Uggiano Montefusco
Uggiano Montefusco: A small village surrounded by vineyards
Uggiano Montefusco is a beautiful town located in the province of Taranto in Puglia, Italy. This hamlet is home to about 1,667 people and is famous for being surrounded by vineyards that produce one of the most valuable wines in the region, the Primitivo di Manduria. In this article, we will take you on a brief tour through its physical geography, history, and monuments.
Physical Geography
Territory
Uggiano Montefusco is located between the municipalities of Manduria and Sava, approximately two and four kilometers away, respectively. This picturesque village is immersed in a flat agricultural area, rich in vineyards and olive groves.
History
The village dates back at least to the twelfth century, as suggested by the presence of the Norman castle, now disappeared but already in ruins in the nineteenth century. Throughout its history, Uggiano Montefusco has seen the hegemony of some important families of the past, such as the Montefusco, Abrizi, and Imperiali. In the nineteenth century, the village became part of Manduria. The toponym "Uggiano" seems to derive from Latin "Vigilarum," indicating the place of observation and control of the surrounding territory or the nearby municipality of Manduria.
Monuments
Mother Church (eighteenth century)
Dedicated to the Assumption, the Mother Church is a beautiful example of religious architecture in the seventeenth-century Baroque style. Inside, you can admire beautiful canvases by the Bianchi brothers, mandurian painters of the eighteenth century. But what really makes the difference between the Mother Church and other churches in the area is the use of frescoes by the painter Ettore Marzo, which were made in the 1960s during an important structural intervention.
Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario (eighteenth century)
The Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario was built in the eighteenth century and is located next to the Mother Church. This beautiful chapel is a real testament to the religious fervor that still animates the community of Uggiano today.
Chapel of San Nicola (seventeenth century)
The Chapel of San Nicola is a gem of the village. Dating back to the seventeenth century, the chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of Uggiano, San Nicola, and represents an artistic and cultural heritage of the community. Recently, the chapel has been restored by Frenchville architect Mario Passaro, who removed the crusts from the facades and waterproofed the covering.
Conclusions
Uggiano Montefusco is one of the most beautiful and charming villages in Puglia. Its history, its monuments, and its splendid geographical position make it a perfect place for nature, history, and sacred art lovers. A visit to this village will make you fully appreciate the charm of Puglia and its traditions.
