Novoli: Fòcara, Churches and Cultural History

Novoli brings together the Fòcara, churches, collections and other sites of cultural and historical interest. The fire tradition offers a particularly specific point of reference when choosing when to visit; the historic buildings and collections offer other insights into the town’s history. This allows you to decide whether your interest lies mainly in the January festival or in the cultural heritage.

The Fòcara and its fixed January date

The Fòcara of Novoli is made from vine branches woven together by hand. Volunteers and experienced farmers use them to build a fire about 25 metres high, using around 100,000 bundles of reclaimed vine branches. It is lit every year on the night of 16–17 January. Its handcrafted construction, agricultural connection and fixed date are all integral to this tradition. If you want to plan your trip around the Fòcara, the January night is the specific date to keep in mind; its construction also draws attention to the working of the vine branches.

Churches and art history

The Chiesa dell'Immacolata is Novoli’s oldest church and was the town’s first parish church. It also houses a fresco of the Madonna and Child dating from the first decades of the 14th century. Here, an early ecclesiastical role and a medieval work of art come together. Another art-historical trace is preserved in the Chiesa di San Salvatore, now the Chiesa di Sant'Oronzo: it houses a stone altar commissioned by Alessandro Mattei from Giuseppe Cino in 1704. While the early parish history and fresco are notable at the Chiesa dell'Immacolata, the Sant'Oronzo altar can be placed in context through its patron, artist and date.

The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate is also a historic landmark: it opened for public worship in 1662. The Chiesa Cuore Immacolato di Maria at the Passionist monastery is designed in the Gothic style. Together, these churches reveal different historical and architectural aspects without being reduced to the same period or style.

Palazzo Baronale and collections

Palazzo Baronale currently hosts cultural activities and has a virtual classroom and a visitor centre. If you plan to use these facilities, check the visitor arrangements in advance. In the past, the palazzo housed Alessandro Mattei II’s extensive library. The philosopher and physician Girolamo Marciano from Leverano used it to complete his Descrizione di Terra d'Otranto. The palazzo thus combines a present-day cultural role with a history of collecting and scholarly work.

The Biblioteca Minima holds more than 36,000 books and pamphlets. Its notable holdings include a 15th-century parchment, an incunabulum, six Cinquecentine and rare editions. An incunabulum points to the early period of printing; the six Cinquecentine date from the 16th century. The collection therefore offers specific points of reference in time in addition to its considerable overall size.

Theatre, oil mill and Grotta Lago

The Teatro Comunale was inaugurated in April 1891 with the Compagnia Almirante. At Masseria della Corte, also known as Masseria Baronale, there is a 16th-century oil mill carved into the rock, known as a “alla calabrese” trappeto. Here, the focus is on a historic method of olive oil production. Grotta Lago is regarded as evidence of agricultural and pastoral life in Novoli, adding another aspect to the story of the town’s life and work.

Getting there and planning your visit

Novoli railway station has good connections with Lecce and the rest of the province. The operating and management arrangements for Novoli’s tourist information point and the Museo del Fuoco have been extended until 31 December 2026. If you plan to visit these facilities, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Castrignano Del Capo, Maglie, Campi Salentina, Lucugnano, Villaggio Resta, Sant'isidoro, Tricase, Cannole.

See the regional travel overview: Lecce.