Chiesa di Sant’Antonio (source: Visual Puglia )
After having admired the suggestive forest of trulli, almost as if to crown the historic area known as Rione Monte, stands the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio, or church of St. Anthony. This sacred site was built over a fourteen-month period between 1926 and 1927, demonstrating the strong sense of devotion of the inhabitants of Alberobello. Erected thanks to the decisive intervention of Don Antonio Lippolis to contrast the diffusion of Protestantism, the place of worship was designed by Engineer Signorile Bianchi and constructed by Master Builder Martino De Leonardis, following the indications provided by a special committee instituted to safeguard the integrity of this monumental zone. The limestone and construction techniques typical of the trulli (which inspired the conical roof), make this church a point of evocation and mediation between the past and present, antique and modern. The majestic three-part façade is dominated by a rose window and three tympanums with pensile arches, which recall the decorations of the Romanesque churches in Puglia. On the right side stands another bell tower (18.90 metres) and on the left the seminary, initially a summer retreat for young clergymen of the Diocese, it was later transformed in to a reception structure for tourists. Inside there is a unique space, with a Greek cross-shaped floor-plan under a high dome. The larger apse was entirely frescoed during the twentieth century with the depiction of the Tree of Life, enriched by the majestic Crucifix by the maestro Adolfo Rollo.
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In Brindisi province, stones and buildings tell the story of this land. Appia and Traiana roads once connecting the city to Rome left their traces on modern roads. In this city, where Virgil died, there are the remains of two II –century columns that marked the end of Appia road. The Norman – Swabian and Angevin marks also prevails in the inland area of province and former Messapi land, while it is even more evident in Mesagne, Oria and Ceglie Messàpica castles. In this area, natural landscape is characterized by ravines and caves shaped through centuries by the patient work of rivers. Rock witnesses of basilian monk civilizations can be found near Ostuni. Watch towers north of Brindisi tell the story of pirate and Saracen invasions, while the remains of ancient Egnazia Roman city can be seen in the respective archeological site.
Itria valley is characterized by a flourishing vegetation where olive trees stand, These are cultivated in masserie lands, small typical local stone fortresses. Coasts are marked by long, sandy beaches, dunes and protected natural reserves. There are several traces of old Messapi civilizations, rock settlements, castles and not-to-be-missed trulloes made with drystone techniques
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A proud, extremely loyal civilization, between the IX and VII centuries b.C. the Messapis built several settlements that were fortified with huge walls. Oria, with its characteristic castle, and Mesagne still keep witnesses that allow to reconstruct history, customs and habits of this ancient population
The coast of Brindisi area is characterized by small cities gathering around their historical centers, overlooking white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Brindisi is an example, with its huge castle emerging from the sea; Carovigno, dominated by Torre Guaceto and Ostuni, the white Mediterranean sea surrounded by olive trees and by a wonderful beach that hosts an unforgettable medieval center
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia