Villa Convento
Villa Convento: A Historical and Legendary Place
Are you looking for a hidden gem among the beauties of Salento? Then you absolutely must visit Villa Convento, a small Salento village divided between the towns of Novoli and Lecce. With its 728 inhabitants, Villa Convento is a place full of history and legends that deserves a visit.
Origins of the Name
The town owes its name to the presence of an ancient Dominican convent, built in 1551 by Filippo I Mattei and named Sant'Onofrio. Over time, the village became known as Villa Convento, due to the presence of the convent itself.
History
Villa Convento has an ancient and fascinating history. Originally, it was part of the ancient County of Lecce, founded by the Normans in 1055. Later, Villa Convento was under the dominion of various feudal families, including the Hohenstaufen, the Angevins, and the Aragonese. In 1523, Paolo Mattei purchased the fiefdom of Nubilo or Novule, an uninhabited territory that now corresponds to Villa Convento. In 1551, he erected a convent for the Dominican fathers and the church of Sant'Onofrio, thus favoring the settlement of the fiefdom. Thanks to the presence of the convent, the village of Nubilo (or Novule) began to be called Sant'Onofrio or Convent, while the toponym Novoli ("Nòvule", "Nòule") was reserved for the nearby hamlet of Santa Maria de Novi.
Myths and Legends: "The Last Hermit"
One of the most suggestive myths of Villa Convento concerns the figure of Frate Morgicchiu Pilu Niuru, the last friar left in the convent after the suppression of the religious orders in 1809. Morgicchio spent his contemplative life in a humble cottage located in the farms, where he received the visits of numerous Salento faithful seeking blessings and favors. The legend has it that even today you can see Frate Morgicchio in those places, especially in winter, in the guise of a man with a hood in ecstatic contemplation in front of a crackling spit.
Climate
The climate of Villa Convento is typically Mediterranean, with mild and rainy winters and a long hot and dry summer. This climate makes the area particularly suitable for the cultivation of grapes and olive oil, two of the most famous products of Salento.
Monuments and Places of Interest
The main monument of Villa Convento is the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, dedicated to Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio. This church, dating back to the eighteenth century, houses a beautiful statue of St. Isidore, patron saint of farmers. Among the places of interest there are also the farms, where Frate Morgicchio's cottage is located, now known as "Remote Terre te lu Patrunu".
Infrastructure and Transportation
Villa Convento is located on the SP4 Novoli-Lecce provincial road, three kilometers from Novoli and eight from the center of Lecce. From the village, the provincial roads SP8 Villa Convento-Arnesano and SP121 Villa Convento-Carmiano also depart.
Events
The calendar of events in Villa Convento is full of appointments, both religious and secular. The Sagra della Puccia, held in May, is an opportunity to taste the typical Salento puccia, a sort of sandwich filled with local meats and cheeses. On August 15th, the Sagra te lu Puerciceddhru Pri Pri e te la Caddhrina Co Co takes place, a traditional festival that celebrates the flavors and traditions of Salento. Moreover, on January 22nd, Saint Anthony Abbot, patron saint of animals and farmers, is celebrated, while the last Sunday of April is the feast of Mary S.S. del Buon Consiglio, patron saint of Villa Convento and the diocese of Lecce. Finally, every two hundred years, the Festa te lu Idulu is held, a nine-day celebration in honor of Bacco Cumentinu, god of the grape fruit, which culminates with the procession of the god's statue among the farms of the village.
Conclusions
Villa Convento is an extraordinary place that combines history and legends, traditions and natural beauties. If you are looking for an authentic experience in the heart of Salento, Villa Convento is definitely a destination not to be missed.
