Lucugnano: History, Churches and Ceramics

Lucugnano is a suitable destination for travelers who want to focus on historic architecture, sacred buildings and local crafts. The town lies on the SS 275 state road between Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca. Its history can be traced at named places such as Palazzo Comi and Palazzo Baronale dei Capece, as well as at churches and chapels. In addition, there is a thriving pottery tradition and the annual Feast of Madonna Addolorata. These subjects give you a concrete basis for deciding whether Lucugnano fits your travel plans.

Palaces and literary history

The history of the medieval settlement of Lucugnano dates back to 1092. During Norman rule, Goffredo gave the settlement to the Italo-Greek monks of S. Maria de Amito. Another historic building is the castle, also known as Palazzo Baronale dei Capece, which represents a later period: the 16th-century building served to defend against Turkish incursions. Thus, the medieval history of the town and a 16th-century building represent two distinct historical periods.

Palazzo Comi was the historic residence of the Salentine poet Girolamo Comi and was also visited by poets from the Accademia salentina. The “Girolamo Comi” Provincial Library is on the ground floor, and the “Museo Comi” is on the first floor. One more thing to keep in mind when planning your visit: the second floor is not accessible by elevator.

Churches and chapels

Lucugnano’s parish church is dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo. In addition to the main altar, it has six side altars. The chapels also offer a glimpse of different periods of construction: Santa Croce dates from 1710, San Francesco from 1719, and San Giuseppe from the 18th century. The newest chapel, San Rocco, dates from 1969. The years 1710 and 1719 are close together; San Giuseppe is dated only to the century, while San Rocco, the newest chapel, was built in 1969.

Ceramics, local places and special details

During the last century, a thriving pottery tradition developed in Lucugnano. Deposits of clay in various colors in the area helped foster the craft because they are particularly well suited to this ceramic art. The history of local craftsmanship is therefore shaped both by a long-standing tradition and by the area’s materials.

The showroom of Bottega Ceramiche Artistiche di Giuseppe Indino is at Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi 20; the workshop is on SP75, Via Pasquale Stanislao Mancini, in 73030 Lucugnano LE. Check the addresses before setting out. Lucugnano is also associated with the local character and archpriest “Papa Galeazzo,” also known as “Papa Caliazzu.”

Another architectural detail can be found at Trattoria Iolanda, which has been in Lucugnano since 1970: openings in the floor offer a view of an underground storage area containing ancient amphorae and a deep water cistern.

The Feast of Madonna Addolorata

The Feast of Madonna Addolorata takes place every year on the third Sunday in September. It includes a Mass and numerous market stalls near the church and in the adjoining area. If you plan your trip around the feast, check that year’s program; the details may vary.

Discover more destinations

Rivabella, Veglie, Marina Di Pescoluse, Vernole, Surbo, Uggiano La Chiesa, Cocumola, Morciano Di Leuca

For the broader travel overview: Lecce.