Seclì
Welcome to Seclì!
Hi everyone, today we want to talk to you about Seclì, a small municipality in the province of Lecce, in Puglia, located on the western side of Salento. With its 1830 inhabitants, Seclì is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and the beauty of Puglian landscapes. We really like this location and for this reason, we want to share some useful information with you to better get to know this tourist destination.
Physical geography
Let's start with the territory: Seclì covers an area of 8 sq. km and is situated between 62 and 118 meters above sea level. The locality is located between the Serre di Cutrofiano and the Serre dei Campi Latini at 76 meters above sea level. Seclì's agricultural land is mainly cultivated with olive groves and vineyards. Seclì borders with Galatone, Galatina, Aradeo and Neviano. The municipality is classified as a zone 4 (very low seismicity).
Climate
Seclì's climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. In winter, the average temperature is around +9°C, while in summer the average maximum value is +25.1°C. The average annual precipitation is about 676 mm, with a peak in autumn-winter. Seclì is protected from western currents thanks to the presence of the Salento mountains, while during autumn and winter, the South-East currents favor the increase of precipitation compared to the rest of the peninsula.
Etymology
The name Seclì has different origins, but there is no absolute certainty due to the lack of documentation. According to some hypotheses, it could derive from the Latin "seculum", from "siclo", a Hebrew word that indicated a former monetary unit, or from the verb "secludo" or the adjective "seclusus". However, other theories suggest that the name may derive from the refuge of some families from the hamlet of "Fulcignano" who fled after the defeat of Galatone.
History
There is not much documentation on the origins of Seclì, but scholars have developed different theories. Some argue that the Roman camp during the war between Roman troops and Pyrrhus could be Seclì. According to the humanist Antonio De Ferrariis, the village was founded by some people who took refuge in the countryside after the defeat of Galatone.
Art and culture
Seclì is a locality with ancient roots and an interesting cultural history. The Church of San Domenico, built-in 1700, is one of the city's main historical monuments and is located in the heart of the historic center. The church has numerous works of art inside, including a canvas by Giuseppe Torsello from the eighteenth century.
In Seclì, they traditionally organize the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24th. The night before the celebration, citizens light the famous "bonfire of St. John", a reconstruction of the witch's pyre, a symbol of the arrival of summer.
What to see
For nature lovers, a visit to the Serre Park is certainly recommended. The park offers a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding mountains. Seclì is also famous for agriculture, especially for the production of wine and olive oil. We recommend visiting some of the local wineries to taste the local products.
Cuisine and wines
Speaking of food, Seclì offers many Salento cuisine delicacies. Among the typical dishes are Apulian bread, orecchiette with broccoli, tiella of rice and potatoes, and pasticciotto salentino, a sweet pastry filled with custard cream. In addition, the local wines are among the best in Salento, such as Primitivo di Manduria and white wines of the Itria Valley.
Conclusion
In summary, Seclì is a small Puglian municipality with a very interesting cultural and landscape heritage. We recommend visiting the city to discover its history, art, nature, and good cuisine. Whether you are a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or foodie, Seclì is the perfect place for a relaxing break from the hectic city life.
