|
|
Salento
is a peninsular region that forms the most southerly strip
of Puglia ( Apulia ). Most succinctly Apulia and in
turn Salento, are the heel of the boot ( Lo Stivale ) that
is Italy!
Salento is truly a land rich in cultural contrasts which
are directly linked to the mixing of the Normans, the Greeks and
Muslim people who have settled among the Apulian
people for centuries. The indelible mark of this rich legacy
can be seen in the Baroque architecture of the city of Lecce,
also known as the Florence of the south, the unique Trulli's
of Alberobello, the Aragonese castle in Otranto and in the
white-washed meandering lanes of villages throughout the
region.
The first sun of Italy rises over Salento, the most oriental
region of Italy. A border land that like a terrace
overlooks, not one but two mesmerizing seas. To take in
two seas, The Ionian and the Adriatic, one has over 250
Km of sun drenched coastline. A coastline which encompasses
high cliffs indented with swimming grottos, underwater caves
and exquisite sugar sand beaches to relax upon. The countryside
between these seas is a meditation on the green of olive-yards,
tobacco fields and vineyards. Salento is surrounded on three
sides by her seas is a land where days seem to have extra
time and quite walks in the fields restore equilibrium. A
land of yet undiscovered by the summer crowds. A place where
one can embrace the laid back atmosphere of the "real"
Italy.
|
