Scorrano
Scorrano: a treasure in the heart of Salento
If you have ever had the chance to visit Salento, you have probably heard of Scorrano, a small town with almost 7,000 inhabitants that extends in the central-southern part of the Salento peninsula. If you have never been there, I suggest you immediately add it to your list of places to visit.
Physical geography
Scorrano is located a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea and is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. The morphology of the territory ranges from 81 to 116 meters above sea level and has a subsoil consisting of a limestone bench. The presence of karst cavities, the "vore" in jargon, makes this territory unique and particularly interesting to visit. Among the most famous karst cavities are the Vora della Castagna and the Vora del Genio Civile.
Territory
Scorrano stands on a modest hill at 95 meters above sea level and is immersed in uncontaminated nature. The southwest area of the municipality falls within the Paduli Park, a rural area characterized by a landscape predominantly dominated by extensive and majestic olive groves, in which some of the most important traces of the ancient Belvedere forest survive, which already existed in Roman times.
The main woods of Scorrano include: Bosco della Pecorara, Bosco Gianpaolo, Bosco Fanò, Bosco Lucagiovanni and Bosco Signora. Here it is possible to take pleasant walks among centuries-old oaks and the typical dense undergrowth vegetation.
Climate
Scorrano enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is around 7.7 degrees Celsius, while that of the hottest month (August) is around 38.9 degrees Celsius. The average annual precipitation is around 676 mm and has a minimum during spring-summer and a peak during autumn-winter.
How to get there
Scorrano is located in the province of Lecce, in Puglia, and is easily accessible by car. It is 20 km from the Adriatic and 26 km from the Ionian Sea. If you decide to visit Scorrano, I recommend renting a car to move freely and fully enjoy the beauties that this place offers.
What to see
Scorrano is famous throughout Italy for the production of luminaries, which are true luminous works of art that are exhibited during religious celebrations. If you decide to visit Scorrano in July, do not miss the celebrations in honor of Santa Domenica, the patron saint of the village. During the event, Scorrano fills with colors and lights, becoming a real spectacle for the eyes.
Don't miss the main church, dedicated to Santa Maria della Natività, with its valuable Baroque facade, or the sixteenth-century castle of Aragonese origin, which currently houses the municipal library.
What to eat
The Salento cuisine is famous throughout Italy for its simplicity and genuineness. Scorrano is no exception and offers its visitors a wide range of delicacies ranging from orecchiette with turnip greens, dried tomatoes, and the famous pasticciotto leccese. There is also no shortage of fresh fish dishes, including typical prawns or stuffed squid.
In conclusion, Scorrano is a perfect destination for those who love nature, culture, and good food. Discovering this small treasure in the heart of Salento will give you a unique and unforgettable experience.
