OLD TOWNS
Gallipoli
Kalè Polis, the beautiful city: Gallipoli is located just 8 km from La Collina di Montegrappa and is one of the most famous towns in Salento. Its historic centre is a must-see: an old fishing village which stretches out over the sea, amid historic buildings, ancient churches and craft workshops, in a labyrinth of narrow, picturesque alleys. Another must-see is the fish market, with its colours, flavours and the traditions of the most genuine Gallipolians. Here, every day, you can find fishermen, elders and apprentices weaving creels, benches with freshly caught fish and places to enjoy a fresh seafood aperitif of shellfish and oily fish.
Otranto
Otranto, on the Adriatic coast, is the easternmost city in Italy. Not for nothing is it known as the ‘Gateway to the East’: everywhere you can feel the strong influence of the peoples who lived there, from the Greeks to the Byzantines to the Aragonese. The historical centre is a treasure trove of rare beauty which never gets boring: art lovers have palaces, castles and churches to visit (one in particular: the Cathedral, with its mosaic floor and the relics of the Holy Martyrs); people who want to enjoy a dinner overlooking the sea can visit one of the many restaurants close to the walls. The typical handicraft shops in the alleys, full of souvenirs and original ideas to take home, are also picturesque.
Lecce
Lecce is the capital of Salento, about 35 km from our facility. There’s nothing more pleasurable than getting lost in the streets of the old town, with the flourishing of amazing and unparalleled Baroque art. In between a stroll, a pasticciotto and a coffee on ice with almond milk, you’ll be able to see old workshops where people still make papier-mâché, an ancient local tradition which is still alive and flourishing. Some of the unmissable locations are Piazza S. Oronzo, the Roman amphitheatre, Piazza Duomo and the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, all within a short and pleasant walk.
