Martignano
Welcome to Martignano!
Hello friends! Today I will tell you about Martignano, a small municipality located in the heart of Salento, in Puglia. There are only 1597 inhabitants, but this area has an interesting peculiarity: here the ancient language of Greek origin, the lingua grica, is spoken!
Physical Geography
Territory
Martignano is located a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, on a modest elevation called Serre Salentine. Here you can admire the incredible vegetation of the Mediterranean maquis, composed of centuries-old olive trees and other evergreen shrubs. Despite its small territorial extension, Martignano offers a maximum altitude of 101 m above sea level and a minimum of 60 m above sea level. The village borders Caprarica di Lecce, Calimera, Martano, Zollino and Sternatia.
Climate
The climate of Martignano, like in the whole Salento area, is Mediterranean. Winters are mild while summers are warm with an average temperature of 27.2°C in August, the hottest month. Precipitation is frequent in autumn and winter, with an average of 352 mm of rainfall per year. Instead, long periods of drought can be enjoyed in spring and summer.
Origin of the Name
When we hear names like Martignano, we often wonder where they come from. For this village, the most accredited hypothesis concerns the Byzantine appellation μάρτυς, which means "witness of faith". The Basilian monks built an important place of worship here, which gave the village its current name. There are other theories about the origin of the name, such as the one that sees "Martinius" with the addition of the suffix "-anum" or even the name of the marten "Martes", but these are considered less probable.
History
Martignano's history dates back to the Byzantine period of Salento, although there are also hypotheses regarding the foundation in Roman times. The first mention of the village dates back to the second half of the 13th century when it was granted by the Angioini to Simone Belvedere, Parentela## Genero / daughter-in-law of King Charles I of Anjou.
What to See in Martignano
Despite its small size, Martignano offers several tourist attractions. If you are passionate about history, you can visit the old town, where you will find the Church of San Vito, built in the 18th century, and the clock tower, dating back to the 17th century. The one thing you can't miss when visiting this beautiful village is Lake Martignano, which is just a few steps from the center. This lake is of karst origin and offers a spectacular view and a peaceful atmosphere. You can take a boat tour or simply enjoy the surrounding nature.
If you are planning your holidays in Puglia, I recommend considering a visit to Martignano. This village offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Salento and to enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic Coast. You will be surprised by its unique beauty and the kindness of its inhabitants. I hope this brief summary has made you want to visit Martignano. Let us know about your experience!
