San Donaci
Welcome to Cellino San Marco: a millennial history in the heart of Puglia
Hello everyone! Are you ready to embark on a journey into the heart of Puglia, discovering a town with millennial origins? Welcome to Cellino San Marco, a town of 6055 inhabitants in the province of Brindisi that will surprise you with its history, monuments, and places of interest.
The history of Cellino San Marco
Let's start with a bit of history. Cellino San Marco's territory has ancient traces, such as the "a forno" eneolithic tomb, not visitable but still a testament to human presence since prehistoric times. In the Middle Ages, the main center was "La Mea," now a typical Puglian farmhouse, where you can still admire a rural chapel from the 15th century. But the real protagonist of Cellino's history is the church of San Marco, built between the 17th and 18th centuries on the remains of a chapel from the 9th century. Inside, you will find a baroque altar and a silver statue of the saint dating back to 1819. Don't miss the chance to visit the castle of the noble Albrizzi and Chyurlia, built around the 16th century and expanded in the 17th century.
Monuments and places of interest
But now let's move on to the real protagonists of our visit: the monuments and places of interest in Cellino San Marco.
The Baronial Palace, located in Largo Castello in the main square of the capital, has medieval origins and has been used as a noble residence throughout the centuries. Today, after having hosted various noble families, it has become the seat of the municipality and the civic museum.
The parish church of Marco (the evangelist) is worth a visit for its history. Founded in the 11th century as a chapel of the Basilian monks and dependent on the abbey of Sant'Andrea near Brindisi, this historic church was located near the castle and was replaced by the new church of San Marco built in the 17th century. Don't miss the chance to admire the wooden sculptures and paintings that decorate the church.
But it's not over yet! If you love nature, you can't miss the Bosco Li Veli, a nature reserve located a few kilometers from the town of Cellino. Here, you can visit the archaeological area and discover the past of our land through a walk in nature.
Conclusions
Cellino San Marco is a jewel of Puglia, expertly reconstructed and appropriately valued. Its history, architectural beauties, and natural locations are all important pieces in the reconstruction of our identity. Don't miss the chance to visit this splendid town and appreciate all its wonders!
