Discover Lizzano: history, culture and regional cuisine

The area of Lizzano covers 46.2 km² and is predominantly flat. Areas with continental landscape features predominate in the north, while a long stretch of coastline extends to the south. Historic buildings, a museum, wine and regional cuisine offer different focal points for a stay.

The historic centre is easily accessible. Tactile paving helps blind and visually impaired people find their way and identify hazards such as ramps, stairs and intersections.

Churches, crypt and historic buildings

The Chiesa San Nicola is Lizzano’s mother church, in the historic centre. It already existed at the beginning of the 14th century and was renovated and extended in the 16th century. The church’s chapel houses the relics of Saint Gaetano. The Chiesa del Rosario was built in 1562 in Renaissance style in the old part of Lizzano. The two churches therefore offer different historical points of interest: San Nicola’s long building history and the Rosario’s clearly dated Renaissance architecture.

The underground crypt of the Chiesetta rupestre dell’Annunziata dates from the 9th or 10th century, the Lombard period. To this day, it remains an important place of Marian devotion and pilgrimage.

The Palazzo Marchesale (Castello) was once the residence of the feudal lords of the fief of Lizzano and provided space for people who came to Lizzano for the celebrations in honour of San Gaetano da Thiene. According to some scholars, the palazzo was built in the 16th century on an older Norman core; it was later remodelled and extended.

The Torre dell’Orologio also brings together different historical periods. Its base appears to date back to a fortified observation and defensive tower from the 13th or 14th century. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, a clock and bell tower were added. The Torre dell’Orologio dates from a period spanning the 12th to the 19th century and stands on a castle tower. This is said to have been connected to the original Norman complex by an underground passage that was never found.

Museum and collections

The Museo civico della paleontologia e dell’uomo was founded in 1996 and officially opened to the public in 2002. It displays fossils, archaeological finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and objects from the periods of Magna Graecia, Roman rule and the Middle Ages. The archaeological section documents human cultures represented in the area of Lizzano and its surroundings from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. The museum therefore covers both palaeontological and archaeological subjects.

Wine, cuisine and cycling

At Cantine Lizzano, you can take a cellar tour with a tasting of five wines by prior reservation. The wines are paired with typical regional products. Another local speciality is Fai e ffogghi: the dish consists of fava bean purée and is served with boiled chicory or fried green peppers.

For a cycling trip, the Lizzano–Sava route includes a 12.6-kilometre cycling section. The surface is partly unpaved and partly asphalted. Its length and surface conditions give you specific details to consider if you plan to include cycling in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Maruggio, Monteiasi, Marina Di Pulsano, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, Marina Di Ginosa, San Giorgio Ionico, Lido Chiatona-stazione di Palagiano, Palagianello.

Return to the regional travel overview: Taranto.