Locorotondo (source: Visual Puglia )
This town rises at the junction of three provinces: Bari, Taranto and Brindisi. It is placed in Itria Valley, on a tableland 410 meters above sea level at the South-Eastern side of Murge dei Trulli. Locorotondo was probably founded by Greek settlers several centuries before Christ. Early sources mentioning a feud named Rotondo dates back from XII Century. During 1250s, this village gradually grew and became a real hamlet subject to St. Stephen monastery until 1385. During half 1300s, Locorotondo was besieged - along with other hamlets of that same monastery - by Duke of Athens Gualtieri VI di Brienne, known for his short period of lordship on Florence from 1342 to 1343. From late 1300s through late 1400s, Locorotondo was a property of one of the greatest families of that era, Del Balzo Orsini. During 1500s the town experienced an economic, cultural and demographic turmoil. In 1645 Locorotondo was involved in the economic collapse of Barons Borrassa, who were forced to sell this feud to Dukes Caracciolo di Martina Franca, who kept it until early 1800s. In 1799 Locorotondo participated in the risings following the ratification of Roman (1798) and Neapolitan (1799) Republics.
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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