Cisternino (source: Visual Puglia )
The municipal territory of Costernino is south-west oriented over the splendid Itria Valley, known for the considerable presence of trulli, the typical local stone constructions. Inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic, the legend says that the foundation of Cisternino was due to Sturnoi, the companion of Diomedes. After taking part in the Messapic League against Taranto, it became a Roman town and was called Sturninum. It was probably destroyed in 216 b.C. during Hannibal’s raids in Apulia. The Basilian monks, who came from the East in the VIII century, noted the ruins of the ancient town and referred to it when they later had to localize the Greek rite abbey they had built where the Chiesa Matrice (Matrix Church) lies today, and indicated it as "San Nicolò cis-Sturninum", hence the present name of the town.
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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