCrystal clear sea with Caribbean shades and high dunes with clear sand
stretch for kilometres along the coastline of Campomarino di Maruggio. Maruggio
FunCasa CappellariThe public building is one of the symbols of Martina Franca, once called
the 'Ospedaletto and now the cultural heart of the historic center. Martina Franca
FunCascata monumentale dell’Acquedotto PugliesePuglia’s extreme tip is celebrated through a unique monument, overlooking
the exact spot where the land ends and the infinity of the sea begins. Castrignano del Capo
Sea and cavesCastellaneta MarinaA sandy beach, extremely large, stretches along Taranto coastline,
surrounded by the Mediterranean scrub and a thick forest. Castellaneta
Castles, towers and palacesThe Aragonese CastleThanks to its architecture, historical value, and extraordinary sea-facing
location, the Aragonese Castle is one of Taranto's main attractions. Taranto
Castles, towers and palacesAragonese Castle of OtrantoKeeping vigil over Italy's most easterly town, The Castle of Otranto is a
fascinating fortress that looks eastwards in memory of past Saracen
attacks. Otranto
Castles, towers and palacesCastle of Carlo VIn the heart of Lecce, the defensive castle built by Emperor Charles V is a
place steeped in history, where you can enjoy exhibitions and visit a
Papier-Mâché Museum. Lecce
Castles, towers and palacesDe' Monti CastleMilitary fortress and Baroque decorations characterise de’ Monti Castle in
Corigliano d’Otranto, testifying to its function of medieval fortress and
then noble palace. Corigliano d'Otranto
Castles, towers and palacesAcaya CastleWith its fortified walls , citadel and castle, the complex of Acaya is a
precious testament to feudalism in the Salento. Vernole
Castles, towers and palacesCastle of CopertinoA peculiar fortress featuring a majestic Renaissance portal, the Castle of
Copertino enshrines the town's historic and artistic value. Copertino
Castles, towers and palacesGallipoli CastleGallipoli Castle, washed by the Ionian Sea, watches over the centre of the
so called nice town. Gallipoli
Castles, towers and palacesEpiscopal CastleOnce the residence of Taranto's bishops, today the Episcopal Castle of
Grottaglie houses the museum of ceramics, the hallmark of local ceramic
craftsmanship. Grottaglie
Sea and cavesCastro MarinaFrom the “zinzuli” (shreds) of the marine caves, as far as the beautiful
cliffs from which it is possible to dive in the water: Castro Marina is a
blue paradise overlooking the Adriatic sea. Castro
Churches and cryptsCathedral of Saint Mary of the AssumptionDesignated a national monument in 1879, the beautiful Basilica of Nardò,
dedicated to the Assumption, is among the oldest buildings in the city. Nardò
Churches and cryptsChurch of San Giovanni BattistaOne of the most expressive works of modern architecture in Salento, the
result of a fruitful collaboration among architects, artists and
liturgists. Lecce
Churches and cryptsChurch of Sant’Irene and former Teatini ConventSanta Irene, Lecce's ancient patron saint before Sant'Oronzo, has her own
church in the heart of the Baroque city. Lecce
Churches and cryptsChurch of Santa Maria d’AurioThe Church of the Madonna d 'Aurio dates back to the 11th century, and the
growth of devotion over the centuries marked the origins of the nearby town
of Surbo. Lecce
FunVittorio Emanuele II StreetThe central Corso is one of the most characteristic streets of the Baroque
city, for a stroll among the wonders of Lecce stone, small stores and
beautiful churches. Lecce
Places and photos: Regione Puglia · viaggiareinpuglia.it (CC BY 4.0)