Salento, a part of Apulia region, is the south-eastern extremity of Italy.
It includes the area of Lecce and part of Brindisi and Taranto provinces. The peninsula is also known as Terra d'Otranto.
Lecce is the most important city of this area, famous for the quantity of historical and religious buildings and for its 'Baroque', for which is called "the Florence of South". The church of Santa Croce, the Duomo (chatedral), the Roman Amphitheatre in S. Oronzo square are only few of the many buildings and monuments that can be visited.
Otranto is one of the most historical and touristic towns in Salento. Placed near the extreme eastern point of Italian peninsula, on the Adriatic sea is famous for historical events like the Turkish invasion in 1410 and for the sacrifice of 800 inhabitants, beheaded for their choose to not convert to Islam.
On the other side, jutting on the Ionian sea, Gallipoli is divided in two main parts: the historical centre, build on a island and connected by a seventeenth-century bridge, and the modern part, characterized by the so-called "skyscraper". Full of charm, Gallipoli is well-known for its turistic and seafaring activities.
In the extreme south S. Maria di Leuca, with its nineteenth-century mansions, is the landmark in an area yet to be discovered, rich in landscapes and traditions.
Maglie, in the geographical hearth of Salento, is one of the most relevant commercial and cultural towns. Aldo Moro is its most illustrious citizen.
Galatina is famous for its showground and for some important churches like the one dedicated to S. Pietro, the basilica of S. Caterina, national monument, and the church of S. Paolo, where tradition has it that flows the water that can cure from the bit of tarante (tarantula).
Nardo is one of the most populous towns, and a very rilevant touristic centre. In its area falls the wonderful seasides of S. Caterina, Porto Selvaggio and Torre Inserraglio. Also to visits are its high-class mansions and the typical building with a central courtyard (case a corte).
