Rebirth of the former tobacco factories in Salento: a story of reuse and renewal
Introduction and diffusion of tobacco in Italy
The cultivation of tobacco in the heel of Italy has rather remote origins and has characterized the life of many families and farmers in Salento for a long time. According to sources, tobacco was grown as early as the eighteenth century. At the time, there were two types of tobacco: Kotor (dry-grown and irrigated) and Brazil (constantly irrigated). Both were used as snuff (mostly) and smoking (for the production of cigars), and were much appreciated by high society and the clergy of the time.
The very first tobacco growers were the mendicant friars, but it was the Venetian merchants and the Spanish who introduced it to the Terra d'Otranto. When the volumes produced became truly large, cultivation passed into the hands of the Kingdom of Italy. This happened at the beginning of the nineteenth century, when tobacco was widely spread in the Lecce countryside, in some villages down towards Capo di Leuca, but also towards Mesagne, Oria, Francavilla.
With the advent of the government tobacco monopoly, things changed. The farmers of Salento stopped seeing tobacco as a source of income: the real profit went to the landowners and the state. And the hours of work invested in tobacco production were so many that they did not receive adequate economic compensation. Among the varieties of cattaro in Salento, the one from Lecce stood out. It was a shorter plant than the others, with 22 leaves, the market particularly loved its fragrance and aroma. The village curly cattaro was also highly prized: its leaves were longer. In addition to these two types, others were soon added, coming from America, but also from Herzegovina.
The story would still be long and complex. But to be concise, let's get to the twentieth century. In this historical period, there were few families in the province of Lecce who had concessions for the cultivation and processing of tobacco. During the First World War, tobacco processing was entrusted to women, the famous "tabacchine", who were employed occasionally and without too many guarantees. It is no coincidence that there was no shortage of agitation to request that the amount of the piecework wage be revised.
The life of tobacconists and farmers of Salento
Over time, and also as a consequence of the olive and vine crisis of that period, the tobacco industry continued to expand. On the one hand it was an advantage: especially in the summer months, the cultivation of tobacco made it possible to significantly stem the problem of unemployment. On the other hand, tobacconists continued to receive a meager wage, with which they contributed minimally to the family income. And not only that: we almost always worked in precarious hygienic and sanitary conditions. Life in the tobacco factory was tough and the teacher (a female supervisor) made sure that no one spoke or wasted time in any way. The threat was always that of dismissal.
From sowing to harvesting, up to stringing the leaves
The cycle of tobacco cultivation by tobacconists in Salento began with the sowing process, which required expert hands, and took place in the so-called "ruddhre", i.e. a portion of land used for cultivation. This rectangle of land was worked to be leveled, with the rake, inside which an expanse of organic fertilizer was deposited. Subsequently, the tobacco seeds, mixed with the ash, were thrown onto the ground and then watered. Once ready for tobacco cultivation, they were uprooted from the root and then collected in "cascette", small wooden boxes, covered with a jute cloth and then transplanted onto new soil.
The harvest took place at the first light of dawn: a job that involved entire families, even children. In particular, 4 to 5 cycles were carried out to harvest the tobacco leaves, in order to perfectly clean the entire plant. All of this, approximately, in a week.
Once collected and arrived home, we sat in a circle and began the fundamental phase of threading, the "'nfilatura". This process consisted of threading the leaves along a large steel needle (the "cuceddhra") and then passing the string through the eye. Once all the threads were filled with tobacco leaves, they were hung on the frames and the sun drying phase could finally begin. The loom is called "tiralettu" and, once the sun set, they were brought into the house.
Once the tobacco was ready, it was delivered to the "Manifattura te lu tabbaccu" in wooden crates covered with jute sheets.
Processing in the tobacco factory
The tobacconists usually began their task towards the end of November when the tobacco leaves were now dry. They took care of their sorting, dividing them inside particular wooden crates by color and based on quality.
The tobacco leaves were put together and divided into small bunches and then pressed, while the other tobaccos formed the so-called "ballettes", arranged according to the weight and type of quality of the tobacco. Once this phase was completed we moved on to pressing, after which the leaves were placed in a wood stove to mature the tobacco with the heat.
There was a worker who supervised all these operations, or "the mescia" to check that there were no hitches or imperfections in the manufacturing processes. The balls were placed in a room in contact with sulphur, to avoid corrosion and after a few days placed in the warehouse for another inspection by the mescia. The tobacco leaves obtained were crumbled to create cigarettes and the tobacco obtained was taken to the Monopoly factories in order to evaluate the taste and flavor.
The sector is starting to show signs of suffering
From 1935 onwards, however, the sector began to show signs of suffering. The entire sector showed signs of decline for a wide range of reasons: the introduction of poor quality varieties, poor commercial capacity, the choice of unsuitable land, unfavorable weather conditions, poor preparation on the agricultural front, the lack of use of fertilizers and so on. Not to mention that the vine and olive tree were gaining ground. Towards the end of the 1930s the work began to be reorganised: from packaging methods to the processing of the leaves themselves, methods were changed and sometimes even a minimum of mechanization began to be introduced. These choices led to a reduction in manpower and necessary working hours, which resulted in a series of workers' revolts and trade union activities.
A recovery of the sector followed, thanks also to a series of measures issued specifically in favor of tobacco growers. We then reached the 1960s, when tobacco downy mildew appeared, a plant disease that seriously damaged the sector.
In 1970 the Monopoly regime fell: the tobacco growers were freed but, in fact, left in disarray. It was, in fact, the final blow to the sector, which ended its history in a short time.
Tobacco factories and their rebirth
A rather forgotten recent history, despite the socio-economic and cultural repercussions, which has left an incredible abandoned architectural heritage, today mostly in ruins in the Salento area. Many are buildings that go almost unnoticed, with a regular and simple structure, made of tuff, often also vaulted but small in size, sometimes newly built, and sometimes built on the basis of pre-existing buildings, such as farmhouses or farms. However, there are also warehouses larger than 1,000 m2 where the processing and storage of tobacco that flowed from extensive cultivations was concentrated. Factories that are true landmarks in the outskirts of the municipalities of Salento, up to the great works created in Lecce, the "Royal Tobacco Manufactures". What has become of this agro-industrial archeology today? Below are some approaches for the reuse and reconversion of an architectural heritage spread across the territory, which seeks specific answers according to the cases in regional financing with European funds linked to tourism, in the regional territorial landscape plan which catalogs it in the "System of agricultural factories food", in the 2015 regional law on the "Enhancement of industrial archeology heritage", in program agreements in variation of the PRG. But, above all, it is a heritage that would like to find a different future with the help of private individuals and, even more so, of institutions, so that it can be transformed from a problem into a great territorial opportunity, as farms and farms have already been in Puglia. rural artefacts.
Near the municipality of Veglie, between 1926 and 1928, as part of the reclamation of the Salento countryside wanted by the fascist regime, "Monteruga" was specifically founded, a real village, expanding a pre-existing farm, the whose aim was to create a thriving center for the production of tobacco, as well as oil and wine. Its architecture reflects the traditional one of the villages in the area in the first decades of the twentieth century. What is attractive is the fact that the entire village seems to have suddenly stopped in the last century and, although affected by the inevitable degradation of time, is overall quite intact and well preserved. We still find the tobacco warehouse, the oil mill, the silos, the Church of Sant'Antonio and the farmhouses. Towards the end of the 1970s it reached up to 800 inhabitants, only to suffer a rapid and drastic decline over the following decade, due to the privatization of the company and the division of the land. The Ministry of Culture has placed it under restriction as a "site of particularly important interest", and the hope is that this place will be recovered as soon as possible.
Some recent examples of former tobacco factories that have found new use, following a careful and respectful renovation, are: “La Masseria Diso – Il Tabacchificio”, one of the most renowned examples of luxury hospitality in this type of pre-existence; “The former tobacco factory of Taurisano”, now used as an exhibition space for works by contemporary artists; “Il Tabacchificio – Hotel” located in Gagliano del Capo.
Other former tobacco factories, however, are waiting to be brought back to life, and this is the very current case of a former tobacco factory located in southern Salento, in Castrignano del Capo. It is a structure dating back to 1800, whose original nucleus is that of a farmhouse dating back to 1600, entirely built with barrel and star vaults, distributed over two floors. The project for the recovery and conversion into a luxury accommodation facility, with an adjoining restaurant, is underway, respecting the local architecture and traditions of the place.
The future:
The recovery of former tobacco factories is not only a question of architectural restoration, but also of preserving collective memory and promoting sustainable development. With the support of institutions and private investors, these buildings can become engines of growth for Salento, transforming a page of industrial history into a new chapter of prosperity and innovation.
The Charm of the Gardens in the Heart of Salento: Between History, Beauty and Nature
Introduction:
Salento is not only known for its natural, cultural and architectural beauty, but also for its enchanting gardens. For centuries, these green spaces have been an integral part of the social and architectural fabric of the region, reflecting the beauty, history and passion of its inhabitants. In this article, we will explore the definition of the garden and the importance of gardens in Salento, from the homes of the historic centers to the sumptuous noble palaces, from the hanging gardens to modern landscape interpretations.
Definition of Garden:
The garden, in the collective imagination, evokes a place of beauty, tranquility and rebirth. But it is much more than just a green space. It is an ever-evolving work of art, a refuge for the mind and spirit, a habitat for flora and fauna, and sometimes even an extension of the identity of those who create and care for it. In Salento, gardens take on different shapes and meanings, but they all share a deep connection with the history and culture of the region.
Gardens in Historic Centers:
The historic centers of Salento are often characterized by narrow paved streets and ancient homes that overlook secret courtyards and secluded gardens. These gardens, small hidden treasures, represent an oasis of tranquility in the heart of lively urban life. With their lush plants, fountains and stone benches, they offer a refuge from the hot summer sun and a meeting place for families and friends. Often there are citrus trees, which in spring with their flowers create an inebriating scent, and numerous succulent plants, resistant to sunny summer days.
Gardens of the Noble Palaces:
The noble palaces of Salento, evidence of the region's glorious past, are often surrounded by sumptuous Italian gardens. These gardens, designed with mathematical precision and enriched with statues, pergolas and fountains, were conceived as an ideal backdrop for aristocratic life. Today, some of these gardens have remained privately owned, and enriched with swimming pools and other contemporary elements, many others, however, are open to the public, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the past and the timeless beauty of nature.
Roof garden:
Especially in the historic centers of Salento, where the availability of green spaces is more limited, hanging gardens have become a solution for optimizing green space in a densely populated urban environment. Suspended between the walls of ancient cities, this type of gardens, with very ancient origins (around 590 BC), create a unique and evocative environment for anyone who has the privilege of visiting them. An example of this is the Palazzo Ducale of Presicce, which on the terrace boasts the presence of an Italian-style hanging garden of around 10 ares, enriched by a fountain and a belvedere, now always open to the public, as it is property of the Municipality of Presicce – Aquarium.
Gardens of the Villas:
The historic villas of Salento, places of holiday and leisure, are often surrounded by large landscaped gardens, where the art of gardening blends harmoniously with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Here, among centuries-old trees, flower beds and shady paths, you can find corners of serenity and contemplation, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. One of the richest examples is the one we find in the majestic villas of Santa Maria di Leuca, all built in the second half of the 19th century. These homes are mostly still privately owned, but for some years a day has been dedicated to public visits to their parks and gardens.
Modern Garden in Salento:
In contemporary Salento, the art of gardening continually evolves to respond to the needs and challenges of the modern world. Sustainable gardens, urban parks and multifunctional green spaces are emerging as new forms of landscape expression, offering not only aesthetic beauty, but also environmental and social benefits for local communities.
“La Cutura” Botanical Garden:
Finally, we cannot talk about gardens in Salento without mentioning the "La Cutura" Botanical Garden, a hidden jewel located in the Giuggianello countryside, cited among the ten most beautiful gardens in Italy. Founded in 1986, this botanical garden has as its original nucleus an ancient farmhouse from the 1700s and its grounds, and today hosts an extraordinary collection of exotic and endemic plants from all over the world, blending wonderfully with the pre-existing architecture, creating a unique environment of discovery and wonder for botany enthusiasts of all ages.
Conclusions:
Gardens in Salento are much more than simple green spaces; they are living testimonies of the history, culture and timeless beauty of the region. From the ancient homes of the historic centers to the sumptuous noble palaces, from the hanging gardens to modern landscape interpretations, these enchanted places continue to inspire and enchant residents and visitors, offering a taste of the richness and diversity of Salento's natural and cultural heritage.
Villas, Casine, Casini. The architecture of suburban residences in Salento in the second half of the 18th century.
When we delve into talking about noble and ancient villas in Salento, first of all it is necessary to specify the reasons why these beautiful buildings were built. The Masserie are initially the places where the farmer lives to never move away from the countryside; the Casini, the Villas and the Casine are successive architectures that originate following the need of the landowner to temporarily move to live in the countryside.
Salento's economic delay and consequences on architecture
It is appropriate to say first of all that Salento has always been a relatively poor land and that the obstacles to development are and have been numerous: among these the presence of land used exclusively for grazing, the presence of vast areas of scrub, the presence of swamps and marshes, the spread of extensive cultivation, the invasions of the Turks, the persistence of backward cultivation techniques, the short-sighted attitude of landowners.
In the southern areas, during the eighteenth century, the olive growing crisis and the growing demand for wine on the European market led to a profound rural transformation.
The architecture begins to change following the spread of vineyards
The spread of the vineyard was to the detriment of olive groves and cereal cultivation and had a significant impact on new forms of rural construction. In fact, in the areas where this new culture spread most, there was a transformation of the landscape and the architecture of the homes. The vineyards, managed more complexly, required the constant presence of the farmer and, alongside the traditional farmhouse, the homes of the farmer, the sharecropper or the small owner were added.
In fact, the farms, although architecture aimed at the defense of the territory, are often enriched with elegant decorative elements such as monumental wells, sumptuous rooms and enormous fireplaces, coats of arms placed in plain sight, all elements borrowed from city architecture and which attribute to the fortified rural construction an aristocratic sign.
The farms were still far from real villas, typical of Northern Italy, or from the typology of the rustic villa of the Roman era. These are very often buildings of a monumental nature which, with their decorative features, mark the difference with the simple and poor homes of the farmers.
Baroque in the countryside
Starting from the second half of the eighteenth century, a compromise was reached between city and countryside. Thus it was that on the outskirts of the most important inhabited centers, such as Nardò and Lecce, and where there was the most fertile land, elegant residences arose which still today bear witness to the spread of the Baroque even in rural environments.
Therefore in this phase there were two parallel and contemporary processes of architectural development in the countryside: in many cases the old farms were revived, providing new decorations, various embellishments and often they built on top of the original structure, so much so as to deliberately mask the structural physiognomy of the ancient building; at the same time, villas, casinos, cottages and gardens were built from scratch.
The spread of the country casino is the confirmation of a new mentality, arising from the fact that the new bourgeoisie was aware of the fact that agriculture was the pillar of the economy.
Refuge in the countryside becomes a necessity
But beyond the purely economic interest, the fact remains that starting from the second half of the 1700s the need to move to the countryside only for a healthy retreat began to be felt. This exodus was then encouraged by the scarcity of food products and the continuous spread of epidemics due to the heavy rains that raged in the Lecce area.
The Villa and the Casina
The villa is usually an imposing building, belonging to noble families or in any case to the upper middle class, which features architectural friezes, is treated in detail and is surrounded by a park made up of ornamental plants, in order to make the stay more pleasant. It is almost always at the center of an agricultural activity, so, apart from rarer cases of purely holiday residences, in addition to the manor house, it contains rural blocks of flats such as the settlers' homes, stables, garages and factories. The villa, like the little house (very often the two terms are interchangeable) shows a detachment from the rural environment and the activities connected to it, as they are often richer buildings, surrounded by a park and preceded by shady avenues with ornamental plants. Here some architectural details are highlighted such as the columns at the entrance, the arches, the terraces and the staircases.
The Valley of Cupa
From a geographical point of view, the Valle della Cupa is made up of a large karst depression and has well-defined borders: in the center of the area is the city of Lecce and around a series of towns. Among others, the following are part of the Valle della Cupa area: Campi Salentina, Novoli, Carmiano, Arnesano, Monteroni, San Pietro in Lama, Lequile, San Cesario, Cavallino, Lizzanello. The fertility of the soil, the ease of access to water and the proximity to Lecce have already in ancient times made the Valle della Cupa one of the favorite destinations of the aristocracy of the capital. Due to their historical-artistic interest, many of the buildings within the area are under the protection of the Superintendence. Many noble families of the capital chose this landscape to build hunting or holiday residences. In the first outskirts of Lecce, near the road that leads to San Pietro in Lama, you can start the journey by visiting Villa Mellone, an enchanting noble residence dating back to 1784. The door and balustrades on the first and last floors ask you to look up to fully enjoy it. The private chapel and the garden call for a broader vision to appreciate its beauty, also pushing the gaze into the surrounding countryside. In the same area you can visit Villa Franchini. In Monteroni then the splendid Villa Cerulli and Villa Romano. The latter was chosen as a film set.
The Casino
The country casino represents the new relationship that was established between landowners and farmers. Less sumptuous than the villa, the casino is in fact a type of home that combines the settler's house with the owner's seasonal home. Stylistically sober, and without ornamental parks, this residence often has two floors: the ground floor occupied by the farmer or gardener with the tobacco processing rooms, the warehouses and the wine cellar, while the upper floor saw the real residence landowner's home.
It turns out that the terms casina and casino, even if used interchangeably, express different housing typologies and at the same time represent a different conception of the relationship with the countryside and with the farmer's family.
The garden
The so-called Garden is different in both form and function and is simpler in construction. More commonly we can say that the garden is the settler's home where the crops are grown, usually greens and greens, then sold on the markets of the inhabited centers or on site.
In most cases the garden is a very simple building system, with one or two bedrooms and a large living room with some rooms for storing work tools. There was also a stable where a few animals were raised with herbs from the garden. This dwelling was widespread especially in the outskirts of the city with modest land areas.
The rural architecture of Salento, which has survived to the present day in fair conditions, reflects the economic and social history of the region, with its peculiarities and the external influences that have shaped its evolution over the centuries. A magical journey, which allows us to discover a more recent phase of the history of Salento, but not without its charm.
Exploring the magic of the Notte della Taranta in Melpignano, in the heart of Grecìa Salentina
In the heart of the splendid Italian region of Salento, there is an event that enchants and fascinates: the Notte della Taranta in Melpignano. This fascinating musical show celebrates the rich culture and tradition of Grecia Salentina, an area in Puglia where a strong influence of Greek culture persists.
Deep Roots
Grecia Salentina is a linguistic and cultural area located in the southern part of Puglia, where Greek traditions have deep roots. Here, the Greco-Salento dialect, known as griko, is still spoken by many inhabitants. The region is famous for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in music, dance and traditional festivals.
The “Grecìa Salentina” is made up of nine municipalities: Calimera, Castrignano dei Greci, Corigliano d'Otranto, Martano, Martignano, Melpignano, Soleto, Sternatia and Zollino.
Sternatia is the town where the ancient dialect language of Greek origin, "griko", is today best known and spoken among the inhabitants.
In the historic center, we can find numerous courtyard houses, ashlar portals and the baronial residence of Palazzo Granafei. The precious monumental palace was built during the first part of the eighteenth century, although the frescoes inside are later and dated 1775. Inside it houses a sixteenth-century underground oil mill.
Nearby Soleto was, even before being a Greek city, an important center of the Messapian civilization, as evidenced by numerous tombs and the discovery of the ancient enclosure walls. With the advent of the Eastern Empire, it was also an episcopal seat. The historic center is very beautiful, which still retains its medieval structure with very narrow parallel and perpendicular streets, with baroque portals and Renaissance noble houses. The most important monument in all of Soleto is the so-called Raimondello Spire. It is a large bell tower, but without a bell and erected exclusively for ornamental purposes, an example of Gothic art in Salento.
From Soleto we can easily reach Zollino, where we can admire above all the religious architectural constructions.
We then reach the town of Martano, one of the largest Greek-influenced villages in this area.
However, its territory was already inhabited a long time before as evidenced by the prehistoric menhirs of Santu Totaru and Teofilo. It was in the medieval period that Greek influence arrived, being inhabited by colonists from the Eastern Roman Empire and the Greek rite was preserved until the end of the seventeenth century.
The Grike dialect and traditions, however, still survive today. The historic center of Martano shows some parts of the ancient city walls, and some historic noble palaces built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the most beautiful example of which is probably that of Palazzo Moschettini, equipped with a large, finely decorated portal and a long balcony equally valuable.
From Martano we move to Martignano. The origins of this center could themselves date back to the Greek period, in one of the important junctions that Lecce led to Otranto and Nardò. The most important monuments it preserves are the Parish Church, the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower, all united in a single structure.
We then reach Calimera, a town in which the Greek origin is already directly inherent in its name. “Calimera” in fact means “good day” in Greek. The history of the small church of San Vito which stands just outside the town center, in the countryside, is evocative. This small church open only on Easter Monday has a large boulder inside with a hole in the middle. Tradition wanted people to pass through the forum to propitiate fertility according to an ancient pagan rite. The church was built around the boulder precisely to "Christianize" it too and thus prevent pagan rites from continuing to perpetuate themselves. However, the tradition has been preserved to this day and every Easter Monday many inhabitants of Calimera reach it to pass through the boulder.
Castrignano dei Greci. Here too, the origin is evident in the very name of the town, which is therefore thought to have been founded directly by a population coming from the Eastern Roman Empire and was certainly inhabited by the Byzantines between the 6th and 9th centuries.
On the other hand, the buildings of the time are no longer present and the most important monuments remain the nineteenth-century Parish Church of the Madonna SS. Annunziata and the sixteenth-century Gualtieri Castle, adapted as a baronial residence on an older pre-existing building.
Corigliano d'Otranto, also Greek from the 6th to the 9th century. Its ancient castle from 1465 (Castello dei Monti) resisted the terrible Turkish attack of 1480, so that it is still today a source of pride not only architecturally, but also purely historical. The visual impact is truly majestic, bringing to mind the classic concept of a "medieval castle": four towers at each corner, surrounded by a large moat which was once accessed via a drawbridge.
Not far from Castrignano lies Melpignano, today very famous due to the famous Notte della Taranta. This village was also inhabited by Greeks and the Greek rite was preserved until the sixteenth century.
In the historic centre, the beautiful Piazza San Giorgio is worth seeing, where the parish church, round-headed Renaissance porticoes and the Clock Tower built at the beginning of the twentieth century are located. Also important is the Church of the Virgin of Carmelo, with an imposing façade built in the mid-17th century and enriched with baroque details by Giuseppe Zimbalo. Finally, it is worth taking a trip to the seventeenth-century Palazzo Marchesale.
The Night of the Taranta: A Unique Experience
At the heart of this vibrant culture is the Notte della Taranta, an event that celebrates the traditional music of Salento, in particular tarantismo, an ancient healing ritual through music and dance. The event culminates with a large concert in the picturesque town of Melpignano, where musicians from all over the world come together to play pizzica, a traditional Salento musical genre.
The magical atmosphere of Melpignano
Melpignano offers the perfect setting for this extraordinary celebration. During the Notte della Taranta, the streets come alive with colours, sounds and scents, while visitors completely immerse themselves in the magical and engaging atmosphere.
An unforgettable experience
Participating in the Notte della Taranta is an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves music, dance and culture. Visitors can enjoy not only the main concert, but also a number of side events, such as pizzica lessons and performances by local artists. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of Salento, while creating an experience of sharing and celebration with people from all over the world.
Conclusions
The Notte della Taranta in Melpignano is much more than a simple concert; it is a journey through the history, music and culture of Salento. This magical event captures the essence of Grecia Salentina, offering visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience. If you are looking for cultural and musical adventures, there is no better place to be than here, in the heart of Puglia, during the Notte della Taranta.
The timeless charm of Salento architecture: a journey through the historic centers and local furnishings
In the heart of the splendid Italian region of Salento, a land rich in history, culture and natural beauty, there are hidden architectural treasures that tell millenary stories. The historic centers of Salento, with their narrow and winding streets, ancient squares and historic buildings, enchant visitors with their timeless atmosphere.
Salento Architecture: a cultural heritage
The architecture of Salento is a fascinating fusion of styles that reflect the many historical influences that have shaped this region over the centuries. From the remains of ancient Greek cities to the vestiges of Roman rule, from the testimonies of the Byzantine period to the Baroque era, Salento is home to a rich architectural heritage that stands out for its unique beauty and majesty.
The historic centers, such as those of Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto and numerous other villages, present fascinating architecture characterized by imposing facades, elaborate details and intricate inlays in Lecce stone, a local limestone known for its softness and its ability to be carved with precision. Santa Maria di Leuca and the Valle della Cupa are two of the places with the greatest architectural expression of private luxury homes, which manifests itself in large Art Nouveau villas, still visible and partly visitable today.
Private homes are those that embody in the most authentic way the essence of the life and everyday life of the people who have populated these lands, treasure chests of their customs and their culture.
These homes range from the smallest and most humble, up to the large manor house, but although they differ from each other in size and details, they have a single common denominator: the star vault. The latter, created with skilful patience with the interlocking of tuff blocks, gives majesty to every environment, even the most humble.
Other elements that characterize the typical Salento houses are the courtyards, the courtyards, the gardens, the terraces, i.e. outdoor spaces where the exchange of daily life between families took place, who sometimes lived almost in symbiosis.
Traditional Furnishings: between history and modernity
Traditional Salento decor reflects the rich history and traditions of the region, with influences ranging from local craftsmanship to contemporary trends. Hand-carved solid wood furniture, colorful fabrics and ceramics decorated with traditional motifs are just some of the features of Salento furnishings that capture the attention and imagination of visitors.
Ceramic is a distinctive element, with its bright colors and designs inspired by nature and everyday life. Salento ceramics are often used to decorate plates, vases, tiles and art objects, adding a touch of color and originality to domestic environments.
The traditional houses of Salento are characterized by welcoming and rustic interiors, with floors in local stone or cement tiles, vaulted ceilings and whitewashed walls. The furniture is often custom-made by local artisans, using fine woods such as walnut, cherry and olive, and are often decorated with inlays and carvings that enhance their beauty and craftsmanship.
The modern reinterpretation of Salento aesthetics
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Salento furniture, with many designers and interior designers reinterpreting traditional shapes and motifs in a modern way. This trend has led to the creation of contemporary furnishings inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Salento, which combine traditional materials with clean lines and innovative designs.
Salento's homes and public spaces increasingly reflect this fusion of tradition and modernity, with interiors that mix antique furniture with contemporary design pieces, and that celebrate local craftsmanship and traditional techniques alongside innovative and sustainable solutions.
In recent times, a lot of space has been given to the recovery of ancient objects, which, no longer being used for their original purpose, are given new life, with new uses and uses, as in the case of wooden ladders, now used as coat hangers or plant holders, and large amphorae, once used for storing wine and oil, which now embellish courtyards, gardens and living room corners.
Focusing attention on the materials used, in addition to the aforementioned Lecce stone, tuff, wood and ceramic, cotton, linen and wicker are widely used, manifested in tablecloths and curtains, chairs and baskets.
The dominant color is white, the only one capable of attenuating the heat of the summer sun of this land, accompanied by a palette that ranges from earth tones to pastel colors, up to the most lively and vibrant tones.
A minimal - chic furniture, therefore, with clean lines, but never too precise, which leaves room for the simple but refined shapes of craftsmanship.
Conclusions
The architecture and furnishings of Salento represent a precious cultural heritage that enchants and inspires visitors from all over the world. Through their timeless beauty and their ability to tell millenary stories, the historic centers and traditional interiors of Salento continue to be a source of inspiration for artists, designers and culture enthusiasts, helping to preserve and enhance the unique identity of this fascinating corner of Italy.
Financial benefits for large, medium and small businesses
PIA TURISMO 2015
What do the Facilitation Programs provide?
Finally, thanks to the notice of the official bulletin of the Puglia Region, large, medium and small businesses can apply through the online procedure "PIA TURISMO" made available at www.sistemapuglia.it to take advantage of financial endowments made available provision for real estate redevelopment projects.
Let's better define who the beneficiaries are:
• Large-sized companies in the ordinary accounting regime which, on the date of submission of the application, have approved at least two financial statements;
• Medium-sized companies under ordinary accounting which, on the date of submission of the application, have approved at least two financial statements;
• Small businesses under ordinary accounting which, at the start of the request, have approved at least three financial statements from which an average turnover of not less than 1 million euros can be distinguished;
In addition to the subsidies, initiatives such as investment programs for the realization of:
1. Tourist-hotel activities, thanks to the physical and efficient recovery of unfinished structures, started in a legitimate way, destined for tourist-hotel activities;
2. Expansion, modernization and restructuring of tourist-hotel structures in order to raise quality standards and / or classification;
3. Construction of tourist-hotel facilities with a capacity of no less than 7 rooms to be consolidated, restored and / or rehabilitated any buildings of an artistic and historical nature, which at the time of submitting the application, the Declaration of interest was interposed cultural;
4. Consolidation, rehabilitation and restoration of rural buildings, farms, trulli, towers, fortifications in order to transform them into hotel structures with accommodation capacity of no less than 7 rooms;
5. Intervening on systems and structures to improve the quality of the property, such that it can favor tourism seasonal adjustment in the local area.
The costs allowed for those who choose the subsidy program:
The materials and expenses for the rehabilitation and construction must be used for the purposes of the program which is the subject of the request for subsidies. The eligible expenses are:
1. Purchase of company land and its accommodation within the limit of 10% of the investment in tangible assets;
2. Masonry and similar works;
3. New factory machinery, plants and equipment;
4. Purchase of patents, licenses, know-how and non-patented technical knowledge, new technologies of products and production processes, for the part in which they are used for the activity carried out in the production unit affected by the program, up to a maximum amount equal to 40% of the total investment.
In addition, expenses are allowed for:
• The acquisition of consulting services for business innovation and to improve the competitive positioning of local production systems concerning the environment, responsibility and ethics, business internationalization and e-business;
• Participation in trade fairs.
Bail-out vs bail-in
Why should you choose the investment of the brick?
A rule that entered into force on 1 January 2016 also in Italy, after the Chamber approved the "European delegation law" with (270 votes in favor, 113 against and 22 abstentions), provides that banks in default can draw from the accounts currents exceeding € 100,000.00 of account holders, including shares and bonds from customers - savers. This means that the bail-out, that is, the external bailout through the public coffers, is replaced by the bail-in, that is, the bailout of banks by drawing on internal resources. It is unacceptable to think that investors and shareholders can no longer rely on the concreteness of banks. From this it follows that investing in brick is the safest way to make a long-term investment.
IS BUYING A HOUSE A BARGAIN?
The answer is yes.
The markets today are not in good condition, also given last year's statistics which see the decline of 2.5% (according to the brokerage firm Tecnocasa), but thanks to the depreciated properties, investors can now deposit their savings in this type of market which is constantly evolving. In central and southern Italy at the moment, brick is considered a safer investment. The ascent towards an interest-bearing real estate market will be slow and not without its pitfalls, but it is expected that this year and the next year the sale will increase.
The Lecce stone
“In Lecce even the poorest houses are tasteful. In no other city have I seen so many doors, windows, loggias, pillars, balustrades all made of stone. Stone is easy to work here. "
(George Berkeley)
George Berkeley, famous theologian and philosopher considered, together with John Locke and David Hume, the father of empiricism, wrote some splendid words about Puglia and in particular about Lecce which he, in his "Travel diary in Italy" (1717), he defined in no uncertain terms "the most beautiful city in Italy". The philosopher appreciated the architecture of churches, convents and noble palaces, as well as the surrounding landscape and also expressed convinced praises on the people who lived in the city, of which he wrote "civilized and educated people, it seems that they have inherited the amiability of the ancient Greeks who in the past inhabited these parts of Italy ", but as the quote at the opening of this article shows, only part of the beauty of local architecture escaped his gaze as a sensitive empiricist, beyond the mastery of the craftsmen who built them, it was also due to the quality of the stone used in the construction, the famous “Lecce stone”.
The Lecce stone, called in dialect "leccisu", is of calcareous origin, is part of the group of marly calcarenites and its formation was identified by technicians in the Miocene period, or about 20 million years ago. Among its properties is the presence, in the formation itself, of shell fragments, small fossils that geologically enrich the structure, but also of clays, quartz and minerals that fortify it and make it even more unique. It is straw yellow in color, but the particularities of its composition enrich it with infinite shades that make it even more intriguing and spectacular.
In addition to characterizing it on a visual level, the very nature of the stone makes it very sensitive to the action of natural atmospheric agents, such as humidity or water stagnation, and also to agents of human origin such as smog. To make it more resistant, the master sculptors of the Baroque era used to treat the rock with milk, in fact lactose, penetrating inside the stone thanks to its porosity, endowed it with a waterproof protective layer, without altering its aesthetic qualities. This treatment also made it easier to process. Today the lactose-based treatment has not completely disappeared, but is joined by other more technological and modern treatments. It must be said that the wear of time sometimes enriches the Lecce stone, adding to its natural beauty a further very fascinating and warm chromatic range, with colors ranging from beige to amber and even, in some cases, to deep pink shades. The ease of processing Lecce stone, known for some time as the quote with which this article opens, is a feature that has certainly contributed to the local and later worldwide success of this precious material.
Lecce stone is mostly extracted in open-air quarries found above all in the municipalities of Lecce, Corigliano, Melpignano, Cursi and Maglie, at a depth of up to 50 meters; the hardness of the stone varies according to the depth of the extraction point and while the one extracted at more superficial levels is used above all to create sculptures and decorations, from the deep, harder benches, the material to be used in construction is extracted, to make plans and is also used as a refractory stone for fireplaces.
Lecce stone is part of the soul of Lecce Baroque, the architectural style born in the Salento capital between the end of the sixteenth century and the first half of the eighteenth century, recognizable for its splendid decorations that characterize the coatings of the buildings. The style, influenced by the Spanish Plateresque, owes its birth to the work of local architects such as Giuseppe Zimbalo (1617-1710) and Giuseppe Cino (1644-1722). The fruits of this peculiar style to be absolutely known are the Palazzo dei Celestini, the church of Santa Croce, the Church of Santa Chiara, the Church of Santa Irene and the Duomo, we will talk more about it on this blog. The Lecce stone enjoyed great success during the Baroque era, but it was already appreciated in the classical and pre-classical era.
Among the sculptors who have used and still use the Lecce stone today, we point out the work of Stefano Garrisi, Renzo Buttazzo, Antonio Margarito and Andrea Serra.
The Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park
Ten kilometers away from the Municipality of Nardò and a little less than twenty from the Municipality of Gallipoli there is an obligatory stop for those visiting Salento: a natural oasis that includes the Cala di Porto Selvaggio, the Palude del Capitano and the Torre dall 'Alto, a natural area protected by regional law since 2006 and included in 2007 in the list of "100 places to save" of the Italian Environment Fund (FAI).
We said an obligatory appointment, for lovers of seaside resorts, sports and nature in general. You can get there by driving a few minutes from the Municipality of Nardò and after having parked in one of the stops used, you walk a few hundred meters and find yourself in front of a natural spectacle to rub your eyes, a long descent immersed in nature leads in fact to a small beach of gravel and pebbles with a crystalline sea, whose waters are particularly refreshing and invigorating, also due to a current of fresh and cold water that reaches directly into the bay. The beach is surrounded by a large pine forest, whose trees were planted in the 1950s to reclaim the largely marshy surrounding land.
Within this natural park, which is not limited to the beach area, but includes over four hundred hectares of land, of which over two hundred and sixty of pine forest, there are various itineraries and different possibilities to relax or play sports; there are in fact the surrounding cliffs, a little more inaccessible than the "pine forest area", but which still allow bathing, there are also the numerous paths inside the pine forest, usable for walks or picnics and which are also an unmissable appointment for lovers of trekking and mountain biking. Speaking of trekking, among the most remarkable views of the park, returning to Gallipoli, you can go up along the pine forest and admire the Tower of Santa Maria from the High, an ancient watchtower, located 50 meters above sea level, on a rocky spur overlooking the beach, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire natural park. The tower was erected in the second half of the 16th century and was part of an elaborate system of defensive turrets spread over the entire Salento coast, communicating to the north with Torre Uluzzo and to the south with Torre Santa Caterina. This system of turrets represents a historical heritage of the Salento area, but in a certain sense it is also an emotional heritage for the local population, as each of these turrets marks the landscape of the Salento coast in a unique way, we will talk about it in more detail with another article on this blog.
Speaking of history, the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, in addition to the landscape treasure and the possibilities for sports of various kinds, also offers unmissable opportunities for archeology enthusiasts: eight different archaeological sites in the cave have been identified within the park , a sign of presence first by Neanderthal groups and subsequently by Sapiens, and the territory of the Municipality of Nardò is the center of an extraordinary "district of prehistory", with a historical stratification ranging from Neanderthal and Sapiens frequentations to those left by Messapi and then later by the Romans, up to the baroque architecture of the historic center of the same municipality. The Museum of Prehistory of Nardò, located in the former convent of Sant’Antonio da Padova, preserves most of the finds from archaeological research conducted in the area.
This wonderful natural oasis is located on the side of the Salento coast that faces west and therefore those who are there at sunset will see the sun slowly sink into the sea, we therefore recommend that you end your day in Porto Selvaggio with an aperitif in one of the numerous bars or kiosks between the natural oasis and Gallipoli, you will end a simply perfect day at the beach.
The sentinels of Salento: the history of the coastal towers
The coast of Salento always offers a remarkable panoramic spectacle, whether you go up it towards the north of the region from the eastern part or towards the city of Taranto from the western Ionian part, or that you descend it towards the Capo di Leuca, the beauty of the glimpses is always worthwhile and it is difficult to resist the desire to stop and enjoy the view of the sea, the golden sunrises or the fiery sunsets.
Those familiar with these splendid landscapes will have noticed that there are often stone turrets, or the remains of these, to shore up these views, as if they had been placed there for aesthetic reasons, as if to act as a vertical counterpoint on the mainland to the horizon. fixed of the sea. They almost represent milestones in the economy of the landscape, they also constitute an emotional heritage for the local population that associates with the surrounding marinas, so much so that some of these towers over time have become part of the Salento toponymy, even if officially as a "locality", often these towers indicate places of their own, for an inhabitant of the area going to Porto Miggiano is different than going to Santa Cesarea Terme, despite Porto Miggiano being a "locality" of the Municipality of Santa Cesarea Terme.
But what do we know about these towers? When were they built and for what reason? It is interesting to answer these questions because the answers tell us a lot about the history of Salento and more generally of all of Southern Italy. The construction of coastal towers has an essentially military reason, they have always been primarily outposts for sighting and defense from the incursions of enemy armies or "pirates", those of which traces remain on the territory or in historical documents all date back to medieval times, although it is probable that some of them were also built in previous eras, but no trace remains of these, those that remain visible today date back either to the years of the 11th century or, in most cases, to the years between XVI and XVII centuries, the years in which Don Pedro Álvarez de Toledo y Zúñiga reigned over all of Southern Italy as Viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples, on behalf of Charles V of Habsburg.
The first coastal towers in Southern Italy were therefore built in the 11th century to defend the territories from pirate raids, but due to the continuous political changes that never allowed a stable administration of the territory, a real integrated and functioning defense system on the whole coast was never finished and the few towers built ended up becoming the property of local families, who used them to defend and guard their possessions exclusively. Things changed in the mid-fifteenth century, when the raids on the Italian territory of pirates and especially of the Ottoman invaders became more and more frequent, in fact the capture of Otranto by the Ottoman invaders dates back to the year 1480, who in reaching the Salento town did not they found practically no resistance, above all they were able to land on the Salento territory without being sighted and therefore without anyone notifying the citizens of Otranto.
Just following the tragic event, Don Pedro de Toledo, who became Viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples in 1532, decided to implement and operate the system of control turrets, which had to be enough to be able to monitor the entire coast of Southern Italy and since the the main danger was the increasingly powerful Ottoman Empire and therefore it came from the East, it was Salento, due to its exposed geographical position, that was at the center of this surveillance system. This type of enterprise, that is the construction of over 300 coastal towers, for the canons of the time was not at all trivial, also for a matter of costs, so the towers were often built with a rather innovative "procurement" system for the time , or rather the construction was entrusted to a private individual who in exchange for the work could boast the military title of "Captain of the tower". There was no shortage of unforeseen events, for example in some cases these private individuals, despite the precise indication of the Viceroy to use fresh water for the processing and laying of materials, used the salt water of the sea to save costs, but the towers built with the salt water suffered from erosion and collapsed in no time. Despite these unforeseen events, the work was slowly completed and the Kingdom of Naples suffered the Ottoman advance with less and less damage, until the decisive battle of Lepanto in 1571 averted the Ottoman danger for our coasts forever.