Alessano
Welcome to Alessano, a gem in lower Salento
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a charming town in Puglia that I recently discovered: Alessano. With its 6,045 inhabitants, it is located in the province of Lecce, in lower Salento. In this text, I will be your tour guide, telling you about its history, physical geography, climate, and the origins of its name.
Physical Geography
Alessano spans 28.69 km² at the foot of the Serra dei Cianci, a chain of hills that borders the territory. The town is located 134 meters above sea level, but the highest point reaches 185 meters. The municipality borders Tricase and Specchia to the north, Tiggiano and Corsano, and the Ionian Sea to the east, Gagliano del Capo and Castrignano del Capo to the south, and Morciano di Leuca, Salve, and Presicce-Acquarica to the west.
If you love nature, you will be happy to discover that part of Alessano's territory is part of the regional natural park Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase, where you can admire the crystal-clear sea, sandy beaches, and cliffs overlooking the sea.
Climate
From a meteorological point of view, Alessano's climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures of around 9 degrees, while August is the hottest, with temperatures of around 25 degrees. The average annual rainfall is around 676 millimeters, with a peak in autumn and winter.
Origins of the Name
Now let's move on to the origins of Alessano's name. According to legend, the Greek architect Daedalus, after his famous flight, landed in the area and exclaimed "Alae Sanae!" referring to his still intact artificial wings, giving the village its name. In reality, the place name would derive from the Greek personal name "Alexis" or "Alexus" with the addition of the suffix indicating belonging "-anos."
History
Alessano has an ancient and prestigious history. In the past, the town was home to the Diocese of Alessano until 1818 and the county capital. Today, the historic center is a real open-air museum, with splendid examples of Baroque architecture, such as the matrix church of San Salvatore, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and the palace of the Lubelli barons.
Furthermore, for history enthusiasts, it is worth visiting the Fountain of the Sanctuary, dating back to the 18th century and characterized by the presence of a statue of the Madonna della Serra, the patron saint of Alessano.
"Borghi Autentici d'Italia" Association
Since 2016, Alessano has been part of the "Borghi Autentici d'Italia" association, an important recognition that values the historical and cultural heritage of small towns that preserve their authenticity and identity.
Conclusion
In summary, Alessano is an ideal destination for those who want to discover authentic and un-touristy places, immersed in nature and history. With its beaches, hills, Baroque churches, and ancient villages, it will capture your heart at first sight. Don't miss the opportunity to visit and enjoy its cuisine, made of traditional dishes such as orecchiette, fave and cicorie, and ciceri e tria, all accompanied by a good glass of local wine. Come to Alessano, you will be welcome!
