Botrugno
Botrugno: a Puglian municipality to discover
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about Botrugno, a municipality in the province of Lecce, located inland in the Salento peninsula, which deserves to be discovered for its beauty and history.
Physical geography
Botrugno covers an area of 9.68 km² and has a flat morphology. The municipal land ranges between 83 and 114 meters above sea level and borders other municipalities in the area. The southern part of the municipal land falls within the Paduli Park, a rural area characterized by a landscape predominantly dominated by extensive and majestic olive groves and the presence of numerous plant and animal species. Some specimens of ancient oaks, which testify to the ancient Belvedere forest, are also present in the area.
Climate
From a meteorological point of view, Botrugno has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. The average temperatures are around 10.5°C in January and 41.3°C in August. Precipitation is mainly concentrated in autumn and winter.
Etymology
The toponym Botrugno would derive from the Greek "Botruomai", which means to produce grape clusters, or from "Botruoduros", which has grapes. This name would therefore be a clear reference to grapes and vineyards present in the area.
History
Botrugno was originally founded by the Greeks and began to develop after the destruction of nearby Muro Leccese in the 12th century. In the 13th century, it passed to the Maramonte family, who built a small fortress around which the inhabited nucleus developed. In 1654, the village passed to the Branai Castriota family, who owned it until the 19th century.
What to see in Botrugno
The historic center of Botrugno is certainly worth a visit to admire the historic buildings and picturesque corners of the village. Among the monuments not to be missed are certainly the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church of San Giovanni Battista and the Baronial Palace, dating back to the 17th century.
Events and traditions
During the Sagra della Puccia, which takes place in late August, you can taste the typical culinary specialties of the village, including the puccia, a bread seasoned with various ingredients such as tomato, olives, mozzarella, and more. Additionally, during this festival, there is often music and dancing to liven up the evenings.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Botrugno is a Puglian municipality that is well worth visiting to discover its beauty and history. Among the monuments, traditions, and events, there is always something to discover in this place, which boasts a strategic position in the Salento inland. I recommend putting Botrugno on your list of places to visit during your holidays in Puglia!
