Discover Alessano

Alessano’s historic centre preserves cobbled lanes, houses with courtyards, stone portals, ornate balconies and small churches. Together, these features shape a medieval-Mediterranean urban fabric. The townscape is not defined by individual buildings alone: its lanes and façades are also part of its historic character.

Churches and their furnishings

The Chiesa madre di San Salvatore was built in the second half of the 18th century on the site of a Romanesque cathedral dating from between 1150 and 1200. The building thus brings together two clearly distinct periods. The interior has three naves and is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross; Baroque altars are also part of its furnishings. The church also houses Paolo Finoglio’s painting “Tobiolo e l’angelo”, associated with the Caravaggesque school. The layout, altars and painting offer different ways of understanding the architecture and art of this place of worship.

Another church with its own architectural history is the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova. It was built between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. The church and the Convent of the Capuchin Friars were built in 1628, and the church was consecrated in 1658. The Capuchin church houses a monumental 18th-century wooden altar, carved and inlaid by local artisans. It also contains the 17th-century painting “Il perdono di Assisi”. In descriptions of this altar, its size, craftsmanship and local workmanship are all noted.

Palazzi from different periods

Palazzo Legari adds a Renaissance touch. The merchant Donato Legari, who came from Tricase, had it built in 1536. Its façade is notable for a round-arched portal and round-arched windows on the ground floor. Its construction date and design details give the palazzo a distinct profile among Alessano’s historic buildings.

Palazzo Ducale was built towards the end of the 15th century under the rule of the feudal lords Del Balzo. The fortified building features elegant decorative elements and was an important cultural centre during the rule of the Gonzaga. Also built towards the end of the 15th century under the rule of the Del Balzo, the Renaissance Palazzo Sangiovanni is distinguished by a zigzag pattern of diamond-point rustication on its façade. The comparison highlights different features: the Palazzo Ducale is notable for its fortifications and cultural role, while Palazzo Sangiovanni stands out for its façade pattern.

Macurano and the links to Don Tonino Bello

Alessano lies at the foot of the Serra dei Cianci. Another distinctive landmark is Macurano, a rock settlement on the connecting route between Alessano and Marina di Novaglie. The settlement is considered a symbol of olive oil culture because of its two still-operating oil mills, trappeto Sauli and trappeto Santa Lucia. The mills give this part of town a different focus from the churches and palazzi: here, the emphasis is on activities associated with olive oil culture.

Don Tonino Bello also has a biographical connection with Alessano: he was born there on 18 March 1935. Faith itineraries starting in Alessano are linked to his birthplace and the cemetery where his remains lie. Part of the Capuchin monastery is dedicated to the Casa Francescana di spiritualità, which honours Don Tonino Bello. Together, the birthplace, cemetery and dedication reflect different connections to him.

Discover more destinations: San Cataldo, Ortelle, Poggiardo, Spongano, Gagliano Del Capo, Soleto, Torre Vado, Depressa

For the main travel guide: Lecce.