Morigino
Exploring Morigino, the hamlet in Maglie in the province of Lecce
Morigino is a small village located in eastern Salento, a few kilometers from the municipality of Maglie and 30 km from the city of Lecce. This hamlet was an autonomous municipality until the second half of the 19th century. There is little information about its origins, but it is presumed that it was founded by the Saracens in the 9th century. In this article, we will explore the history and places of interest in Morigino.
History of Morigino
The history of Morigino is linked to that of the Saracens, who arrived in Salento in the 9th century. It is said that the village was founded by a certain Moro, a captain of the Saracens, who decided to station part of his troops where Morigino later emerged. In the 12th century, Morigino became part of the County of Lecce at the behest of King Tancred of Lecce. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of the families who owned the hamlet of Maglie until the abolition of the feudal regime in 1806.
Monuments and places of interest
Morigino is a village rich in monuments and places of interest to visit. Among these, the most prominent is the mother church of San Giovanni Battista, built between 1598 and 1604 and considered the oldest church in the Maglie area. The main facade features a decorated portal, two niches at the bottom, and three windows. A statue is located at the top. The interior of the church has a structure with three aisles divided by imposing columns finely decorated in the upper part.
Of particular interest are the Baroque altars, the seventeenth-century baptismal font, and the painting depicting San Giovanni Battista, attributed to Luca Giordano. Other paintings depict the Madonna del Carmine, San Nicola with the Nativity, and the Doctors Saints Cosma and Damiano, whose altar was rebuilt in 1819 by Vito Circolone. Inside, there is an organ from 1740, made by the Alsatia master organ builders Simon and Pietro Khyrcher, on which the emblem of the village is inscribed: a seated moor. The vault, designed by the architect Filippo Bacile di Castiglione d'Otranto and executed by the Magliese Carmelo Toma, dates back to 1863, when the existing wooden ceiling was removed.
Other churches in Morigino include the chapel of the Madonna dell'Addolorata.
The Torre Colombaia, also known as Palumbaro, is a civil architecture located near the homonymous farmhouse. This building dates back to the 16th century and features stylistic characters of the era. Inside, there are about ten thousand compartments that housed birds for breeding.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Morigino is an interesting village to visit for its history and monuments. The mother church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the main places of interest, thanks to its Baroque altars, paintings, and the organ from 1740. Additionally, the Torre Colombaia is a very fascinating civil architecture for its structure and original function. If you find yourself in eastern Salento, do not miss the opportunity to visit this hamlet of Maglie.
