Melpignano
Greetings from Melpignano!
Welcome to Melpignano, a municipality of 2135 inhabitants located in the beautiful province of Lecce, in Salento. Our small town is well known for the Notte della Taranta, the largest music festival dedicated to pizzica salentina. But there is much more to discover here, so follow me as I tell you about this beautiful location in Puglia.
Physical Geography
Melpignano is located in a flat area, where the orographic profile is very uniform. The municipality covers an area of 10.93 km², with an altitude ranging from 76 to 97 m above sea level. The urban center is located at 89 m above sea level. There are no surface watercourses, but the deep aquifer is fed by rainfall. Melpignano borders other municipalities such as Castrignano de' Greci, Cursi, Maglie, Cutrofiano and Corigliano d'Otranto. In addition, our territory is part of seismic zone 4, with very low seismicity, according to Ordinance PCM n. 3274 of 20/03/2003.
From a meteorological point of view, Melpignano has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot-humid summers. The average temperature of the coldest month is around +9°C, while that of the warmest month is around +24.7°C. The rains, frequent in autumn and winter, amount to around 626 mm of rain per year. Spring and summer are characterized by long periods of drought.
Origins of the Name
The name "Melpignano" could have different origins. One theory derives it from the Latin personal name "Melpinius", with the addition of the suffix "anus", that is "praedium Melpinianum" which was the land of Melpinius. But there are other ideas, such as that which sees in the toponym the name of the Muse "Melpomene", or the idea that it may derive from honey production, a profitable source of the past.
History
The origins of Melpignano date back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the menhirs and dolmens present in the area. Over the centuries, the town has undergone various dominations, from the oldest to the most recent. In the Byzantine period, Melpignano was part of the Terra d'Otranto province and later came under the control of the Normans. Subsequently, the town was contested among the Angevins, Aragonese and Bourbons, until the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Notte della Taranta
But what makes Melpignano so famous is the Notte della Taranta, a great music festival held every year in August. This event is dedicated to pizzica salentina, one of the oldest and most fascinating dances in the popular Salento tradition. The Notte della Taranta was born from the idea of enhancing this cultural heritage, through music and dance, and culminates in a great final concert that involves internationally renowned musicians and artists.
Conclusions
When you happen to pass by these parts, do not forget to stop in Melpignano to discover all the wonders of this splendid Puglian municipality. We have a welcoming community, a very rich historical and cultural heritage, and a first-rate gastronomy. And of course, do not miss the opportunity to participate in the Notte della Taranta, an unmissable event that will stay in your memories for a long time!
