San Donato di Lecce
San Donato di Lecce: Discovering the City
San Donato di Lecce is a beautiful city in Salento, located in the central-northern part of the province of Lecce and has a population of 5,514 people. Also known as Addunào in Greek, it is an artistic city along with the village of Galugnano. With its surface area of 20.16 km², San Donato extends at the foot of the Salento hills in the Cupa Valley.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of San Donato di Lecce, situated at an altitude between 49 and 101 meters above sea level, is relatively extensive. Of these, the inhabited centers occupy 2.81 km², while the remaining 18.35 km² is used as agricultural land. Much of the city and buildings are located in the Cupa Valley, in that part of the Salento plain around the capital of Lecce, characterized by a large karst Depression. In the southeastern area, around the village of Galugnano, the territory has a higher altitude thanks to the presence of modest reliefs of the Salento hills that exceed slightly over 100 meters above sea level. The median city of Salento is 15 km from the Adriatic Sea and 25 km from the Ionian Sea.
San Donato di Lecce borders to the north with the municipalities of San Cesario di Lecce and Cavallino, to the east with the municipality of Caprarica di Lecce, to the south with the municipalities of Sternatia and Soleto, and to the west with the municipality of Lequile.
- Seismic classification: Zone 4 (very low seismicity), PCM ordinance No. 3274 of 20/03/2003
Climate
Regarding the climate, San Donato di Lecce falls within the territory of Southern Salento, and is characterized by the Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot-humid summers. According to statistics, the average temperature of the coldest month, that is January, is around 10 degrees, while that of the warmest month, namely August, is around 28 degrees. The average annual precipitation, around 550 mm, occurs in greater measure in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer.
San Donato di Lecce is weakly influenced by western currents thanks to the Salento hills which guarantee greater protection. Despite this, autumn and winter currents from the Southeast favor an increase in precipitation during this period, compared to the rest of the peninsula.
- Climate classification of San Donato di Lecce: ** Climate zone: C ** Degree days: 1202
History
The presence of prehistoric settlements in the area of San Donato di Lecce is attested to by the presence of some structures such as Specchia (megalith), the neolithic archaeological area of Specchiarosa and some portions of Messapic walls dating back to 1000 BC.
In the Roman period, the birth of the Vigliano hamlet can be identified, named in honor of the Roman centurion Vilius. From the Roman domination, a dam remains, the collected water of which was made to flow to the centurion's residence.
After being destroyed by the Barbarians, the Vigliano hamlet was reborn in the 11th century thanks to the impetus of the Normans and immediately became part of the County of Lecce with the new name of San Donato.
Monuments and Places of Interest
San Donato di Lecce is a city rich in monuments and places of interest that attract the attention of visitors, including:
Mother Church of San Donato
The Mother Church of San Donato rises within the historic center and dates back to the 11th century. It was destroyed during the 17th century but was rebuilt in the Baroque era in 1765.
Church of San Paolo
The Church of San Paolo also stands in the historic center and dates back to the 14th century. Previously known as the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, it was rebuilt in 1960 after its destruction during the Second World War.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower stands in the Piazza del Popolo and was erected in 1851 in neoclassical style.
Baronial Palace
The Baronial Palace, a palace dating back to the 18th century in full Baroque style, stands in the center of the town.
Rimembranza Park
Rimembranza Park is located within the historic center and is characterized by a blue stream whose water flow is fed by the Tolve Spring, whose water is used for the distribution of drinking water to citizens.
San Donato Festival
The San Donato Festival, which takes place on August 7th every year, is a major attraction for tourists and locals alike. The city comes alive with songs, dances, performances, and fireworks to celebrate the patron saint of the entire community.
Economy
The economy of San Donato di Lecce focuses mainly on agriculture and pig breeding. The local inhabitants are also producers of typical Salento products such as wine, oil, and burnt wheat bread. Additionally, the city is very rich in water resources, including the Tolve Spring, which is particularly used for the supply of drinking water to citizens.
Conclusion
San Donato di Lecce is a city in Salento that fascinates with its history, monuments, and places of interest. Each year, it also offers many cultural events that enhance and make the Puglia territory unique. If you are in the area or plan to visit Salento, San Donato di Lecce is definitely a must-visit destination that we recommend not to miss.
