WHO WE ARE ???
SMART is a nonprofit, no-party and apolitical cultural youth association, founded in 2012. It’s specialized in youth work, focused on the educational sector and international mobility. The key words to describe Smart are: creativity, culture, nature and environmental sustainability, intercultural dialog, joy, European awareness, research, democracy, active participation, tolerance, inclusion, information, voluntary. Smart was created by a group of university students with common interests, ideas, passions and goals. Always engaged in the promotion of active citizenship, cultural rights, legality and social commitment, those same friends have decided to create an association in 2012 that can be a reference point for young people, a meeting place to discuss, put together ideas and opinions, generate culture and social integration. Each of us is a European citizen with equal rights and opportunities and instruments, such as intercultural and religious dialogue, comparison, European mobility, active citizenship that are a way of collective and individual growth, which favors the social inclusion and fights against prejudice, racism and xenophobia. There have been many initiatives taken on the university level, such as meetings, collaborations, discussions on issues of local and international interest. Smart is an association created in a university context and at the moment, many of the members non-residents of Pisa, have returned to their city and considering that most of the members who were part of it were from Salento and thanks to the great investment of the Region of Puglia on youth and cultural policies, we decided to move the headquarters of Smart in Salento. The mission of the association is to educate the young people through non- formal working methods. The main activities will focus on: Intercultural activities; Art and culture European consciousness Active Citizenship Goals: Active participation Personal development of young people Promotion of international mobility Promotion of youth creativity and innovation Solidarity among young people
Development of learning and intercultural skills Promotion of artistic expressions and cultures Training To achieve these goals, SMART is organizing the following activities: Cultural Activities: meetings and events Educational Activities: educational thematic workshops for young people Intercultural Youth Exchange: projects to bring together groups of young people from two or more countries, giving them the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on various issues and in the same time to learn about other countries and cultures. A Youth Exchange is based on a transnational partnership between two or more promoters from different countries.
Smart was born with the intention of giving life to a cultural and recreational project that encourages the participation and leadership of young people of their own territory, which promotes the integration of different cultures and languages and allows to give voice to all the artistic realities, especially to that youth that have no place in the traditional circuits.
In September 2015 Smart Association presented “ The Door of the Opportunities” : “Starting Point” which will not be a common information board about timetables and routes, but rather an active instrument of contact between youngsters through the world of culture and Salentine work. Generating a virtuous circle of information and work. A slim and functional information point can represent a concrete response to the needs of the Youth. The “Starting Point” door hat the aim to train, inform and support young people so that they can enhance their potential and become active citizens and protagonists of their own learning process.
Hosting a European volunteer means implementing a participation and engagement process with a new instrument. Until today, Smart Association has mainly promoted group activities, but now it is time activate the opportunities also for individuals, in order to focus on their process and skills that the individuals can get during their specific learning moments of life. The association intend to offer opportunities to develop and grow, because it’s an important way for young people to acquire soft skills or skills that gather personal qualities, the attitude in the workplace and the knowledge in the field of interpersonal relations.
Smart creates projects that aim to support young people and their skill development (empowerment through the development of transversal and technical skills). In general, the association has a growing interest in the promotion of sharing, knowledge and cultural exchanges between the local and European young people, after seeing the impact and effects of the previous hosting projects and the participation of local youth in projects abroad and also the growing of the cultural sense of European identity. This is why the association would like to continue this important experience through regular and consistent hospitality of European volunteers.
POGGIARDO
Poggiardo is a small village with 6,175 inhabitants in the province of Lecce, in Puglia. It is located in the south- eastern of Italy in an area called ‘Salento’. Salento is situated exactly on the heel of Italian ‘boot’. This part of Italy has its own particular climate, culture, tradition, music and folks dance called pizzica, language, dialect, and food.
In Poggiardo you are involved in many aspects of Salento culture: the Mediterranean climate, the Salentino dialect, a very particular language that only the people who live here can speak and understand, the Baroque style of the churches and the monuments, the typical Salento dishes, and the friendly and nice people.
The climate of Poggiardo has the features of Mediterranean climate. During the winter, the climate is mild and with above-zero temperatures. However some days can be cold and rainy because of the freezing cold winds that blow on Salento from the North of Italy. In summer the weather is very hot and always sunny.
The community of Poggiardo gives so importance for keeping their traditions, festivals and culture. In summer time the community organizes special events and nights with different cultural activities to promote its music and dance. Each Wednesday the bazaar is set up to sell some local products and to keep the typical local foods alive. Besides bazaar, festivals are also a really important occasion to get some ideas about Salento traditions, culture and music. During the festival you can have the possibility of listening the songs of this area with the special folk dance called pizzica.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Hospital / Post Office / Pharmacy / Palazzo Culturale
Hospital The Francesco Piscipo Hospital provides you limited health services with your insurance because it hasn’t got sufficient equipment for every kind of health problems. In the Hospital you can find day surgery, fisiokinesi therapy, radiology ward, general medicine and analysis laboratory. In case you should need other specific treatments you might go to a more equipped hospital in Tricase or in Scorrano. The staff of the hospital is competent and the doctors and the nurses will do their best to make you feel good. Via Armando Diaz, Tel. 0836/908111
Pharmacy There are two pharmacies in Poggiardo: in case you need some medicines, you can buy them with your personal money and then the you will be paid by your sending organization. Via V.Emanuele, 40, 0836-901006, Piazza Umberto I, 0836-909090
Post Office The post office of Poggiardo is in front of the Pam supermarket.The volunteers who aren’t member of the EU can get the application form of Residence Permit from Post Office. Also for the PostePay – which is a special card that can be used like a credit card when you do shopping – you need to go to the Post Office.
Palazzo della Cultura You can find Palazzo della Cultura in Umberto I square. It organizes exhibitions, conferences, cultural activities. You can get all the information about the monthly events from the Official City Council web site of Poggiardo http://www.poggiardo.com/.
TRANSPORTATION
Train
In this part of Italy the main public transport is the train. Especially in Salento if you want to reach small villages you can take the train. For this reason, it’s better for you to get monthly train schedule. You can get more detailed information from the website of Ferrovie del Sud Est, FSE: www.fseonline.it. On Sunday and holidays there are no trains. If you want to go to Lecce or to another villages, there is only one bus in the morning and one in the night. You can find the schedule for these days in the above-mentioned webpage. These buses starts from front of Caffé Borghese. The train tickets also can be used in the bus. Do not forget to validate your ticket after the purchase, you can find the machines next to the desk. If you are thinking about travel around Italy, in Lecce you can find different types of trains powered by Trenitalia, the Italian train company. Trenitalia provides you high-velocity trains like Frecciabianca or Intercity with different prices and offers especially for the weekend. www.trenitalia.com
GAGLIANO - LECCE
GAGLIAN 05:40 06:11 06:54 08:12 08:58 09:51 11:54 13:30 14:57 17:20 18:54 20:46 O TRICASE 05:56 06:27 07:11 08:29 09:15 10:00 12:11 13:46 15:14 17:29 19:11 20:55 POGGIAR 06:18 06:50 07:33 08:52 09:37 10:14 12:34 14:09 15:37 17:43 19:33 21:09 DO MAGLIE 06:42 07:05 07:49 09:08 09:52 10:25 12:50 14:38 15:53 17:54 19:48 21:20 ZOLLINO 07:00 07:22 08:06 09:24 10:06 10:34 13:04 14:57 16:08 18:04 20:02 21:29 LECCE 07:25 07:42 08:29 09:47 10:29 10:50 13:31 15:20 16:31 18:19 20:27 21:46
(Fast Train) Gagliano -Lecce: the trains stops just at Tricase, Poggiardo, Maglie, Treno Veloce: Zollino
LECCE - GAGLIANO
LECCE 05:54 06:55 07:58 09:56 10:44 13:00 13:41 14:32 17:26 18:59 20:51 ZOLLINO 06:18 07:28 08:23 10:13 11:16 13:28 14:12 15:02 17:42 19:28 21:07 MAGLIE 06:33 07:50 08:37 10:24 11:34 13:52 14:37 15:20 14:53 19:49 21:19 POGGIARDO 06:49 08:05 08:53 10:33 11:49 14:08 14:51 15:36 18:02 20:04 21:28 TRICASE 07:12 08:28 09:16 10:47 12:12 14:30 15:15 15:58 18:16 20:26 21:42 GAGLIANO 07:28 08:43 09:32 10:56 12:28 14:46 15:30 16:13 18:25 20:42 21:51
Treno Veloce: (Fast Train):From Lecce to Gagliano the trains stops only at Zollino, Maglie, Poggiardo, Tricase Valid schedule from 30th June to 31st August
103 lines cittá station time POGGIARDO Piazza G. Casciaro 08:46 10:06 11:41 13:06 16:11 21:06 22:41 VASTE Via G. D'Annunzio, 126 08:50 10:10 11:45 13:10 16:15 21:10 22:45 S.CESAREA TERME Via Umberto I, 24 09:00 10:20 11:55 13:20 16:25 21:20 22:55 S.CERAREA TERME Torre Miggiano 09:05 10:25 12:00 13:25 16:30 21:25 23:00 CASTRO Grotta Zinzulusa 09:09 10:29 12:04 13:29 16:34 21:29 23:04 CASTRO Incrocio per Castro Marina 09:12 10:32 12:07 13:32 16:37 21:32 23:07 CASTRO Via Panoramica (parcheggio) 09:17 10:37 12:12 13:37 16:42 21:37 23:12 MARITTIMA DI DISO discesa Villa Elena 09:20 10:40 12:15 13:40 16:45 21:40 23:15 MARITTIMA DI DISO insenatura Acquaviva 09:22 10:42 12:17 13:42 16:47 21:42 23:17 MARITTIMA DI DISO discesa Arenosa 09:24 10:44 12:19 13:44 16:49 21:44 23:19 MARINA DI ANDRANO Grotta Verde (parcheggio) 09:32 10:52 12:27 13:52 16:57 21:52 23:27
103 lines
cittá station time
MARINA DI ANDRANO Grotta Verde (parcheggio) 05:15 07:45 10:00 14:05 17:55 19:25 22:30 MARITTIMA DI DISO discesa Arenosa 05:23 07:53 10:08 14:13 18:03 19:33 22:38 MARITTIMA DI DISO insenatura Acquaviva 05:25 07:55 10:10 14:15 18:05 19:35 22:40 MARITTIMA DI DISO discesa Villa Elena 05:27 07:57 10:12 14:17 18:07 19:37 22:42 CASTRO Via Panoramica (parcheggio) 05:30 08:00 10:15 14:20 18:10 19:40 22:45 CASTRO Incrocio per Castro Marina 05:35 08:05 10:20 14:25 18:15 19:45 22:50 CASTRO Grotta Zinzulusa 05:38 08:08 10:23 14:28 18:18 19:48 22:53 S.CESAREA TERME Torre Miggiano 05:42 08:12 10:27 14:32 18:22 19:52 22:57 S.CESAREA TERME Via Umberto I, 24 05:47 08:17 10:32 14:37 18:27 19:57 23:02 VASTE Via G. D'Annunzio, 126 05:57 08:27 10:42 14:47 18:37 20:07 23:12 POGGIARDO Piazza G. Casciaro 06:01 08:31 10:46 14:51 18:41 20:11 23:16
Bus Travelling around in Salento you can use SalentoInBus. It has different lines, mainly from Lecce. Some goes along the seaside till Gallipoli or Santa Maria di Leuca or across Maglie. Only the Linea103 goes through Poggiardo and reaches the coast at Santa Caserea Terme, Castro and finally Marina di Andrano. http://www.provincia.le.it/web/provincialecce/trasporti/orari-e-linee
Besides trains Intercity buses are another option to travel around Italy. But the buses don’t depart directly from Poggiardo but from Maglie (or Lecce) where there is a small bus station. The tickets can be bought from travel agency which is in Umberto I square, but for each ticket you will have to pay an extra charge for service costs (nearly about 4€).
Bicycle
Bicycles are the cheapest way to move in Salento. With the bicycles that Smart association gives, you can choose your own route for the weekend. Even if there aren’t any private routes for bicycles, it’s possible to go to Castro and Santa Cesarea which have got a beautiful seaside. But before starting to ride by bicycles, you must take enough caution otherwise you have to walk or hitch-hike to return
SHOPPING
Supermarkets:
Eurospin Eurospin is one of the cheapest supermarkets in Poggiardo. It is 1,5 km. far from the center of Poggiardo, so you can reach it on foot or by bicycle. There are many kinds of products: pasta, meat, fish, bread, milk, whatever you need, and you don’t spend too much money for them. It is open all days but is closed on Sunday afternoon. From 13.00 P.M to 16.30 P.M (siesta time) it also will be closed in a week days. Opening and closing times change according to winter and summer periods.
Pam Pam is another supermarket which is very close to the center of Poggiardo and near to the Post Office. The prices of Pam aren’t so cheap like Eurospin, but you can find every kind of products. Pam is opened all mornings until 1 P.M and in the afternoon from 4 P.M until 8 P.M.
Maxisidis The main advantage of this supermarket is the flexible opening and closing hours. It is opened during the whole day from 7.30 A.M to 8.00 P.M. Another important information about this supermarket is the possibility of finding bread on Sundays from 8.00 A.M. to 1 P.M.
The Bazaar Every Wednesday in Poggiardo there is a big bazaar that starts from the train-station and arrives to the Caffè Borghese. You have the possibility of doing shopping from 8.00 A.M to 12.30 P.M. You can buy food, new and second hands clothes, flowers, and what you need for your house.
The bazaar is really a good opportunity to understand the habits of Poggiardo’s people and to make some practice in Italian. Even if most of the people speak their own local language, the dialect, you can hear some phrases in Italian. The inhabitants of this village are really friendly and kind people. If you worried about the barrier of language don’t hesitate to communicate with them because they are happy to help you.
SOCIAL LIFE
Caffè Borghese Caffè Borghese is one of the most popular restaurant –caffè where you can taste typical dishes in harmony with Salento cuisine. You can eat or drink something with reasonable prices. You find Caffè Borghese in the heart of Poggiardo and many people go there to take Espresso coffee, so sometimes it can be very crowded.
Here you can find people from Poggiardo but also people from closer villages. Sometimes Caffè Borghese organizes special nights with DJ performances, tribute bands and hosts some popular groups for live concerts. It is opened also on Sunday.
Menu: Espresso coffee, sandwiches, salads, pizza and pastries.
Special nights: DJ performances, tribute bands, live concerts, Credit cards, Fast Service
American Bar American Bar is a classic Italian bar with the label of “Illy” coffee which you can find in all Italy. So if you want to taste famous Italian coffee, American Bar can be the best place for you. Besides coffee you can taste many traditional desserts with the liqueur or the cocktail you prefer. The barmen who work there are very friendly and professional.
Menu: coffee, cocktails, liqueurs, desserts, salads
Credit cards, Tables to sit down, Delicious drinks
The Restaurants
In Poggiardo you can eat very tasty Italian pizza in many restaurants: Oasi, Masquenada, Tesoretto, Toto’s.
Oasi Oasi is a typical Italian restaurant which provides its guests a large variety of Italian pizza. The prices are cheap but each person has to pay an extra of 1 - 1,50€ for cover charge which is an additional charge per person in restaurant and pub.
Menu: pizza, calzone, pasta, seafood, meat,
Credit cards, Slow service
Tesoretto Tesoretto is the biggest restaurant of Poggiardo, so if you don’t want to eat pizza, Tesoretto can be your alternative to taste different types of dishes. The prices of this restaurant are above the standards, related to the service quality. It is far from the city center (20min on foot) and it is better to take bicycle or car when you go there.
Menu: pizza, pasta, meat, seafood, special dishes of Salento,
Large Beer Menu, Free Aperitive, Possibility of watch football matches
LEISURE TIME
Even if Poggiardo is a small village, there are several places which provide you to spend good time depending on your personal interests.
Swimming pool If you are interested in swimming you can go to Hydropolis, a semi Olympic swimming pool nearby Caffè Borghese, in Via O. Tiso, 54, tel./fax 0836 901109 cell. -338 5753237 You pay only 5€ and you can relieve from the stress of a day! There are many professional trainers who organize some sportive and healthy activities during the week for you according to your weekly schedule. Some of the activities you can do are: water polo, hydro bike, individual swimming lessons, scuba diving courses, therapeutic swimming. The swimming pool will be closed on Sunday.
Library You can find a small library in the center of Poggiardo, in Palazzo della Cultura, Piazza Umberto I. If you are a member, you can borrow some books. It is not possible to find every kind of books you need but in the library there are many books about Italian culture. There are also many computers with Internet connection.
If you are searching for a big library, you can go to Maglie in Via Vittorio Emanuele, 117. The Francesco Piccinno library gives you the possibility to find magazines, novels, history books, encyclopedias. This library offers also the opportunity of borrowing some movies within membership. Besides this, there is a WiFi zone with several computers. The library organizes seminars, open air cinema, didactic works and summer camps. The opening and closing times of the two libraries are limited only for the afternoons. They will be opened every morning in a week days:
Poggiardo Library: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00 A.M to 12.00 A.M; Tuesday and Thursday from 4.00 P.M to 6.30 P.M Maglie Library: From Monday to Friday from 9.00 A.M to 1.00 P.M; Monday and Thursday from 4.00 P.M to 6.30 P.M
Sport & Nature
There is a huge countryside which is ideal to get some fresh air or to go for a walk along the trekking route (Pineta Marirossi). If you want to go for a walk in this countryside you don’t risk of losing yourself because there are some signs that give enough information about the route.
Sport Center
If you like sport and have enough time for yourself, you can go to the Style Fitness gym center in Poggiardo, via Monti Li Gatti, 5. Here you can take care of your body with the help of professional trainers.
The monthly price of the gym center is 25€, but if you make a good bargain you can pay much less. It’s also possible to join other activities which are organized by the gym center without paying extra money, fox example Zumba.
The staff of the gym center is so kind and friendly so don’t hesitate to ask for their help. The language will not be a problem for you.
It’s opened from Monday to Sunday, from 9.00 A.M to 10.30 P.M
Stadium of Poggiardo
If you are a football lover, there is a stadium where you can watch the matches of local teams on Sundays.
In some restaurants and pub you can watch the Italian football matches of major and bush leagues on TV.
“SWEET” PLACES
Martinucci
Martinucci is one of the most famous bakeries you can find in many villages near Poggiardo: Santa Maria di Leuca, Specchia, Tricase, Maglie, Otranto, Lecce, Gallipoli. It was founded in 1950 by Giovanni Martinucci. Since 1950 this label preserves its traditional recipes and continues to satisfy its clients with delicious tastes.
In Martinucci you can taste Salento’s traditional delicious pastries like pasticiotto, tiramisu, cheesecake, and salty baked products like calzoni, rustici, pizza.
You have to taste the wonderful ice-creams… a pleasure for your eyes but especially for your mouth! You’ll come back to Martinucci to buy your favorite ice- cream any time you want to feed your stomach. If you are a coffee lover, Martinucci recommends you to drink coffee with ice-cream or coffee with chocolate and cream. In summer there is another coffe speacialty: coffe with ice and almond milk.
Crema & Cioccolatto
If you want to try delicious tastes of Salento without going far from Poggiardo, Crema & Ciocolatto is the best choice you can make. One of the best specialties of this bakery is the “cornetto”. It is made of puff pastry full of hot chocolate, cream or marmalade. You can eat it for breakfast with milk or coffee but also after dinner, if you are still hungry. If you want to enjoy this piece of glory, you have to go early in the morning to taste fresh-baked cornetti. In Crema & Cioccolato you can also buy biscuits and other Salento typical dessert and liqueurs.
You can find this bakery in Via Sant’ Antonio, 6.
SALENTO
Salento is described as a “heel of Italian boot” and the three specialities of this region are “Lu Sule, Lu Mare, Lu Ientu” – the sun, the sea and the wind.
CASTRO: It is the nice, small, touristic city situated on the seaside. It’s origins dates back IV c. In 1480, following the sacking of Otranto, the city was invaded by the Turks. Now is popular touristic and leisure place. In the city you can find: Port for boats and stone beach Caves (Grotte) – worth to visit natural caves, like Grotta Zinzulusa (from Pliocen period, which is considered one of the most interested because of its stalactities), Romanelli or Blue Grotto. Castle - The oldest building of the Aragonese castle, dating from the XII-XIII c., was built on the ruins of the Byzantine fortress. When the city was invaded by the Turks and the castle was partially destroyed. The Sienese architect Tiburcio Spannocchi designed the complete restructuring of the defense, with the construction of the rampart to protect the Porta Terra, the massive south tower, called Torre Catalano, and a fortified wall. Walls (Mura) – the antique walls enclosing old town of Castro Antique churches - Chiesa dell'Annunziata (Church of the Mary Annunciated, constructed in XII c., Romanian style), Byzantine basilica (rest of the church from Byzantine, IX-X c., build on by early Christian, in XVIII was walled and used as cemetery), Palazzo Vescovile (leaning of the eastern side of Chiesa dell'Annunziata, was residence of bishops of Castro)
HOW TO GET THERE? Castro is situated 9 km from Poggiardo, you can go there By foot (about 1,5 h) By bus (One of SalentoInBus line)
WHY IS IT WORTH TO VISIT? You can swim and sunbathe on the seaside - there is a stone beach and a lot of Italians spend their leisure time there You can go on boat tour to see all the beautiful caves – some of them you can visit both from seaside and from the mainland. Trip in which you can visit all the caves from the seaside (not going out from the boat), starts from the port and lasts about 1h. Cost 10 euro per person. Also you can go by foot to Grotta Zinzulusa, in this case you can get into the cave (5 euro for entrance) and go on boat trip from there (another 5 euro per person). Castro is touristic place, so if you want to purchase some souvenirs or typical products you can go shopping there You can visit the Castle from the XII c., in which at present you can also see the archaeological exhibit.
LECCE:
Is a historic city (over 2,000 years old), one of the most beautiful in southern Italy. Full of baroque building and monuments, with lovely historical centre is called “The Florence of the South”. City is the Capital of the province of Lecce, one of the most important cities of Apulia and main city of the Salentine Peninsula, with 95,200 inhabitants. The city has a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation. It is famous of the "Lecce stone" - the city's main export, because it is very soft and malleable, thus suitable for sculptures. In the city you can find:
Great historical centre, with the main square Sant'Oronzo, which is the heart of the town, with the ancient and the modern buildings situated next to each other. Among the varied structures here is the Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century and was able to seat more than 25,000 people. It is now half-buried because other monuments were built above it over the centuries. The theatre is currently used for different religious and arts events. In the square also you can see the statue of a bishop perched on a column represents Sant'Oronzo, a patron saint of Lecce. The column is one of two which originally marked the end of the Roman Appian Way, the main road between Rome and southern Italy, in Brindisi. Piazza del Duomo, which is an cathedral square, about 400 metres away from the piazza Sant’oronzo. Lecce Cathedral is also one of the most significant cathedrals in Italy. It was originally built in 1144. Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di Santa Croce). One of the most important monuments in Lecce. It was begun in 1353, but work was halted more than 150 years. The church has a richly decorated façade with animals, grotesque figures and vegetables, and a large rose window – one of the most beautiful fasade in the Italian churches. Torre del Parco ("Park Tower") is one of the medieval symbols of Lecce. It was erected in 1419 by Giovanni Antonio Del Balzo Orsini, prince of Lecce. The tower, standing at more than 23 metres (75 ft), is surrounded by a ditch in which bears (the heraldic symbol of the Orsini del Balzo) were reared. The Castle of Charles V was built in 1539–49 by Gian Giacomo dell'Acaja. It has a trapezoidal plan with angular bastions. It is attached to the Politeama Greco Opera House, inaugurated on 15 November 1884. The Triumphal Arch (Arco di Trionfo, commonly called Porta Napoli, "Neapolitan Gate") which is one of the three gates to enter Lecce's historical city centre. It replaced an older gate, Porta S. Giusto, which, according the tradition, lay over the tomb of the namesake saint. The Archaeological Museum Sigismondo Castromediano.
HOW TO GET THERE: Lecce is located 39 km away from Poggiardo. You can easily go there by train, which goes almost every one hour. Cost of the one way ticket is 2,80. Remember that last train from Lecce goes at 20:51. On Sunday instead of trains there are buses, and the schedule changes.
WHY IS IT WORTH TO VISIT? Lecce is one of the most beautiful and amazing cities of Italy – it’s a common travel destination which attracts a lot of tourist. Just walking about the city is a great experience. Lecce is a touristic, cultural and entertaining place – full both of monuments, museums and history and restaurants, shops or cpubs. You can spend all day there, visiting the city or doing shopping. Lecce night life is even better – streets are full of people enjoying together, drinking outside and chatting. There is great atmosphere and illuminated old buildings look amazing. It's worth visiting the Roman theatre and its little museum, in the centre of Lecce (Museo Teatro Romano, open Mon-Sat mornings). The town's principal archaeological museum, the Museo Provinciale, has some interesting exhibits from Puglia's long history, including Greek and pre-Greek ceramics. Entrance is free; the museum is located on Viale Gallipoli, not far from the railway station. It's closed for an hour at lunchtime, and on Sunday afternoons. There is a reasonable selection of restaurants in the historic centre, and others in the streets beyond. Wandering along the central Corso Vittorio Emanuele and down Via Palmieri you'll pass a choice of places for eating and drinking. One shop you must visit is Gelateria Pasticceria Natale, Lecce's finest (and most popular) ice cream and cake shop. Situated just off Piazza Sant' Oronzo, this is a temple of chocolate, gelato and pastry, and it is open from early morning until late at night.
OTRANTO:
Otranto is a historic seaside town and port on the Adriatic coast. It's a small place with a lovely holiday atmosphere. The Strait of Otranto, connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and separates Italy from Albania. The lighthouse Faro della Palascìa, at approximately 5 kilometres southeast of Otranto, marks the most easterly point of the Italian mainland. Otranto has a colourful and mixed past. It was important as a Greek and then Roman port. Later it was ruled by the Byzantines, the Normans and the Aragonese. In 1480 the town was invaded by Turks. In the city you can find: Beautiful, sandy beach in the centre of the city. Santa Maria Annunziata catheadral – located in the historical centre was constructed in XII c. (open 7am-noon and 3pm-8pm). In the church there is beautiful mosaic - pictures within the mosaic include religious stories, but also historical and mythical figures. In 2013 the church became famous because of consecration by Pope Francesco the Martyrs of Otranto – 800 person who refused converting to islam and were killed by Turches during the invasion in XV c. Now they bones nad relics surround the high altar. The church has also a beautiful crypt supported by 42 marble columns. Chiesa di San Pietro – in the old part of town is a very different church, the little Byzantine . This is an attractive small building containing Byzantine frescoes Aragon Castle (Castello Aragonese) – the most important monument of Otranto. The current building is fifteenth-century, though it was built on one of Frederick II's earlier fortresses. It is open to the public and sometimes houses temporary exhibitions. Otranto's small tourist information office lies close to the castle in Piazza Castello.
HOW TO GET THERE: Otranto can be reached by rail - going from Poggiardo you need to change in Maglie. On Sundays there is a bus replacement service. One way journey takes about 40 minutes (depends which connection you take). Otranto's railway station is a short distance from the centre of town. Leaving the station, walk downhill to a roundabout, and take the narrow lane which descends opposite, next to a little shop. Continuing straight on you reach the modern seafront; the historic centre is to your right.
WHY IS WORTH TO VISIT: The picture-perfect blue waters, white buildings and diving rocks make Otranto the frequent articles about Puglia. You can swim in the turquoise water and sunbath on the lovely sandy beach, but you need to be prepared for crowd – Otranto is really popular place both for tourist and locals. On a clear day it is possible to see over the Strait of Otranto to Albania. Visitors can simply enjoy historic town, coming across picturesque scenes and views. The centre is still enclosed within its defensive walls. The busiest lanes are lined with souvenir shops (ceramics, sandals, that sort of thing) and with restaurants and bars so it is really good place for leisure time. You can also purchase souvenirs and local products, postcards and so on.
SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA:
Santa Maria di Leuca, often spelled simply Leuca, from Leukos, - "white". It is renowned touristic localization, the southmost place of Italy, one of the top touristic place in Salento. The name was attributed by antic greek marines, which were coming from the East, because they saw this place shining because of the sun and called it “leuca”, which means “white” in greek language. City was founded in fact in the early 1st century AD by some monks, after Saint Peter's passage. Often this place is belived to be the meeting point of Adriatic and Ionic Sea (but in fact this point is near to Otranto). In the city you can find:
Sandy beach in the centre of the town Iconic lighthouse (Il Faro), of which the city is famous. With its height of 47 metres, and position at 102 metres above sea level, is the second most important lighthouse in Italy, after Genova. Basilica De Finibus Terrae ("End of the Land", 1720-1755), next to the lighthouse. This is a large Sanctuary built to commemorate the passage of St. Peter, during his travel to Italy. It is devoted to Saint Mary (from whom the town gets the name Santa Maria di Leuca). It lies on the former site of a Roman temple dedicated to Minerva. The edifice has a fortified structure, and during its existence it sustained several assault by Algerian pirates. In the same site, a Corinthian column was erected in 1939 to celebrate the construction of the Apulian Aqueduct (Acquedotto Pugliese). The basilica is connected to the port through a 284-step staircase. Lovely view, with the eclectic villas – Leuca is famous of its splendid villas constructed in XIX c., created thanks to rich culture being mixture of various mediterean poulations (e.g. Villa Meridiana e Villa Episcopo, Villa dei Misteri). Numerous natural caves (grotte) with great historical and natural value, from Paleolitic period: grottoes – dei Giganti, del Presepe, del Diavolo and del Drago – they were actually settlements in the Neolithic Era, while today they draw plenty of tourists due to the efforts by local tourism groups to organize visits by boat and underwater excursions.
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way is to take train from Poggiardo to Gagliano (cost of one way ticket is about 2 euro). From Gagliano you can walk to the city (about 8 km), or take the bus.
WHY IT IS WORTH TO VISIT: You can enjoy the beautiful view and have a lovely walk trough the city You can swim and sunbath in the nice, sandy beach You can find a lot of gelaterias, restaurants, souvenir shops – its popular touristic centre
SANTA CESAREA TERME:
Situated on the coast at the beginning of the Otranto canal on a terrace of the coast which comes down to the sea, the town of Santa Cesarea is one of the most important centres of care of Salento. The exploitation of the waters, coming from four caves, dates back to 1500 and on these caves is based the economy of the whole town. An ancient local legend claims that the area got its name because a young woman called Cisaria fled from her abusive father and hiding in one of the many grottos, lost her life when she slipped and fell into the hot waters below. In the city you can find: Palazzo Sticchi and Villa Raffaella – both were built in Moorish style, now converted to luxurious apartments. Chiesa Madre – where according to the tradition the Virgin Caserea died. In the church you can find a statue of the Virgin made by paper mache, which is a very popular art technique in this region. Torre Miggiano – One of watchtowers in the coastside from the 16th century, to protect the coast and the safety of the miners who were working there. Santa Caserea Terme Bay – The thermal baths are open from May through till November, and nowadays the waters are regulated at a temperature of less than 40 °C (104 °F) as indicated for therapeutic usage. The various hot mud and mineral treatments combat arthritic and rheumatoid problems, as well as respiratory, dermatological, trauma and stress ailments. They are also recommended for general well being and beauty treatments. These hot mineral springs, with thermal waters are rich in iodine, sulfates and sodium chloride.
HOW TO GET THERE? Santa Caserea Terme is situated 8,5 km from Poggiardo, you can go there: by foot ( 2 hours) by bus (schedule is available from 1th July, buses go from train station in Poggiardo)
WHY IS IT WORTH TO VISIT? There are a lot of stone beaches in the city and outside the city too where you can swim and sunbathe during the day. You have to pay for entry to some of them, as to the S. C. Terme Bay. Today the town is a tourist destination, with the seafront promenades thronged with cafes and small shops, pizzerias and restaurants, where it is possible to sip coffee or dine al-fresco on the outside terraces with views to the sea just 100 metres away. Behind the town, the scenery comprises low rolling hill, interspersed with long rocky outcrops covered with low Mediterranean shrubland, comprising grassland and scrub, tangy with the smell of wild herbs whilst in springtime and early summer a riot of colour from the wild flowers carpets the area.
MAGLIE:
The Maglie area was settled as early as the Bronze Age and the early Iron Age, and before, as testified by the presence of archaic dolmens and menhirs, and by the Cattìe site, discovered in 1980, and featuring 12,000 tools and 800 bone remains. In the city you can find:
Duomo (also called Chiesa Collegiata) - It was built in the late 18th century on the site of two previous buildings tracing back to 14th and 16th century. Its bell tower, standing at about 48 metres, is the tallest in the province. The four upper storey are attributed to Giuseppe Zimbalo. Church of Madonna delle Grazie - in Baroque style (early 16th century). The interior has a 1645 Baroque altar and 17th century canvasses. It also features a column, similar to the Lecce's Column of St. Oronzo by Zimbalo, built in 1684–87. Palazzo Baronale Capece – it was built probably at the time of Angevin, in the mid-15th century. The castle was rebuilt and reinforced many times, because it suffered serious damages against Turks. Il parco "Villa Achille Tamborino" – or it is called just “Villa” which was built in 1874 by an engineer Thomas Pispico from Poggiardo. (open time: 10-12.30 and 15.30- 18.30)
HOW TO GET THERE: Maglie is situated 10 km far from Poggiardo, you can go there: by train (10 min), one way ticket is 1 euro
WHY IS WORTH TO VISIT? Market - every Saturday from early morning till midday there is a big bazaar on the confines of the city. In the biggest part of the market clothes, shoes and home stuffs are selling, but you also can buy typical foods from Salento, such as olives, dried tomatoes or tarallini. shops – mainly clothes, shoes and accessories shops around the city parks – after shopping you can take a rest under the palm trees in the centre. Italian people often goes there to chat or just have a snack. Martinucci – one of the most famous ice cream companies in Salento. They have shops also in Otranto, Lecce, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, so you must taste the ice- cream and delights here!!!
GALLIPOLI:
It is located by the Ionian Sea, on the west coast of the Salentina Peninsula. The town of Gallipoli is divided into two parts, the modern and the old city. The new town includes all the newest buildings, such as a skyscrapers. The old town is located on a limestone island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century. In the city you can find:
Angevine-Aragonese Castle - built in the 13th century by the Byzantines. It was largely remade under the Angevines and the Aragonese, who added a polygonal wall fortified with round towers. The main additions were carried on by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, who worked for King Alfonso II of Naples. In 1522 it was added the eastern wall, known as Rivellino, defended by waters on three sides. Sant'Agata cathedral (17th century) - baroque cathedral which has a richly decorated frontage, a local limestone rock, with niches featuring statues of saints. Greek Fountain (16th century) - once believed to date to the 3rd century BC. It has bas-reliefs with mythological figures and, on the other side, the insignia of Charles III of Spain. Palace - in the city of Gallipoli there are numerous palaces of Renaissance and Baroque origin; many of these were in the hands of the noble families of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Port and beach of Puritá - sandy beach in the city Sant'Andrea Island - a small island near Gallipoli in the Ionian Sea. Now it is uninhabited, only a lighthouse is on the island. It has an unique nature heritage.
HOW TO GET THERE: Gallipoli is situated 35 km far from Poggiardo, you can go there: by train, change in Zollino (1,5 hour), one way ticket about 4 euro
WHY IS WORTH TO VISIT? Gallipoli has a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water along the coast, which you can find in the old city part. Mainly the young goes there to enjoy the sunshine Lots of shops, restaurants and cafes are open from morning till late night. (Some of them hasn’t got siesta time during the summer). Also in the narrow streets of the old city party are some souvenir shops if you would like to buy some gifts for home. There isn’t summer without ice-cream you have to taste the delights in Martinucci, which the most famous gelateria in Salento Fish market - opposite to the castle, just below the bridge, there is the town's fish market, still an important business for the city today and worth to see at least once during your stay.
EVENTS in Salento
JUNE SAN PIETRO E PAOLO Every year this festival invites people to visit the beautiful seaside town of Otranto, to taste its delicious local food and get to know the colourful Salento folklore. When: 28th - 29th June 2015 Where: Otranto
DANZA DELLE TARANTOLE Processions and dances in honour of archaic divinities. When: Where: Galatina
JULY LA FESTA DI SANTA DOMENICA The little town of Scorrano near Otranto literally lights up on in celebration of its Patron Saint, Santa Domenica. The local artisans, many of whom make festival illuminations for towns all over Italy, come into their own creating large wooden structures and arches up to 36m high, dotted with a kaleidoscope of colourful lights. Not to be outdone, local fireworks companies put on an amazing show on the last night. When: 5th - 7th July 2015 Where: Scorrano
LA FESTA DI SANTA CRISTINA A rowing regatta and other events to celebrate the town’s Patron Saint. When: 23rd July - 25th July 2015 Where: Gallipoli
LOCOMOTIVE JAZZ FESTIVAL 10 days of jazz in the Salento. The first six concerts will take place all around Puglia, with the last four in Lecce. When: 26th July - 4th August 2015 Where: various place in Puglia and then in Lecce from 1st - 4th August.
JAZZ FESTIVAL Every year, Otranto Castle hosts three days of jazz concerts with many famous national and international jazz players. When: usually the third week of July 2015 Where: Otranto
AUGUST SAN ROCCO FESTIVAL It is celebrated San Rocco, patron of infectious diseases. Various dancing shows and others events take place going on all night long until the first lights of dawn. One specific dance of the festival: the Sword Dance which is a particular kind of pizzica, also called pizzica a scherma. When: 7th-9th August 2015 Where: Torrepaduli
LA FESTA DEI MARTIRI IDRUNTINI Commemorating the 800 martyrs who died at the hands of the Turks in 1480 for refusing to convert to Islam. After a couple of days of solemnity and processions, the mood picks up on the final day with a little partying and a stunning firework display. When: 13th-15th August 2015 Where: Otranto
LA FESTA DELLA MADONNA DI LEUCA Every year, the Madonna of Leuca is carried through the lively streets of the small and picturesque town in a great procession. The parade is followed at midnight by the famous fireworks, a unique event appreciated by many tourists and locals alike. When: 15th August 2015 Where: Santa Maria di Leuca
LA NOTTE DELLA TARANTA !!!!!!!! The Night of Tarantula, the music fest of Pizzica which takes place in various municipalities in the province of Lecce and the Grecìa Salentina, especially in Melpignano and has its highlights in August. Lots of concerts, opportunities to get dancing and to soak up a bit of tradition. When: 22nd August 2015 Where: Melpignano
FIERA DI SANT’ORONZO Lecce organises lively music events, food stalls and fireworks in honour of its patron saint. When: 24th August 2015 Where: Lecce
IL MERCATINO DEL GUSTO A summer event which promotes the culinary delights. Five days when the culture of good wine and good food becomes protagonist. When: 1st August 2015 Where: Maglie
If you would like to know more information about the cultural events in Salento you can buy quiSalento journal at newsstand. It published every two weeks in summer or you can read it online: http://www.quisalento.it An offical tourism website which can help you to discover Puglia and recommends places are worth visiting the most. You can read about the differents part of Puglia and their cultural and natural particularities. In addition, it tells the current local and entertainment events, the special foods, the traditions and so on: http://viaggiareinpuglia.it
Some Facebook page: Salento.it The first tourist website of Salento which offers a lot of events for free. https://www.facebook.com/salentoit?fref=ts
Puglia Events The website is the project of the Puglia Region for promotion events (cultural, entertainment, sports, traditional) are taken place in Puglia. https://www.facebook.com/PugliaEvents.it?fref=ts
Salento Bici Tour Salento Bike Tour organizes tours and trips by bicycle to discover the hidden treasures of Salento. https://www.facebook.com/salentobicitour/timeline