Cannole
Welcome to Cannole, in the heart of Salento
Cannole is a municipality with approximately 1600 inhabitants in the province of Lecce. It's located in the central-eastern part of Salento, just a few kilometers from the protected natural oasis of the Alimini Lakes and the enchanting city of Otranto. The town's name derives from the presence of the cane plant, which is widespread in the surrounding area.
Physical geography of Cannole
The territory of the municipality of Cannole covers an area of about 16 square kilometers, ranging from 28 to 106 meters above sea level. The town center is located on a plateau at 96 meters above sea level and is about 25 kilometers from Lecce, 10 kilometers from Otranto, and 35 kilometers from Gallipoli. The town borders to the north with the fraction of Serrano in the municipality of Carpignano Salentino, to the east with Otranto, to the south with Palmariggi, and to the west with the municipalities of Bagnolo del Salento and Castrignano de' Greci.
The climate of Cannole
Cannole has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperature in the coldest month, January, is around 10 degrees, while in the warmest month, August, it exceeds 25 degrees. Rainfall is frequent in autumn and winter, with an average of 700 millimeters of rain per year. Spring and summer, on the other hand, are characterized by long periods of drought. Wind is an important element of Cannole's climate, with cold currents from the Balkans or hot ones from Africa.
The history of Cannole
Human presence in the territory of Cannole is documented as far back as the Upper Paleolithic, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. In the Neolithic period, the area was inhabited by farmer-herders who built villages of huts on the plateau of Santu Lasi, using the strategic position to defend themselves from possible attacks by other prehistoric communities. Fragments of ceramics dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age have been found in this area, as well as the menhir of Santu Lasi, discovered by Francesco and Antonio Piccinno in 1965.
Cannole today
Today, Cannole is a picturesque town in Puglia with a lively local community and many tourist activities. Since 2009, the municipality has been a part of the Association of Authentic Italian Villages, which promotes small Italian villages and their traditions. Cannole is famous for its festivals, particularly the Pizzica festival, a traditional dance of Salento. Additionally, the surrounding area is ideal for excursions and walks, with numerous trails through olive groves, vineyards, and reed beds. The historic center of Cannole is characterized by narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and small squares, while the parish of San Giovanni Battista is an example of Salento Baroque architecture.
Conclusion
Cannole is a fascinating place to discover the culture, history, and beauty of Salento. With its strategic location, Mediterranean climate, rich traditions, and welcoming locals, Cannole is an ideal destination for an authentic and surprising vacation. Come visit us and discover everything our beautiful town has to offer!
