The municipality of Vergole includes the areas of Acquarica di Lecce, Vanze, Acaya, Strudà and Pisignano. The settlements of the area date to the prehistoric period seen in presence of menhirs, specchie (mounds of stones in a conical form used for defence) and pagliari. In the area San Pietro near the town of Acaya, some grottos with traces of graffiti have been identified.
The area of Vernole was inhabited starting in the 10th century BC by the Messapi who built numerous fortifications throughout the area. The name Vernole comes from the Latin “vernula” which means villager or native. The urban centre of the town developed in the Late Middle Ages, when the coastal inhabitants took shelter in the hills to escape the Saracen invasions and raids.
Many artefacts are linked to working stone and drywall architecture still seen at present: menhirs, specchie, pagliari, the castle of Acaya, fortified farms, underground olive mills, millstones and mills.
Acaya castle - Vernole
In the area of Vergole it is possible to see numerous constructions from different epochs which recount the use of stone and its transformation by humans. The impressive Castle of Acaya merits a visit. It dates back to 1535 and has a trapezoid structure, equipped with towers and ramparts and is surrounded by a moat. The farms are typical buildings of the area. They are almost all fortified and handled various tasks: there were centres for producing and trading crops, defence structures against the Saracens and lookout towers. We recommend visiting the following farms (masseria): masseria Avarella, masseria Li Candi and masseria Cesine. The underground olive mills are also characteristic. They are true monuments to the ingeniousness and work of humans and are still able to operate.
“Le Cesine” natural reserve is located in the vicinity, a marsh area of international interest, characterized by the presence of numerous animal and plant species, both permanent and migratory.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 10/09/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia