Pezze di Greco
Discovering Pezze di Greco: a fraction rich in history and culture
Hello everyone! Today I will take you on a journey to discover a fraction rich in history and culture: Pezze di Greco, located in the municipality of Fasano, in the province of Brindisi.
Physical geography
Pezze di Greco is located in the ancient Land of Bari, just 5 kilometers from the sea. If you decide to visit this beautiful fraction, know that it is only 3 kilometers from Fasano, 46 from the provincial capital, Brindisi, and 54 from the regional capital, Bari. It is one of the most populous fractions in Italy and is the largest and most populated in the Puglia region.
History
The foundation of Pezze di Greco dates back to 1815, when some farmers, mainly from Fasano, but also from Cisternino, decided to cultivate and improve the land. At that time, most of the current territory of Pezze di Greco was part of a farmhouse belonging to the Greco family, originally from Martina Franca. The Greco farmhouse was a vast area of land without trees, used only for the cultivation of wheat, barley, forage and legumes. For this reason, it was called "pezze", from the word "appezzamento" meaning plot of land. This name, combined with the owner's surname, gave rise to the current name of the village, Pezze di Greco.
Later, at the initiative of Mr. Greco, the land was divided into lots and leased to the colonists. Subsequently, some farmers decided to settle on their own land and trulli were built on the farms. In 1837, the first land purchase deeds were concluded. The Greco family ceased to exist due to lack of male heirs and the elderly Mrs. Greco needed assistance. That's how a woman named Apollonia was recommended to her, who instructed her and to whom she bequeathed the property. Apollonia's husband, Tommaso Gaito, decided to lease the rest of the land in the same year.
During this period, the Kingdom of Two Sicilies government joined the capital of the kingdom with the extreme end of Salento: with a decree, the current State Road 16 Adriatica was built which passes through Pezze di Greco. The construction was completed in 1841.
Monuments and places of interest
If you visit Pezze di Greco, do not miss the opportunity to admire these splendid monuments and places of interest:
- The cross by the missionary fathers of the Precious Blood, built in 1924 and now kept in the church.
- The monument to the fallen of the First World War, inaugurated in 1931, whose construction was financed with the proceeds of some performances by the Pezze di Greco drama company.
- The Museum of Peasant Art, inaugurated in 2021, where various typical agricultural tools of the area's farmers are kept.
Culture
Events
Pezze di Greco is also famous for its events:
- The living Nativity scene, with the participation of a large part of the population of Pezze di Greco as actors.
- The patronal feast, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.
- The San Francesco d'Assisi trade fair, which takes place on October 4th.
Sport
Sports facilities
If you love sports, you cannot miss the sports field "Sergio Ancona". Located in Pezze di Greco, it is the second sports facility in the Fasano area and boasts a covered grandstand of 800 seats.
In conclusion, Pezze di Greco is a fraction that definitely deserves a visit. Among history, culture and sports, you will find lots of things to do and see. We are waiting for you!
