Along the Ionian-Salento arch, not more than 6 km away from the sea and about 50 Km south of the chief town of the province, is Taviano, whose main activity is the cultivation of flowers. The activity is a heritage from the years sixties of the XXth century, when many Taviano immigrants came back from Liguria.
Based on the interesting megalithic finds (specchie and menhirs), human settlements were proven to have been established in Taviano since the Neolithic. Various small-size specchie have also been found in the surroundings, but the sites of Castelforte are deemed to contain a more significant example. Some historical documents have allowed scholars to identify the date of creation of this town in the Roman age, even though they did not find out whether it was founded by a centurion of Octavian or by the Emperor Caesar Octavian. During the reign of Tancredi, in 1190, the feud was assigned to Captain Ottavio Fuggetta. In the course of the XII century, the Calogeri Basiliani’s implemented a large reclamation campaign to improve the lands of Taviano and allow for the construction, in the subsequent century, of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Civo. Taviano became a feud of the Foggetta family in 1507 and afterwards control was taken by Giacomo de Franchis, who completed many improvements. Eventually, it passed in the hands of the Caracciolo’s until 1806.
Among the most historically interesting buildings we may mention the seventeenth-century Marquis Palace “De Franchis”, partly purchased by the Municipality and soon to be used as a facility for cultural events when restoration works are completed. Another architectural beauty to behold is the Ricchiello Park, established only a decade ago, with green equipped areas for recreational activities and sports. The Museum of Popular Peasant Civilizations, located in via Rodolfo D’Ambrosio, is certainly worth a visit: its wealth of tools and utensils is part of the town’s history and culture. The Municipal Library is a fine building located in a previous chapel dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie. In the past, the perdonanza (the pardon) was celebrated in this venue on September 8th and a very large marketplace was organised attracting people from all over Salento. This event is still held in the same place and is called "Cappeddha.
Tourists will certainly be attracted by the Fiera di “Santu Martineddhu”, held every year on November 12th, where you can buy all the tools useful for olive collection, in addition to plants and trees of all kinds. Simultaneously, the “Sagra di San Martino” celebrates the ripening of grapes for the new wine. Among the typical local specialties offered during the feast, we will mention horse meat with tomato sauce and the gnommareddhi (rolled omelettes filled with entrails and giblets).
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 10/09/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia