Castiglione
Castiglione d'Otranto: a small village in Salento
Castiglione d'Otranto is a charming village in the municipality of Andrano, located in the heart of southern Salento. With its 1,220 inhabitants, Castiglione d'Otranto is a perfect destination for those seeking the beauty and tranquility of a Salento village. In this article, we delve into some interesting facts about this enchanting location.
Physical geography
Castiglione d'Otranto is located 108 meters above sea level. The town center is only 3 km from the municipal capital of Andrano and about 50 km from Lecce, the main city of Salento. The Marina di Andrano is only 6 km from Castiglione d'Otranto. The surrounding territory is characterized by immense fields of olive groves, creating a suggestive and captivating atmosphere.
Origin of the name
The name Castiglione d'Otranto seems to derive from the medieval Latin "castellum", which means "castle". In the past, there was a fortress here that was destroyed by the barbarians in the 10th century. The village was reborn in the early decades of the 13th century, becoming an ancient "Village" of Terra d'Otranto.
History
Castiglione d'Otranto has a very ancient history. After the destruction of the fortress in the 10th century, the small center was a fiefdom of different baronial families, including the Rondachi di Otranto, the Branai Castriota, and the Bacile di Spongano. In 1859, Castiglione d'Otranto came under the administration of the municipality of Andrano.
Monuments and places of interest
Castiglione d'Otranto is a very interesting location from an architectural and cultural point of view. Among the main monuments and places of interest, we mention:
The Mother Church, a Baroque construction from the 17th century dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Inside, there are altars dedicated to the Immaculate Madonna and Saint Anthony of Padua, as well as an ancient organ with pipes by Vincenzo De Micheli.
The Chapel of the Annunciation, dating back to the 17th century.
The Chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena, a small church probably built in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1752. The interior preserves a fresco and a wooden altarpiece depicting Saint Mary Magdalene.
The Crypt of the Holy Spirit, located near the Chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena. The hypogeum has a rectangular plan with a vault supported by a pillar. Along the walls, there are seats for the monks and the faithful, as well as an altar with a damaged fresco of the Holy Spirit.
The Bacile Palace, dating back to the 16th century.
Culture
Castiglione d'Otranto is a locality rich in cultural traditions. Among the most important events, we mention the Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Oronzo, which takes place in the last decade of July. In the same period, there is also the Santa Maria Maddalena Fair and the "taraddhru" (tarallo) Festival, a tasty typical product. In August, instead, the Rioniadi are organized, a cultural event organized by the Knidè association that includes shows, music, and gastronomy. Finally, at the end of August, the "Preludi" to the Green Night, organized by the Association Casa delle AgricUlture Tullia e Gino, and the Green Night, an initiative to promote agriculture and sustainable development.
Infrastructure and transport
Castiglione d'Otranto is served by the Andrano-Castiglione station, located on the local Maglie-Gagliano del Capo railway line managed by Ferrovie del Sud Est. Thanks to this railway line, it is possible to easily reach other locations in Salento.
In conclusion, Castiglione d'Otranto is a locality that offers many opportunities for leisure and culture, immersed in an authentic and traditional atmosphere of Salento. Visiting it can be a unique and unforgettable experience.
