Minervino di Lecce
Discovering Minervino di Lecce: history, geography and climate
Hello friends, today I want to take you on a journey of discovery to Minervino di Lecce, an Italian municipality located in the wonderful region of Puglia. With its 3552 inhabitants, Minervino is a small village that is part of the association of Authentic Italian Villages.
Physical geography
But before talking about its history, let's dive into its geography. Minervino di Lecce is located in eastern Salento, in the Otranto area, and also includes the hamlets of Cocumola and Specchia Gallone. Its territory covers an area of about 20 square kilometers and is located at an altitude between 82 and 127 meters above sea level.
The municipality borders to the north with the municipalities of Giurdignano and Giuggianello, to the east with that of Uggiano la Chiesa, to the south with that of Santa Cesarea Terme and to the west with that of Poggiardo. Minervino is about 33 kilometers from Lecce and is classified as zone 4 (very low seismicity) according to the PCM ordinance no. 3274 of 20/03/2003.
Climate
The climate of Minervino di Lecce is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperatures of the coldest month, January, are around 7°C, while those of the hottest month, August, are around 28°C. The average annual rainfall is around 600 millimeters, with a minimum in spring-summer and a peak in autumn-winter.
The winds in the municipality of Minervino are influenced by the presence of the Salento greenhouses, which create a shield system from western currents. Autumn and winter currents from the southeast, on the other hand, favor the increase in precipitation compared to the rest of the peninsula.
Origins of the name
But where does the name of this municipality come from? It is thought to derive from the temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva present in the area. Furthermore, it can be hypothesized that the name derives from the ancient ''Castrum Minervae'', whose inhabitants, after the destruction of the city, took refuge inland founding the current town.
The history of Minervino di Lecce
Let's now move on to the history of Minervino di Lecce. There are several hypotheses about its origin: some argue that it was founded by the Messapians, while others believe that its foundation dates back to the Roman era.
During the medieval period, Minervino was an important center for the production of cotton and fine fabrics. In 1310, the municipality became part of the Kingdom of Naples and in 1442 was included in the feud of Tricase.
During the Risorgimento, the municipality actively participated in the struggles for the unification of Italy and many Minervinesi went to war. In 1860, with the arrival of the Garibaldine troops, Minervino was annexed to the nascent Kingdom of Italy.
In the post-war period, the municipality experienced economic development thanks to tourism and agriculture, but also to the presence of several quarries of fine marble. In the 1960s, an earthquake caused serious damage to homes and infrastructure, but the village quickly recovered thanks to the work of its inhabitants.
Today, Minervino di Lecce is a peaceful village that has preserved its traditions and its historical and cultural heritage.
What to see in Minervino di Lecce
If you visit Minervino di Lecce, you cannot miss the Matrice Church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, with its beautiful stone portal in Lecce stone and the sail bell tower. Other interesting places to visit are the Baronial Palace, dating back to the XVIII century, and the Clock Tower, a symbol of the municipality.
But the real treasure of Minervino is its countryside and its sea: from here you can admire breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the beauty and peace of nature. Among the events not to be missed, we mention the Madonna dell'Alto Festival, held on September 1st at the top of the hill overlooking the village, and the Purpu Festival, a celebration in honor of octopus held every year in July.
In short, Minervino di Lecce is a magical place that deserves to be discovered and admired, with its history, culture and natural beauty.
