Latiano (source: Visual Puglia )
Latiano lies in the province of Brindisi, 22 km south-east of the main town and at an altitude of about 97 metres, at the northern border of the Plain of Lecce. According to the writings of the historian Primaldo Coco, it was probably founded in the XI century. From its origins to the sale of the feud of Latiano (1092-1407) its history was marked by a sequence of Norman and then Swabian, Angevin and then Aragonese dominations. The feud became a Barony in the subsequent centuries, until 1611. When the last Baron, Domenico Imperiali, bought for himself the title of Marquis, the town became the Marquisate of Latiano up to the mid seventeenth century. Then Napoleon suppressed feudality and Latiano followed the destiny of the Reign of Naples, with the rise of banditry. When Italy was unified, the State’s railway connecting Taranto to Brindisi was built (1866) and small industries were founded to use and trade the local resources. As regards the events between the end of last century and the First World War, there is not much information left by the historians because much of the documentation of the historical archive was destroyed by a fire in the town hall caused by a popular revolt that broke out in May 1917 .
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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