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The Cathedral of Otranto and its crypt: the heritage of humanity

The crypt, dating back to the 11th century, is a perfect miniature of the Cordoba Mosque or the Cistern of Constantinople because here, in Otranto, the colonnade with columns belonging to different styles and different worlds is also shown here.
Thumbnail because everything is represented in significantly smaller sizes and spaces.

How the crypt of Otranto presents itself to the ecstatic eyes of visitors

Beautiful, you will find it impossible to count all the columns for a particular and magical game of perspectives. We have counted the aisles and columns for you, with our place-teller
The naves are five, three semicircular apses, forty-two marble columns.
These are the numbers of a breathtaking scenery.

The capitals of the columns: religious diversity represented in art

QThis place, at least this is one of the many interpretations that has been given, should have been the bond between East and West in terms of faith and religion.
Here, people of different faith had to find their own God.
The multi-ethnic nature of the faithful who visited these places is given by the different styles of the capitals. In fact you can see ionic, Corinthian, Asian, Egyptian, Byzantine, Islamic, Syrian, Persian, etc. capitals.
Each capital holds arches with peduccio lengthened arches on the abacus and enchanting small cross vaults.

The beauty of the crypt is not only due to the peculiarity of the colonnade: the importance of the frescoes in the Cathedral of Otranto.

Inside the crypt of the Cathedral of Otranto, the discovery continues: splendid frescoes dating from the eleventh and thirteenth centuries are on the walls, ready to be admired.
The Blessed Virgin Mary with Child (between the XI and XII century), before Giotto, beautiful representation of the Madonna. Jesus Master, of the thirteenth century, in which the three-dimensional perspective is interesting. St. Francis, to whom there is a true legend/story linked: it is said that he came to visit the lands of Otranto, before embarking on the Holy Land. This story can be trusted because Otranto, due to its strategic position, was a crossroads for all the Crusaders and the companies of the faithful who were heading for Jerusalem and, from its port, ships departed at times from the Holy Land.

The Virgin Mary with Child: unquestionable masterpiece before Giotto

Because of its state of preservation, as you can see in the gallery below, this fresco is a true masterpiece of beauty.
Our Lady, loving mother, holds in her arms and at the same time embraces the child Jesus, who, with eyes animated by profound love, turns her gaze towards her Mother.
The attitude of the Virgin Mary, who keeps her hand in her hands, is very beautiful, as if to reassure her and soothe her.
A true masterpiece and restoration work on the crypt, it exalted its brilliance and colours.

Cathedral of Otranto and Crypt: two masterpieces in unicum, World Heritage Site

We cannot say more. Sometimes the words are superfluous and the images cannot reach, however detailed they may be, the real beauty of the cathedral and the splendour of the crypt.
You can discover Otranto’s beauty and its lighthouse by making urban trekking

Pictures of the Crypt of the Cathedral of Otranto

To learn more: DISCOVER OTRANTO, ITS BEAUTIES AND HIS SEA

The Castle of Otranto: imposing and majestic as never before

The castle of Otranto is a masterpiece of architecture, by the famous Roberto il Guiscardo: beautiful, solid and resistant to time.
In 1088 there was the terrible and famous earthquake of Nardò, which partially destroyed him, but Frederick II had him partially rebuilt. In 1480 the Ottoman Perfides destroyed the city walls and almost completely the castle, which was later rebuilt by Charles V, who built the watchtowers to defend the coast in 1537.
The coat of arms of the Aragonese family, stands above the stack.
Missed by Napoleonic troops and then used as a prison, school and dwelling, during our days, at the end of the 80’s, there was an urgent need to establish an in-depth restoration plan.
In 1986, through the project “Le Mura di Otranto”, 26 billion of old lire were invested. to recover its fortifications and reorganize all the cultural activities to be rotated “around” the castle.
During excavations and maintenance work on the moat, two medieval plants and a tomb were found, which are still being studied by archaeologists. Nowadays, some rooms of the castle are used as conference halls and others as exhibition rooms.
We remember the most recent and renowned exhibitions: Ando Warhol in Otranto, Dalì in Otranto and the recent exhibition by Steve Mc Curry.

The Cathedral of Otranto: SS. Maria Annunziata and the SS. Martyrs of Otranto

We have already talked a lot about the Cathedral of Otranto through our mini-guide.
For those who don’t have much time at their disposal, we suggest to dwell on the mosaic flooring, a UNESCO and Humanity heritage site.
The mosaic, through the representation of the tree of life (or Sephyrotic tree), faithfully portrays the most significant passages of the Bible and the most important figures for the Christian faith.
The two keys to the tree’s interpretation faithfully represent the relationship between the divine and the human, between the transcendent and the immanent.
Thus you will admire the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, the universal flood, the tower of Babel.
You will travel through time, through the seasons, the cycles of nature and man’s work: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
You will have to deal with the mythological and biblical giants: one in all, Samson fighting against a hungry lion.

Lido Acquchiara: sea and relaxation have never been so close

After visiting Otranto and getting lost in the enchanting alleys and shops of local handicrafts, we recommend you to refresh yourself in the blue and crystal clear waters of the Alimini Lakes, stopping by beach umbrella and sunbed at the Lido Acquachiara.
The Lido has been renovated this year, the bar counter has been expanded and extended. The cash desk, together with the tobacconist’s and newsstand, was located at the entrance.
The outdoor area and the space in front of the tables has been enlarged and the comfortable cushions in the living area have been rearranged.
The services offered range from simple hot meals to truly exceptional fish dishes.
The staff is courteous, here young couples and families with children find the ideal habitat to relax and enjoy the coolness of the blue Adriatic Sea.
We recommend that you book in good time.

Restaurant Diavolicchio Goloso to taste the flavours of the land and sea of Salento

The Diavolicchio Goloso is an agritourism restaurant outside of every scheme.
Elegant, shabby-chic, total white, surrounded by the green of the lawn and the red of the Salento land.
The place is unique: the staff is really courteous, Paolo and his daughter Simona work really well: they welcome customers with courtesy and kindness and know the raw materials and ingredients of the land and sea of Salento.
The taste enclosed in the dishes is incredible: the typical Salento taste is an ensemble of flavors difficult to tell.
On the walls, important works of modern art. We recommend that you book your reservation in order not to stay dry.

In the heart of Gallipoli Vecchia, Gaddhripuli, as the old Gallipolini fishermen say, who fought almost a century against the sea, there is a splendid treasure of immeasurable value: the cathedral of Sant’ Agata, virgin and martyr from Catania.

The cathedral of Gallipoli is a real artistic spectacle: you will remain open-mouthed

The spectacle that will appear before you is unique. Incredibly beautiful its façade on the outside, just as fascinating its interior, rich in paintings.

The façade of Giuseppe Zimbalo, the father of Salento’s baroque

The façade created by Giuseppe Zimbalo (the father of Baroque in Salento) is in carp, a typical Salento stone that takes on a colour with golden reflections.
The interior is rich, baroque, not trivial and never taken for granted. Rich in paintings.
It will seem strange to hear it said, but in Gallipoli, such a unique concentration of art, in this incredible architectural masterpiece, it had never been seen before.

Prospectus of Zimbalo in carp and Latin cross plan with thirteen altars, by architect G. B. Genuino

Let’s proceed with the description even if the words, in this case, may be unsuitable to describe a heritage of such great beauty.
Its construction began in 1726, designed by the architect Giovanni Bernardino Genuino, after the demolition of the 11th century church dedicated to San Giovanni Crisostomo.
The elevation was completed in 1696 and is divided into two orders: in the first order the three portals open, the largest of which is surmounted by the beautiful statue of Sant’ Agata.
Two other statues on the sides: on the left side San Sebastiano and on the right side San Fausto.
The second order of the façade has been finely decorated by Zimbalo: anthropomorphic and phyto-morphic figures and statues of Santa Marina, Santa Teresa and Saints Chrysostom and Augustine are present.

Painting is the undisputed queen, inside the cathedral of S. Agata

Inside the cathedral, painting takes precedence over everything, becoming the undisputed queen of Baroque decoration.
Latin cross plant, three naves and twelve columns, thirteen altars: 6 on the right, 6 on the left and the main altar in the center, all surmounted by paintings of the highest level.
Here we list here the title and author of each work in the aisles, sure to do you what you like. An entire website would not suffice to describe them in detail. At the end of this post you will find a detailed gallery on the topic.

The right aisle and the works present

The right aisle contains works of exceptional workmanship.
These are:

1. Madonna in glory among the SS. Niccolò and Oronzo (of G. A.Coppola);
2. Assumption of the Virgin (of G. A.Coppola)<;/li>
3. The holy souls of the Purgatory (of G. A.Coppola);
4. Immaculate with S. Agata and S. Agata. Leo (maybe by F. Genovino);
5. The martyrdom of St. Sebastian (of N. Malinconico);
6. Triumph of the Eucharist with St. John Nepomuceno and St. Thomas Aquinas (of F. Giordano)
7. the Sleep of Saul and the Adoration of a vigil (of N. Malinconico);

The High Altar: Saint Agate, the Pool Probatic and the Entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem

Behind the high altar, in the choir area, you can see:

1. the Sepulchre of St. Agate;
2. the Pool Probatica (the pool in which the miracle of the paralytic described in the Gospel occurred);
3. Jesus’ Entrance into Jerusalem.

All these works were made by the Malinconico.

The left aisle and the works of Coppola, Giordano and Malinconico

The left nave has the following works:

1. S. Isidoro Agricola (L.Giordano);
2. Miracle of St. Francis of Paola (G. A. Coppola);
3. Adoration of the Magi (G. A. Coppola);
4. Virgin and Child between St. John the Baptist and St. Andrew the Apostle (G.D. Catalano);
5. Martyrdom of St. Agate (G. A. Coppola);
6. S. Maria del Popolo (unknown author);
7. Marriage of Mary and escape to Egypt (N. Malinconico).

Paintings on the roof of the nave

The paintings by the artists mentioned above illustrate the coverage of the central nave, the dome, the sides of the church with themes related to life, miracles and martyrdom of St. Agatha.

S. Agata and the inhabitants of Gallipoli: a curious legend

An ancient legend from Gallipoli’s inhabitants tells us that on the city’s beach, a cut breast of the Catania martyr was found. This sacred relic has been preserved for a long time in the city of Gallipoli. At a later stage, the upper portion of this relic was stolen and transferred to the church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, in Galatina (Lecce) where it is still preserved.

Some photos of St. Agata Cathedral, in the heart of old Gallipoli

The Lecce Public Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the seizure of Flavio Briatore’s Twiga Otranto, sealing the site about one month after the opening of the bathing establishment.
We do not enter into legal matters (because justice will certainly do its course), nor do we enter into the merit of the building concession (accompanied by 11 favourable opinions) obtained from Cerra Srl, a company created by a consortium of Salento entrepreneurs who have purchased the license to use the Twiga brand directly from the hands of Flavio Briatore.
What we hear you said is simply this: we hope that this impasse will be resolved as soon as possible because Salento in recent times is becoming the land of missed opportunities from a tourist point of view.

We wish Briatore and Cerra Srl management that this stalemate will be resolved in the right way, because our land needs new entrepreneurial initiatives that stimulate tourism in Otranto and all of Salento.

Grotta dei Cervi: what you will find inside it

The cave and its walls enclose something very important from a historical point of view: rock paintings that represent and tell the life of our ancestors, what they did, what they hunted, the fauna of the time present on the territory.
Each stroke of painting represents centuries of history.
Grotta dei Cervi recall very much the Spanish caves of Palmire, the African ones of Azil (Ethiopia).

In the heart of the historical centre, in the town centre, near Piazza del Popolo, you can reach the Byzantine Church of St. Peter’s, going up a small staircase.
A small pearl. Beautiful. Entirely frescoed, the church of San Pietro is a precious testimony to the Byzantine dominion in the Land of ôOtranto.
The sacred building is the first basilica in the city, elected metropolis in 960 and dependent on the patriarchal seat of Constantinople.
His dating has been the subject of a long debate among scholars, but analyzing the structure, frescoes and inscriptions in ancient Greek, all seems to date back to the ninth-Xth century.
The square Greek cross-shaped plan is part of the strict canons of Byzantine religious architecture.
Inside, the three small naves are surmounted by a central dome, supported by four columns.
On each of the three apses, arranged at the bottom, there are splendid frescoes in Byzantine style dating from the X and XVI century.
The oldest paintings are the Lavender of the Feet, which depicts the kneeling Christ while lifting the leg of St. Peter, and the Last Supper.
To the fourteenth century belong the Nativity, Pentecost and Resurrection.
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the different figures of the Saints date back to the 16th century.
Small legend: it is said that St. Peter is passed by Otranto.

We visited Tabisca, an innovative concept for the restaurant in Lecce: tastefully and carefully furnished restaurant, selection of excellent raw materials, first quality cold cuts, wine cellar well assorted with exceptional wines.
The interior design project is interesting: high seats (whose backrest recalls the “t” of the logo) comfortable and custom-made furniture in wood and wrought iron.
The soft lighting gently highlights the leccese stone vaults and wooden boxes on which the bottles of wine are placed.
A unique and cozy place that invites you to relax and unplug. A small pearl sheltered from the noise and chaos of the nightlife of Lecce in the historic center.

Welcoming us, Ian Franco Bauzulli, the gourmand and Danila Do, the room manager. Two special people, the soul of Tabisca.

For those who do not know it, the tabisca, from the Arabic “Tabisc”, is the shape of the chopping board on which the cold cuts were laid and a delicious pizza dough, typical of the area of Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento.

Check out our video to get to know this new reality of the restaurant in Lecce.

Floriano Pellegrino: the reason for the present

27 years old, he starts to discover the cuisine immediately after graduating from the hotel.
His most significant experiences are associated with great names in gourmet cuisine: Ilario Vinciguerra, Martin Berasategui (considered a father by Florian), Luis Andoni Aduriz, Eneko Atxa, Alexandher Goutier, Rene Redzepi and the French Cloude Bosi in London.

Giovanni Pellegrino: the strength of the future

At the age of 17 he left Salento and arrived at Martin Berasetegui. Driven by a strong desire to know the world, he collects a series of unique training experiences at the world’s best starred kitchens: Pierre Gagnaire, Paco Perez and Yamamoto.

Isabella Potì: the beauty of imagination

The only woman in the kitchen, able to keep up with a brigade of men only, responds with experience, method and meticulousness.
a real enchantment to see her at work.

Bros uniqueness: the real secret of Bros.

The futuristic and eclectic cuisine of the Bros. is deeply rooted in the territory, the territoire, as Floriano likes to call it.
Dish to taste with the eyes and the palate, recipes with two, maximum three ingredients from the land of Salento.
A unicum that follows the laws of Mother Nature: the seasonality of raw materials dictates the times in the kitchen.
You will never see a dish with an ingredient that does not respect the seasonality and microseasonality of the territory.
Everything is good, tasty, unique.
Prepare incredibly good dishes and amaze the most demanding palates with the simplicity and cleanliness of flavors, this is the Bros Uniqueness

Thanks to this modus operandi, the Bros have received national and international awards and honors.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of the most important prizes received in 2016.

l’Espresso
1 cappello

Gambero Rosso
78/100

Passione Gourmet
16/20

Identità Golose, Guida 2017
Sorpresa dell’anno

Arbiter
I 10 migliori chef emergenti

Touring club
Cucina d’Autore

Touring club
Top di Domani, Floriano Pellegrino

Luigi Cremona
Chef Emergente Sud, Isabella Potì

_Forbes
Under30

In the heart of Lecce (we spoke about Lecce baroque here), at the MUST Historical Museum, Antonio Sansò (Area Leader Alumni Bocconi) and the staff of Alumni Bocconi Association Lecce-Brindisi-Taranto, organized a meeting with Matteo Stifanelli, Country Manager of Airbnb for Italy.

The evening’s talk, focused on “Sharing Economy and tourism development“, was very interesting.

Matteo Stifanelli spoke about his professional career: from a simple passionate about the world of innovation and start-ups, he became Airbnb’s country manager for Italy. Not without perseverance, sacrifice and passion.

For those who don’t know, Airbnb is a portal that helps the traveller to find the right accommodation worldwide.

For the microphones of Foodism, Matteo spoke about tourism development and the initiatives of Airbnb designed for Italy and our land, Salento, a tourist destination that attracts and meets increasingly international interest.

Look at the video report of the evening published here.
We look forward to your comments.