The tour starts in Galatina, an art city with Greek and Latin cultures as heritage, as well as a history steeped in the phenomenon of tarantism. You will visit the Saint Catherine of Alexandria complex, built in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and which is decorated with some beautiful frescoes from the fifteenth century, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The Baroque Chiesa Madre church is devoted to the city’s Patron Saints, Peter and Paul. You will also have an opportunity to visit Saint Paul’s chapel, which is where tarantulees used to come in pilgrimage to give thanks for their healing. Tarantism is also covered in a section of the Cavoti Museum, which also hosts paintings, sculptures and ancient documents that tell the city’s history through the ages. Next stop is Soleto, where you will walk through the old quarter and its narrow medieval streets. You will also visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its famous gothic spire by the Orsini family, decorated with mullioned windows with two lights, cornices and a sculpted bestiary. Last stop is at the top of a hill, in Corigliano, with its historic city centre dominated by the De'Monti Castle, which dates back to the fifteenth century; this massive quadrangular castle has a tower on each corner and is surrounded by a moat.
Type
Walking
Type of itinerary
History and arts tour
Target of reference
Primary Schools Secondary Schools
Best time to organise your trip
March - April - May - June - September - October
Duration
One day
Accessibility
Partially accessible
The Cavoti Museum in Galatina is accessible to differently abled visitors. The Corigliano d’Otranto Castle is accessible. The tour of the narrow streets of Soleto’s old quarter is difficult for wheelchair bound visitors.
Sources: Progetto Interregionale di Sviluppo Turistico - Valorizzazione del turismo Scolastico e Giovanile - Iris Soc. Coop. Updated on: 13/05/2011
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.