Sannicola
Welcome to Sannicola: A Cozy Gem in Salento
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about a beautiful town in the province of Lecce, in Puglia, that I had the fortune to visit: Sannicola. This lovely town, with just under 6000 inhabitants, located on the Ionian side of Salento, offers enchanting landscapes, a rich history, and a mouthwatering cuisine.
Physical Geography
Territory
Sannicola covers an area of 27.32 km², divided into two zones: the hinterland and the coastal strip. The hinterland is characterized by a flat morphology and fertile land cultivated with olive and vineyards, which produces the Alezio red Denomination of Origin Controlled wine. The coastal strip, on the other hand, is dominated by the gentle hills of the Serra dell'Altolido, a rocky spur that drops down to the sea.
Climate
The climate of Sannicola is typical of the lower Salento area, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperature of the coldest month, January, is around 9°C, while that of the hottest month, August, hovers around 25°C. The average annual precipitation is about 676 mm.
History
Sannicola has a historical past that coincides with that of Gallipoli, of which it was a fraction until 1908, the year of its establishment as an autonomous town. Very little is known about its period prior to 1484 when the Ionian city was plundered and destroyed by the Venetians.
What to Visit
Historic Center
Sannicola's historic center is very picturesque, with its typical courtyard houses, small alleys, and baroque churches. Among the most important are the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 16th century; the Church of the Immaculate, and the Chapel of Sant'Anna.
Lido Conchiglie
The town of Sannicola also includes a large part of the coastal resort of Lido Conchiglie, an enchanting place where the crystal clear sea meets the rocky cliffs. Here you can find small hidden coves and islands of rare charm.
Gastronomy
The Salento cuisine is renowned worldwide for its goodness and simplicity. In Sannicola, you can taste the typical "ciceri e tria" pasta, a homemade pasta enriched with chickpeas and cherry tomatoes, or "pittulella": small sweet pasta fritters prepared on special occasions.
Furthermore, you cannot miss out on the extra virgin olive oil with protected designation of origin and the Alezio red wine.
Conclusions
In conclusion, friends, Sannicola is a town that deserves to be visited. From historic buildings to hidden coves, from culinary specialties to the culture of gastronomy, Sannicola will enchant you. Come and discover Salento and its pearls like Sannicola, you won't regret it.
