Presicce
The geography of Presicce
Presicce is a small municipality in Puglia, located in the province of Lecce. It has become known for its merger with Acquarica del Capo, giving rise to the new municipality of Presicce-Acquarica. It covers an area of 24.09 km² and is located on the Salento hills, in the Capo di Leuca area. The territory has an orographic profile characterized by modest reliefs of the hills and is located between 65 and 169 m above sea level, with the municipal building at 104 m above sea level. The town center is located in a particularly beautiful valley, immersed in the Mediterranean vegetation and surrounded by green centuries-old olive groves.
The climate of Presicce
Presicce is located in the territory of the lower Salento, characterized by a predominantly Mediterranean climate. Precipitation is lowest in spring-summer and peaks in autumn-winter. Wind is weak due to the protection of the Salento hills from western winds, while autumn and winter winds from the southeast increase precipitation during this period compared to the rest of the peninsula.
The history of Presicce
The origins of Presicce probably date back to the 7th century, when the abundance of water in the territory attracted the first settlements. The municipal emblem, which depicts a deer drinking from a spring, seems to reflect this abundance of water. However, the derivation of the name Presicce is still the subject of discussions and legends. Some argue that it derives from the union of the terms "Praesi" and "Sixos", while others believe that the town was an ancient Roman garrison. A particular version claims that the town was born from a miracle of St. Ilarione, who was able to obtain a source of water from the Heavenly Father during a period of famine.
Presicce has an ancient history full of legends, but its merger with Acquarica del Capo represents a new beginning for the municipality. Its inhabitants can now look to the future with a new identity and greater development opportunities.
