Ugento, in the province of Lecce, stands on the Ionian sea, with almost eight kilometre of coastline , most of which is sandy. Characterised by a lack of bodies of water, its land is dotted with wells for drawing water from underground. The first traces of the town date back to around one thousand years before Christ, when the city was known by the name Ozan and its inhabitants worshipped Zeus, as seen by the numerous remains of temples and statues dedicated to the god. Other archaeological remains include the Cyclopean masonry, built for defensive purposes, 14 metres high and 8 wide, which demonstrate the presence of Messapi in the area. Ugento experienced its greatest splendour at that time, becoming an important trading centre, a military power and an practically impregnable city. Its decline started with the rivalry with Taranto, against which it fought long, bloody battle which led to the decimation of the local population. The city was completely wiped out by the Romans, who did not forgive the population for having offered to help Hannibal, with supplies and landing in Italy.
The Civic museum of archaeology and palaeontology is a very interesting place filled with unique artefacts. It contains important remains found in Messianic and Roman necropolis. Among the churches of the town the Cathedral certainly is worth a visit. Built in 1700 on the site of a previous church, built in Gothic style and destroyed during the 1537 Saracen raid; the Church of Sant’Antonio, which dates back to around 1400 and contains ten altars including the high altar. Torre di San Giovanni is the oldest of the towers in the Salento built by the Spaniards to defend against the Turks. At present is it used as a lighthouse. The Byzantine walls are impressive and still quite visible. They were built after the 10th and 11th century destructions of the city and have five access gates.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 10/09/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia