Sternatia
Welcome to Sternatìa, the village of Grecìa Salentina
Sternatìa is an Italian municipality located in the province of Lecce, in Apulia. The village has 2,189 inhabitants and is part of Grecìa Salentina, a Salentine linguistic island where the Griko language, a language of Greek origin, is spoken. In this article, we will discover more about the physical geography of Sternatia, its climate, and the origins of its name.
Physical Geography
Territory
Sternatia is situated in the middle part of the Salento peninsula and is delimited by the Salentine hills to the east and west, which are characterized by a rough terrain with exposed rock and evergreen vegetation of the Mediterranean maquis. The southwest area of Sternatia presents extensive Mediterranean red lands covering the underlying rock. The municipality borders to the north with San Donato di Lecce and Caprarica di Lecce, to the east with Martignano, to the southeast with Zollino, and to the south and west with Soleto. Thanks to its geographical position, Sternatia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot and humid summers.
Climate
According to reference averages, the average temperature of the coldest month, January, is about +9°C, while that of the warmest month, August, is around +24.7°C. Precipitation is frequent in autumn and winter, with an annual average of 626mm of rain. The spring and summer are characterized by long periods of drought, while the municipalities of eastern Salento are influenced by hot winds of African origin and cold currents from the Balkans.
Origins of the Name
The origins of the name Sternatia have been the subject of several hypotheses, but the only scientifically accredited one is that of the German glottologist Gerhard Rohlfs. According to Rohlfs, the name of the village derives from the Greek word "sterna," which means cistern. In fact, there are four large cisterns in the area. Other hypotheses are prescientific or from local scholars, such as the one put forward by Luigi Tasselli in the 17th century, according to which the toponym would derive from the custom of local women crying for the loss of their loved ones by beating their chest (which in Italian is called "sterno"). However, this hypothesis has been refuted, as the Italian word "sterno" is a learned word. The name could also derive from the medieval Byzantine form "sterna dia chora," which means a cleared or plowed place.
Conclusions
Sternatia is a fascinating municipality that offers many tourist opportunities in a unique landscape. The village is part of Grecìa Salentina, where a language of Greek origin is spoken. Its geographical position makes it ideal for those who love the heat and sun in summer, but also for those who want to discover the local nature and culture. The origins of its name are linked to the presence of cisterns in the area. We invite you to visit Sternatia to learn more about its history and culture.
