Sava: Architectural History, Sacred Art and Olive Oil

Sava offers several distinct cultural points of interest: architectural history, sacred art, a museum dedicated to olive oil and the Corteo Storico, held every year in June. The themes range from an ancient Byzantine sanctuary to buildings dating from the 16th century. You can shape your stay around your particular interests, whether historical buildings, religious traditions, olive oil or local events are your priority.

Castle, Palazzo and Franciscan Complex

Sava Castle was built from local tuff at the end of the 16th century, replacing an old masseria. The Palazzo Baronale also dates from the 16th century and is presented as one of Sava’s main attractions. The castle is dated more precisely to the end of the century, while the Palazzo is generally assigned to the 16th century. Both buildings therefore offer different points of connection to the history of this period.

The Franciscan complex in Sava includes a church. It complements the secular buildings with a place of worship and broadens the range of architectural themes associated with Sava.

The Santuario della Madonna di Pasano

The Santuario della Madonna di Pasano was built in 1712 by reconstructing an old Byzantine sanctuary. Its history therefore brings together a specific date of reconstruction and a much older religious predecessor. The sanctuary also houses an icon of the Virgin Hodegetria with the Child. The building’s history and the image offer two distinct aspects to consider when exploring its past.

A heavy monolith can also be seen in the sanctuary. It is believed to be the legendary stone of the miracle. This interpretation is part of a religious tradition and should be distinguished from the concrete description of the monolith as part of the sanctuary.

Olive Oil at the Museo dell’Olio

The Museo dell’Olio di Sava is located in a semi-underground oil mill in the Palazzo Comunale on Piazza S. Giovanni. The oil mill is therefore part of the museum site, not just a subject mentioned in the museum’s name. Visitors can sample and buy locally produced olive oil on site. If you plan to take advantage of these offers, confirm they are available before your visit.

The museum visit focuses on something different from the buildings and the sanctuary: here, the focus is olive oil, with sampling and purchases listed as on-site offers. When planning your trip, it is advisable not to treat these options as guaranteed independently of their availability.

Corteo Storico and Further Travel Planning

Sava’s Corteo Storico takes place every year in June. The procession reenacts the procession of the people of Sava on the occasion of the baptism of an enslaved man and passes through key sites in the town’s history. Its historical connection and recurring time of year make the event a different way to experience Sava than its permanent buildings and museums. Check the date of the relevant edition before planning your trip around it.

The Museo Missionario Cinese e di Storia Naturale is another place to visit. A municipal notice dated November 13, 2024, stated that from November 11, visiting hours were Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., until further notice. This information reflects the situation at the time; check the hours before your trip.

The wall of the Limitone dei Greci is presented as a worthwhile destination outside Sava. It offers another historical point of interest alongside the town’s buildings and religious sites. Together with the Corteo Storico, the sanctuary and the Museo dell’Olio, it shows the variety of themes you can consider when planning a stay in Sava.

Discover more destinations: Marina di Lizzano, Martina Franca, Talsano, Maruggio, Monacizzo, Marina Di Ginosa, Faggiano, Lizzano

For the main travel overview: Taranto.