Squinzano
Welcome to Squinzano, the City of Italy in Salento
Hello friends! Today, I will tell you about Squinzano, a small city in Salento, located on the northern border of the province of Lecce, in Puglia. With its 13,541 inhabitants, Squinzano is a municipality that borders the province of Brindisi. Since 1999, the municipality has been awarded the title of City of Italy.
Let's discover together the physical geography of Squinzano
The territory of Squinzano extends for 33.27 km², including the small administrative island called "Settedolori", enclosed within the municipality of Torchiarolo. The territory is between 15 and 57 meters above sea level, with the highest point at Serra di Sant'Elia.
Squinzano is part of the Cupa Valley, which is a portion of the Salento plain around the capital city of Lecce characterized by a large karst depression. Squinzano borders to the north with the municipalities of Cellino San Marco and San Pietro Vernotico, to the east with the municipalities of Torchiarolo and Lecce, to the south with the municipality of Trepuzzi and to the west with the municipality of Campi Salentina.
The northern part of the Casalabate marina, on the Adriatic coast, belongs to the municipality of Squinzano. In seismic terms, the municipal territory belongs to zone 4, indicating very low seismic activity.
Squinzano has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot-humid summers. The average temperature of the coldest month, January, is around 13°C, while that of the hottest month, August, stands at about 29°C. Precipitation is concentrated mainly in autumn and winter, with an average annual rainfall of about 600 millimeters. Autumn and summer are characterized by drought and strong winds, influenced by cold currents of Balkan origin or hot currents of African origin.
Let's discover together the origins of the name of Squinzano
The name Squinzano has a clear Roman matrix. The hamlet arose where the Roman consul Titus Quinctius Flamininus built his private residence during the wars against Taranto. Initially named Quintianum, the toponym became Quinzano and later Squinzano.
The history of Squinzano
According to oral tradition, Squinzano was born as a hamlet thanks to the dwelling of the consul Titus Quinctius Flamininus. However, it remained for centuries a tiny abandoned village, populated only by a few shepherds. Later, it developed, welcoming a large number of refugees from the nearby Messapic city of Valesio, destroyed by the Norman king William the Bad in 1157.
During the Middle Ages, Squinzano followed the vicissitudes of the County of Lecce. With Tancredi of Lecce, it experienced a period of prosperity thanks to the privileges granted and exemption from many taxes. In 1520, Squinzano was the scene of a clash between the opposing Spanish and French armies for dominion over the Mezzogiorno.
Events and tourist attractions
Squinzano is a city that offers many events and tourist attractions, despite its size. Every year, in August, the famous Squinzano Doc wine festival takes place, during which local wine producers present their creations.
Furthermore, Squinzano is known for its production of high-quality wine, Squinzano Doc. Local wineries can be visited throughout the year, offering tastings of their wines and the opportunity to purchase bottles as souvenirs.
The historic center of Squinzano is characterized by numerous historic buildings and churches, such as the Church of the Immaculate, the Church of San Rocco, and the Convent of the Capuchin Friars Minor.
The cuisine of Squinzano
The cuisine of Squinzano is based on local products, such as olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables. Among the typical dishes are orecchiette with turnip greens, horse ragout, and grilled lamb. Extra virgin olive oil, locally produced, is a fundamental ingredient in most dishes.
Conclusions
Squinzano is a small city that offers a lot, from wine production, cultural events, historic buildings, and typical Salento dishes. I hope that this brief virtual trip to this splendid locality has made you want to visit Squinzano. Here you will find cordiality and the authenticity of authentic Salento hospitality!
