Erchie
A friendly visit to Erchie
If you are looking for a quiet town in Salento, Erchie might be the right choice for you. Located at the border of the provinces of Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce, this town of just over 8000 inhabitants offers a charming combination of ancient history and modernity. In this brief summary, I will talk a little about the physical geography, history and monuments of interest in Erchie.
Physical Geography
Erchie is located on a plain in the Brindisi hinterland, about 68 meters above sea level. Its landscape is characterized by cultivated fields and you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.
History
Erchie has an ancient history, dating back to the Neolithic period, when it may have been a religious center, associated with a place of worship of the god Hercules. Over the centuries, its geographical location played an important role in its development and decline. After the conquest of Rome, the town lost importance due to its proximity to Manduria and especially Taranto. In the 1st century AD, the town appears under the name Hercle.
In the 10th century, some Basilian monks created the sanctuary of Santa Lucia on an ancient Messapic place of worship located in a cave. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, its population continued to decline: in 1377, about twenty inhabitants were recorded and more than a populated center, it could be called a rural hamlet.
The repopulation of the village began in the 16th century with the arrival of Albanians fleeing from Turkey, but only after the 17th century did the number of inhabitants grow more significantly.
Today Erchie is a very popular tourist destination for visitors who come to discover its historical treasures and the beauty of its landscape.
Monuments and places of interest
Erchie houses a treasure trove of historical treasures and places of interest that my personal tour guide and I had fun discovering.
The Presbyter's Cave or Padreterno is one of these. It is a Messapic monument with a megalithic structure that allowed us to discover and admire the ancient history of the town.
Contrada Specchia Carcarone, where material from the Neolithic and Roman periods was found, is another destination of interest for visitors who love to discover ancient treasures of history.
The Annunciation Cave, created between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, is another place that impressed us. An ancient refuge of the Basilian monks, it was decorated with an altar and some paintings.
The Mother Church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which was built towards the end of the 18th century, is another destination not to be missed if you visit Erchie. It is the first church to be built and its architecture is still impressive today.
In summary, Erchie is a perfect destination for visitors who love ancient history, natural beauty, and the tranquil atmosphere of a Salento town. If you are looking for a charming city to visit in Puglia, Erchie is definitely a destination to consider.
