Diso

Welcome to Diso: a little gem in Salento

Hello friends, today I'll talk to you about Diso, a charming town with only 2839 inhabitants located in the eastern part of the Salento peninsula, in the province of Lecce, famous for its fascinating natural treasures and rich history.

The territory of Diso - between sea and natural park

The territory of Diso extends over an area of 11.56 km², and includes a short strip of coastline that overlooks the Adriatic Sea in the seaside resort of Marina di Marittima. It is bordered by the municipalities of Ortelle to the north, Spongano to the west, Andrano to the south, and Castro to the east, as well as the edge of the Adriatic Sea.

Since October 2006, part of the Diso territory has been part of the Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Coastal Park, an area established by the Puglia Region to protect the eastern coast of Salento and its valuable fauna and flora.

Diso: the pearl of Salento between sea and history.

The Mediterranean climate of Diso

From a meteorological point of view, Diso has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature of the coldest month, January, is around +17.2°C, while that of August, the hottest month, reaches +26.1°C. Diso records an annual precipitation level of about 910 mm.

The history of Diso - from its origins to modern times

Diso's origins date back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the discovery of a Vardare menhir, a Neolithic period dagger, and a stone with Messapian inscription. The settlement would have been born in the 8th century BC as a fortified city, with the name "Dizos", to testify to its defensive role.

Diso had a remarkable development in history, so much so that in the 11th century its history is intertwined with that of nearby Castro.

The artistic and cultural treasures of Diso

Diso has precious religious architecture, such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista, where the first church in the territory was built around the year 1003, and the Church of the Madonna del Buon Consiglio, built in the eighteenth century.

Among the civil monuments, the Macrì Palace, dating back to the nineteenth century, and the ancient Hypogeous Oil Mill, an underground oil mill excavated in the rocky bench in the eighteenth century, where you can still admire the millstones and passages for olive conferment.

What to do in Diso

Diso offers its visitors numerous opportunities to immerse themselves in natural beauty and discover the history of the place. You can stroll through the alleys of the old town, admire the mosaics of the churches, visit the Hypogeous Oil Mill, or take a tour of the Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Coastal Park.

In addition, you can taste the typical dishes of Salento cuisine, such as puccia, a sort of stuffed sandwich, and homemade pasta flavored with tomato sauce or seafood.

Conclusion

Guys, I hope I've introduced you better to Diso, a little gem of Salento. If you love nature, history, and good food, this place is undoubtedly an excellent choice for spending an unforgettable holiday!

Giovanni Rinaldi
Updated Thursday, Aug 18, 2022