Erchie (source: Visual Puglia )
Erchie is a small town with an ancient charm situated south-west of Brindisi. Its origins go back to the 6th century B.C. when the Messapians are said to have founded a place of worship in honour of Hercules (Herculea) on this site. This local legend was first recounted by Marciano, author and historian of the Terra d’Otranto in the early 1600s. Whatever the truth of this story, numerous archaeological remains found in the town’s vicinity confirm that its origins are indeed extremely ancient. Beginning in the Roman era, a slow and unrelenting decline took place, and by 1377 the town counted only about 20 inhabitants. The town was repopulated in the 17th century. The fiefdom of Erchie passed from the Montefuscolis, to the Mairos, the Bonifacios, the Albrizzis and finally to the Lavianos to whom we owe the construction of the Palazzo Ducale.
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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