Crispiano
Welcome to Crispiano
Hello! Welcome to Crispiano, a town of just under 14,000 inhabitants located in the province of Taranto, in Puglia. Here, the economy is mainly based on agriculture and the breeding of sheep and cattle. But not only that: thanks also to agritourism and artisanal companies, the local production ranges from oil to cheese, from wine to tomatoes.
The history of Crispiano
Crispiano has ancient origins: its territory has been inhabited since Prehistory. In the Middle Ages, this area was the site of the "Casale Crispiani" and the Abbey of Santa Maria di Crispiano. It is only from the sixteenth or seventeenth century that the caves of Vallone - a karst groove that runs through the town - begin to be inhabited stably, giving life to a small town that revolves around the church of Santa Maria del Vallone.
The town developed further after the mid-nineteenth century, with the construction of the first houses in the area now called Crispianello, and then in the so-called "Difesa di Crispiano" (today Piazza Madonna della Neve and Corso Vittorio Emanuele III). Today, the town continues to expand in all surrounding areas, particularly in the Santa Maria Goretti district, located east of the railway line.
The origin of the name
There is no certainty as to how Crispiano obtained its name. There are several theories: some claim that it derives from the saints Crispin and Crispinian, while others believe that it derives from the name of a Roman centurion named Crispius, represented in the municipal coat of arms. According to others, instead, Crispiano takes its name from a supposed lover of Nero, Crispinilla or Crispianella. Finally, a recent study would derive it from the Latin "callis plana", that is, "level drover's track".
The geography of Crispiano
Crispiano develops on the banks of the Lizzitello valley, in the center of a series of hills that include Mount Gravina, Mount dell'Angelo, Mount Specchia and Mount Calvello, the latter being the highest of all at 228m. The highest peaks are located on the border with the territory of Martina Franca: among these there are Mount Scorace, Mount Papa Ciro and Mount Trazzonara.
The climate of Crispiano is Mediterranean, with mild winters and arid summers. According to the official data of the "Annali Idrografici" of Puglia relating to the years from 1952 to 1982, the rainfall is more abundant in autumn and winter, while in summer it is absent or very reduced.
What to visit in Crispiano
If you decide to come to Crispiano, we recommend visiting the church of Santa Maria del Vallone, which stands in the caves of the karst groove that runs through the town. Among other things, do not miss the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, with a bell tower 43 meters high, and the church of San Michele, built in the 700s and characterized by the presence of two twin domes.
But Crispiano is not only history and religion: its rich gastronomic production is the town's flagship. Do not miss the potato focaccia, ricotta ravioli, and pecorino cheese of Crispiano. And if you love wine, pizza, or meat, this is definitely the right place for you!
In short, Crispiano is a little gem waiting to be discovered. We look forward to showing you all the beauties of our territory!
