Roccaforzata
Discovering Roccaforzata
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a beautiful place located in the Puglia region: Roccaforzata. It is a municipality of 1,764 inhabitants located in the province of Taranto, in the upper Salento area. The geographical position is truly unique, as the town is situated on a hill 145 meters above sea level, the highest in the Serra di Sant'Elia.
The History of Roccaforzata
The history of Roccaforzata is very interesting. In the Medieval era, the settlement was known as Rocca-vecchia, in the 17th century as Rocca-nuova, and finally in the early 19th century it adopted its current name. The name derives from the rocky location on which the village is built, making it nearly impregnable. Throughout its history, the area was influenced by various peoples, including the Romans and the Albanians. In the 15th century, Albanians (Epirotes) arrived in the Kingdom of Naples led by Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg, called by King Ferrante I of Aragon to tame the rebellious barons. Later, the family d'Ayello and the family Laforza were the next feudal lords of the village.
The presence of the Albanians had a strong impact on the culture and customs of the town, so much so that in past centuries Albanian dialects were spoken and their religious rite was practiced, but this changed in the 16th century with the intervention of the Archbishop of Taranto, Monsignor Lelio Brancaccio, who imposed the Latin rite and closed the Albanian churches. However, Albanian dialects survived until the 19th century only in San Marzano, and in the other colonised towns, including Roccaforzata, they became extinct.
Things to See in Roccaforzata
In Roccaforzata, there are many things to see. The historic centre of the town, built on the edge of the precipice, offers a spectacular view of the valley below. The houses are arranged in a descending position on the eastern slope of the Serra di Sant'Elia. The town also hosts the Mother Church of San Giuseppe, dating back to the 16th century and featuring a beautiful stone portal.
Roccaforzata's Gastronomy
Roccaforzata's cuisine is a must-try for foodies. Among the specialties, you will find pasta with beans, a soup of vegetables and legumes, and omelettes with wild herbs. Also, don't miss the opportunity to taste the local wines, in particular the Primitivo di Manduria, famous all over the world.
Nature Around Roccaforzata
The nature around Roccaforzata is enchanting. The Serra di Sant'Elia offers many naturalistic trails among the different types of vegetation, which include olive trees, vines, pine trees, and holm oaks. You can organise walks or bike rides to enjoy unique panoramas and discover the local fauna.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roccaforzata is one of the hidden gems of Puglia, with a fascinating history, an interesting culture, a delicious cuisine, and spectacular nature. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this place, I guarantee that you won't regret it!
