Mediterraneo Camere
Discover Otranto and Salento
ITINERARY DOWNTOWN
Otranto owes its charm to its historic center. It is accessed from "Porta Terra", which is 50 m. from our hotel, which opens along a rampart, recently restored, on the Napoleonic era. Once in the heart of town, you are in a triangular square, Largo Alfonsina, built in the second half of the sixteenth century.
Later, stands "Porta Alfonsina", built in 1481 and dedicated to Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, who was responsible for the liberation of the town by the Ottomans. Corso Garibaldi, with its paved with living stones, is the commercial artery of the country. It has, in fact, the presence of numerous small shops, open late into the evening, where you can find everything from souvenirs, local crafts and, postcards, clothing, etc.. The course will conclude in the Piazza del Popolo, where you can see the "Clock Tower", built in 1799 and decorated with the coat of arms of the city.
Later, between cafes and bars, we arrive at "Porta a Mare", through which, via a long wooden staircase, you arrive at the port. The historic center of Otranto winds through a dense network of narrow streets where you can admire the ancient buildings from various eras. At sea, however, there is the bastion of the Pelasgians from where you can see a beautiful view of the harbor. In the heart of the old town, finds its home the Basilica of St. Peter and, in the most high, there are the Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese.
Walking through the picturesque alleys you can see the large granite balls, bombs catapulted from the Saracens in 1480. They lie there from time immemorial as if to remind the tragedy that struck the inhabitants of Otranto. During the summer the entire area in question is off limits to motor vehicles and mopeds.
ITINERARY DOWNTOWN
Otranto owes its charm to its historic center. It is accessed from "Porta Terra", which is 50 m. from our hotel, which opens along a rampart, recently restored, on the Napoleonic era. Once in the heart of town, you are in a triangular square, Largo Alfonsina, built in the second half of the sixteenth century.
Later, stands "Porta Alfonsina", built in 1481 and dedicated to Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, who was responsible for the liberation of the town by the Ottomans. Corso Garibaldi, with its paved with living stones, is the commercial artery of the country. It has, in fact, the presence of numerous small shops, open late into the evening, where you can find everything from souvenirs, local crafts and, postcards, clothing, etc.. The course will conclude in the Piazza del Popolo, where you can see the "Clock Tower", built in 1799 and decorated with the coat of arms of the city.
Later, between cafes and bars, we arrive at "Porta a Mare", through which, via a long wooden staircase, you arrive at the port. The historic center of Otranto winds through a dense network of narrow streets where you can admire the ancient buildings from various eras. At sea, however, there is the bastion of the Pelasgians from where you can see a beautiful view of the harbor. In the heart of the old town, finds its home the Basilica of St. Peter and, in the most high, there are the Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese.
Walking through the picturesque alleys you can see the large granite balls, bombs catapulted from the Saracens in 1480. They lie there from time immemorial as if to remind the tragedy that struck the inhabitants of Otranto. During the summer the entire area in question is off limits to motor vehicles and mopeds.
NATURE TOURS
Valley of memories
In the southern outskirts of Otranto, in the area that is called Minerva, we report the Valley of Memories, so called because it boasts the presence of numerous historical sites. The last houses before the campaign, showing, in addition to parts of the newly built, also the rock walls which show a pre-existing rock settlement. For easy reference, it will be good to follow the signs for Torre Pinta. It finds himself in a valley between Mount Laurel and Mount Iron, where it is grown the typical chicory Otranto.
Continuing on a hill full of olive trees, you can see the Masseria Torre Pinta, now a farm. And 'one of the oldest in the region. Upon entering, a corridor, 33 meters long, by the time low and barrel, the site introduces a Latin cross. In the central area, the ceiling opens to the sky and is surmounted by a tower of cylindrical shape. All the walls are covered with niches carved into the rock. The only certainty about the use of this place centuries ago, is the fact that it was a pigeon tower. It is thought to date back to Roman times.
In the valley you can see, along the cliffs, quite a few cells. This testifies to the presence, in the past, men who took refuge in this area to escape the incursions by sea raiders. The phenomenon of rock in this area is very present. You have the belief that the valley was inhabited by a rural community probably subordinate to the abbey of S. Nicola di Casole.
The caves show the different types. Some have a rectangular floor plan and completely open at the front, others are reminiscent of the prehistoric caves re-used by the monks in the Byzantine period, similar to the tombs of the Bronze Age Sicilian oven. There are, then, of the other they reveal a floor plan consists of several circular rooms. In this area, there is another settlement much more complex: the crypt of St. Nicola. It is accessed by three entrances from front and side entrance. It is not easy to see that site because it is covered by vegetation. The Valley of Memories is a really impressive both from the historical point of view and from the point of view of nature.
Valley dell'Idro
The river gives its name to Hydro area that extends from the center of Otranto to the west. The stream of Otranto down to the sea from Mount St. Angel, which houses a Byzantine cave dedicated to St. Angelo. The landscape is rich in crops and lush vegetation, perfect for long walks. The soils of the area are very fertile and the farmers will cultivate fruit trees, vegetables and vegetables of all kinds.
This is also made possible by the presence of wells. "There are many sources and sources of pure water flowing among the laurel trees and citrus, which is rare in this region, there are many deep wells so small that you can draw water with one hand," wrote the Etiquette in the sixteenth century. The rock phenomenon is very evident here as well as in the Valley of Memories.
If we consider, then, that once the Valley dell'Idro came up to the area of Alimini, formerly marshy, it can be said that already existed at any time prior to the swamping, which, most probably dates from the years following the lot of Otranto in 1480.
On the site you can see several caves of varying size and shape. "The path of the river hydro or Channel of Charlemagne we can define the route of the rock civilization," writes Antonio Costantini. Above all three groups of caves strike the attention of visitors.
The first group is located at the entrance of the valley on the left side, and is formed by a sequence of grotticelle. Some of them are composed of two compartments, a larger entrance and another smaller one in the rear. In all the caves you will notice the Greek inscriptions and niches at shelf in the area overlooking a reservoir.
In the second group, situated on the slopes of Monte Lauro Vecchio, the caves are at different levels. The layout consists of a larger compartment than the other, a niche and in three other shelf.
You notice also graffiti on the walls depicting Latin crosses, hands, Turkish warriors, sailing ships. The third group is located at the foot of Mount St. Angelo. This is a real rock village comprising stables, homes and places of worship.
Very interesting is the Grotta di Sant'Angelo, so called because the image on the rectangular vestibule of the cave that sees portrait Archangel Michael. In ancient times, the walls were frescoed the site, but today there is little left to see.
"The plan of this church has a crypt-Naos and Bema separated by an iconostasis litoide with three arches," says Costantini. Unfortunately, this place versa today in a state of disrepair, but has not lost its original charm. Close to the Masseria S. Barbara, along the north side of the valley, Mount Piccioniere, you can see a section of wall on which megalithic still has some engravings depicting different boats. You can go back through Route 16 in Otranto.
South Coast
This area is reserved for those who love adventure and risk, to those who will stop at nothing. In fact, the coast south of Otranto consists of a long stretch of cliff that slopes down to the sea, which is why it is not easy to go, on the contrary, in some places, it can be very dangerous.
Starting from the port of Otranto, continue south where you find yourself in the Cave. Here you can visit, not without risks, Palombara Cave, named for the presence of colonies of pigeons. It 'a prehistoric cave. Continuing on the right, stands the Tower of the Serpent or Hydro Tower, also known as Cucurizzo, a symbol of the city. If you look over, from this point you can see the Tower dell'Orte dating back to 1500.
It comes, slowly, to Punteddha, the final tip of the Bay Palombara, where he was repeatedly escort the monk seal. Proceeding, we find ourselves at the Bay dell'Orte where you can make some beautiful bathrooms and scuba diving in the crystal clear thanks to the presence of a diving center. In the middle of the bay lies the small beach Porto Grande, easily accessible by sea. To signal the presence of some caves, such as the Cave of the swimming pool or the Cave of the Shepherd of the Sheep.
And finally you can see, in all its grandeur, the Lighthouse of Palascia, recently renovated, located in the easternmost point of Italy. Rounding the head, you will pass the rocks of Tips Galleys, you find the small island of St. Emiliano close to the coast, the rest point of the innumerable gulls that inhabit these areas. If you look up you can see the Tower of St. Emiliano, on a hill above the sea. It was built in the first half of the 500 and, originally, was near a church dedicated to the saint.
Continuing on, you come to the Deer Cave, unfortunately not. Discovered in 1970 by five members of the group caving "Pasquale De Lorentiis" Maglie, the cave retains traces of Neolithic civilization. This complex represents the most important reality of prehistoric art that exists on the Italian territory.
The marina of Porto Badisco, where Aeneas is believed to have landed, attracts the curiosity of visitors for its beauty and for its clean sea. There's something for every taste: sand and rocks. On the left side of the bay, there is the old Burrow of the Devils and the Cave Gallery, an underground passage. Ahead is the Cave of Aeneas.
Returning to Otranto, the national road you can see the countless testimonies of Salento dry construction: furneddhi or paiari and walls. On the left, almost in line with the tower of St. Emiliano, we note the fortified farm of Cippano, one of the most beautiful of Salento. Dating back to the late sixteenth century, was included, along with towers in the defensive system of the Terra d'Otranto the end of the Middle Ages. E 'equipped with a mezzanine floor and drains some of the defense. After a few kilometers, you reach Otranto.
North Coast
This strip of coast has beaches stretches of cliffs but also scattered here and there. Starting from the Riviera Haethei, which takes its name from the people from the Balkans, you will come across in the Bundle, rock the singular cubic form from which the bravest of the dives are memorable. In this area there is a fort.
Going forward, you can see the lighthouse of Punta, also known as White Lighthouse, after which you can sunbathe lying on the beach Porto Craulo or, later, on the shore Castellana where, according to legend, the heroine of Otranto, Idrusa, he loved spend whole days to contemplate the waves of the sea. Continuing on, you come across in the small beach in the bracket and, subsequently, in the enchanting bay called Channel Cafaro.
This stretch of coast is characterized by a series of coves, bays and coves. The inlet Cattapìgnula, "" bat "in the local dialect, is provided with a cave in which many live bats. The cave is accessible by sea.
Not far away, there is S. Peter Channels, another falls. On the left, we see the farm Cerra which gives its name to the whole area. After a few meters, it opens a sparse named Grotta Monaca, the best known in these parts for its beautiful waters and clean sea. According to some sub Germans, would have a depth of over 200 meters.
Going forward, unrolls a cliff that is unbelievable. Resorts such as Sapunerò, Water Mill and Imperia attract millions of visitors every year, especially those who come by boat, since that area is not accessible by land.
The cliff overlooking the sea, but the sea bed, covered with sand, take a light green color that makes you want to dive. To the right of Sapunerò, a spike with a height of 15 meters, there is the Hermit's Cave, in which you can not access. We then come to Murrune, a striking ridge which owes its name to the nearby farm.
Continuing, we find ourselves in front of the coastal tower of St. Stephen, in what is called the Bay of S. Stefano. The tower was built from 1567 by master Leccese Paduano Baxi. On the left, there is a cave, which closes the Rada of the Caréula. Entering the hinterland, pine forests and Mediterranean enrich the landscape. A little further on, you will encounter the small beaches of Porticeddhi and the beautiful cove of Toraiello.
Later, the show is repeated environmental projects. It comes to the Baia dei Turchi, named for the landing, in 1480, the Turks took place in this very sparse. The inlet includes a number of beaches, larger or smaller, and a beach resort.
These beaches, are the preferred destination of Otranto, who turn away from the town in hopes of finding a bit 'of peace in the confusion of the hottest months of the year.
Immediately after the tip of the bay in question, we reach the beach of Alimini, comprising a series of bathing establishments, frequented by tourists during the summer.
Here, you can find all kinds of entertainment and services, from restaurants to umbrellas, water-scooter from the discos, bars, swimming pools, but you can also relax in the pinewood behind the shores. Walking on the sand, we arrive at the Ponte dei Laghi Alimini, the landlocked. The fishermen call this place the "Ucche you the Limini" (Bouches Alimini). "From this section onward, the coast rises gently and becomes more and more high and covered with a beautiful pine forest," writes Luigi Manni.
It comes to the Specchiulla Basin, an area in which they arise infrastructure accommodation of different types and where you can admire the Grotto of Funtaneddha, called Pastiddhuzza the bay, the beach S. George, the Cave of the Macaru. If you want to bathe in these waters, be aware that the sea can not be reached from above, but is only accessible from the right side, where there is a lowering of the coast. Continuing on, we find ourselves in Torre S. Andrea, who has an inlet of modest size and very quiet. There are two rocks called one by Tafaluro and the other Mbrufico, particularly suited for fun diving.
Described so far is that the whole area that borders the blue Adriatic sea, however, if you enter a bit 'on the main road between S. Andrea in Otranto, you can see the entire area of the Lakes Alimini natural heritage of Salento. The two basins can be seen on the left and are surrounded by thick pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. The Alimini Lake Grande is salty little more behind, or Alimini Small Fontanelle, comes from spring sources of fresh water. And then off again to Otranto.
Valley of memories
In the southern outskirts of Otranto, in the area that is called Minerva, we report the Valley of Memories, so called because it boasts the presence of numerous historical sites. The last houses before the campaign, showing, in addition to parts of the newly built, also the rock walls which show a pre-existing rock settlement. For easy reference, it will be good to follow the signs for Torre Pinta. It finds himself in a valley between Mount Laurel and Mount Iron, where it is grown the typical chicory Otranto.
Continuing on a hill full of olive trees, you can see the Masseria Torre Pinta, now a farm. And 'one of the oldest in the region. Upon entering, a corridor, 33 meters long, by the time low and barrel, the site introduces a Latin cross. In the central area, the ceiling opens to the sky and is surmounted by a tower of cylindrical shape. All the walls are covered with niches carved into the rock. The only certainty about the use of this place centuries ago, is the fact that it was a pigeon tower. It is thought to date back to Roman times.
In the valley you can see, along the cliffs, quite a few cells. This testifies to the presence, in the past, men who took refuge in this area to escape the incursions by sea raiders. The phenomenon of rock in this area is very present. You have the belief that the valley was inhabited by a rural community probably subordinate to the abbey of S. Nicola di Casole.
The caves show the different types. Some have a rectangular floor plan and completely open at the front, others are reminiscent of the prehistoric caves re-used by the monks in the Byzantine period, similar to the tombs of the Bronze Age Sicilian oven. There are, then, of the other they reveal a floor plan consists of several circular rooms. In this area, there is another settlement much more complex: the crypt of St. Nicola. It is accessed by three entrances from front and side entrance. It is not easy to see that site because it is covered by vegetation. The Valley of Memories is a really impressive both from the historical point of view and from the point of view of nature.
Valley dell'Idro
The river gives its name to Hydro area that extends from the center of Otranto to the west. The stream of Otranto down to the sea from Mount St. Angel, which houses a Byzantine cave dedicated to St. Angelo. The landscape is rich in crops and lush vegetation, perfect for long walks. The soils of the area are very fertile and the farmers will cultivate fruit trees, vegetables and vegetables of all kinds.
This is also made possible by the presence of wells. "There are many sources and sources of pure water flowing among the laurel trees and citrus, which is rare in this region, there are many deep wells so small that you can draw water with one hand," wrote the Etiquette in the sixteenth century. The rock phenomenon is very evident here as well as in the Valley of Memories.
If we consider, then, that once the Valley dell'Idro came up to the area of Alimini, formerly marshy, it can be said that already existed at any time prior to the swamping, which, most probably dates from the years following the lot of Otranto in 1480.
On the site you can see several caves of varying size and shape. "The path of the river hydro or Channel of Charlemagne we can define the route of the rock civilization," writes Antonio Costantini. Above all three groups of caves strike the attention of visitors.
The first group is located at the entrance of the valley on the left side, and is formed by a sequence of grotticelle. Some of them are composed of two compartments, a larger entrance and another smaller one in the rear. In all the caves you will notice the Greek inscriptions and niches at shelf in the area overlooking a reservoir.
In the second group, situated on the slopes of Monte Lauro Vecchio, the caves are at different levels. The layout consists of a larger compartment than the other, a niche and in three other shelf.
You notice also graffiti on the walls depicting Latin crosses, hands, Turkish warriors, sailing ships. The third group is located at the foot of Mount St. Angelo. This is a real rock village comprising stables, homes and places of worship.
Very interesting is the Grotta di Sant'Angelo, so called because the image on the rectangular vestibule of the cave that sees portrait Archangel Michael. In ancient times, the walls were frescoed the site, but today there is little left to see.
"The plan of this church has a crypt-Naos and Bema separated by an iconostasis litoide with three arches," says Costantini. Unfortunately, this place versa today in a state of disrepair, but has not lost its original charm. Close to the Masseria S. Barbara, along the north side of the valley, Mount Piccioniere, you can see a section of wall on which megalithic still has some engravings depicting different boats. You can go back through Route 16 in Otranto.
South Coast
This area is reserved for those who love adventure and risk, to those who will stop at nothing. In fact, the coast south of Otranto consists of a long stretch of cliff that slopes down to the sea, which is why it is not easy to go, on the contrary, in some places, it can be very dangerous.
Starting from the port of Otranto, continue south where you find yourself in the Cave. Here you can visit, not without risks, Palombara Cave, named for the presence of colonies of pigeons. It 'a prehistoric cave. Continuing on the right, stands the Tower of the Serpent or Hydro Tower, also known as Cucurizzo, a symbol of the city. If you look over, from this point you can see the Tower dell'Orte dating back to 1500.
It comes, slowly, to Punteddha, the final tip of the Bay Palombara, where he was repeatedly escort the monk seal. Proceeding, we find ourselves at the Bay dell'Orte where you can make some beautiful bathrooms and scuba diving in the crystal clear thanks to the presence of a diving center. In the middle of the bay lies the small beach Porto Grande, easily accessible by sea. To signal the presence of some caves, such as the Cave of the swimming pool or the Cave of the Shepherd of the Sheep.
And finally you can see, in all its grandeur, the Lighthouse of Palascia, recently renovated, located in the easternmost point of Italy. Rounding the head, you will pass the rocks of Tips Galleys, you find the small island of St. Emiliano close to the coast, the rest point of the innumerable gulls that inhabit these areas. If you look up you can see the Tower of St. Emiliano, on a hill above the sea. It was built in the first half of the 500 and, originally, was near a church dedicated to the saint.
Continuing on, you come to the Deer Cave, unfortunately not. Discovered in 1970 by five members of the group caving "Pasquale De Lorentiis" Maglie, the cave retains traces of Neolithic civilization. This complex represents the most important reality of prehistoric art that exists on the Italian territory.
The marina of Porto Badisco, where Aeneas is believed to have landed, attracts the curiosity of visitors for its beauty and for its clean sea. There's something for every taste: sand and rocks. On the left side of the bay, there is the old Burrow of the Devils and the Cave Gallery, an underground passage. Ahead is the Cave of Aeneas.
Returning to Otranto, the national road you can see the countless testimonies of Salento dry construction: furneddhi or paiari and walls. On the left, almost in line with the tower of St. Emiliano, we note the fortified farm of Cippano, one of the most beautiful of Salento. Dating back to the late sixteenth century, was included, along with towers in the defensive system of the Terra d'Otranto the end of the Middle Ages. E 'equipped with a mezzanine floor and drains some of the defense. After a few kilometers, you reach Otranto.
North Coast
This strip of coast has beaches stretches of cliffs but also scattered here and there. Starting from the Riviera Haethei, which takes its name from the people from the Balkans, you will come across in the Bundle, rock the singular cubic form from which the bravest of the dives are memorable. In this area there is a fort.
Going forward, you can see the lighthouse of Punta, also known as White Lighthouse, after which you can sunbathe lying on the beach Porto Craulo or, later, on the shore Castellana where, according to legend, the heroine of Otranto, Idrusa, he loved spend whole days to contemplate the waves of the sea. Continuing on, you come across in the small beach in the bracket and, subsequently, in the enchanting bay called Channel Cafaro.
This stretch of coast is characterized by a series of coves, bays and coves. The inlet Cattapìgnula, "" bat "in the local dialect, is provided with a cave in which many live bats. The cave is accessible by sea.
Not far away, there is S. Peter Channels, another falls. On the left, we see the farm Cerra which gives its name to the whole area. After a few meters, it opens a sparse named Grotta Monaca, the best known in these parts for its beautiful waters and clean sea. According to some sub Germans, would have a depth of over 200 meters.
Going forward, unrolls a cliff that is unbelievable. Resorts such as Sapunerò, Water Mill and Imperia attract millions of visitors every year, especially those who come by boat, since that area is not accessible by land.
The cliff overlooking the sea, but the sea bed, covered with sand, take a light green color that makes you want to dive. To the right of Sapunerò, a spike with a height of 15 meters, there is the Hermit's Cave, in which you can not access. We then come to Murrune, a striking ridge which owes its name to the nearby farm.
Continuing, we find ourselves in front of the coastal tower of St. Stephen, in what is called the Bay of S. Stefano. The tower was built from 1567 by master Leccese Paduano Baxi. On the left, there is a cave, which closes the Rada of the Caréula. Entering the hinterland, pine forests and Mediterranean enrich the landscape. A little further on, you will encounter the small beaches of Porticeddhi and the beautiful cove of Toraiello.
Later, the show is repeated environmental projects. It comes to the Baia dei Turchi, named for the landing, in 1480, the Turks took place in this very sparse. The inlet includes a number of beaches, larger or smaller, and a beach resort.
These beaches, are the preferred destination of Otranto, who turn away from the town in hopes of finding a bit 'of peace in the confusion of the hottest months of the year.
Immediately after the tip of the bay in question, we reach the beach of Alimini, comprising a series of bathing establishments, frequented by tourists during the summer.
Here, you can find all kinds of entertainment and services, from restaurants to umbrellas, water-scooter from the discos, bars, swimming pools, but you can also relax in the pinewood behind the shores. Walking on the sand, we arrive at the Ponte dei Laghi Alimini, the landlocked. The fishermen call this place the "Ucche you the Limini" (Bouches Alimini). "From this section onward, the coast rises gently and becomes more and more high and covered with a beautiful pine forest," writes Luigi Manni.
It comes to the Specchiulla Basin, an area in which they arise infrastructure accommodation of different types and where you can admire the Grotto of Funtaneddha, called Pastiddhuzza the bay, the beach S. George, the Cave of the Macaru. If you want to bathe in these waters, be aware that the sea can not be reached from above, but is only accessible from the right side, where there is a lowering of the coast. Continuing on, we find ourselves in Torre S. Andrea, who has an inlet of modest size and very quiet. There are two rocks called one by Tafaluro and the other Mbrufico, particularly suited for fun diving.
Described so far is that the whole area that borders the blue Adriatic sea, however, if you enter a bit 'on the main road between S. Andrea in Otranto, you can see the entire area of the Lakes Alimini natural heritage of Salento. The two basins can be seen on the left and are surrounded by thick pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. The Alimini Lake Grande is salty little more behind, or Alimini Small Fontanelle, comes from spring sources of fresh water. And then off again to Otranto.
Mediterraneo Camere
via delle torri 24
73028 otranto
Salento - Puglia
Italy
Tel: 0836801481
Description of way
via delle torri 24
73028 otranto
Salento - Puglia
Italy
Tel: 0836801481
Description of way
