Taurisano

Welcome to Taurisano!

Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Taurisano, a small town in the heart of the province of Lecce, in Puglia. With just over 11,000 inhabitants, it is a peaceful and welcoming location, where you can spend a few days relaxing.

But let's start from the beginning: Taurisano is located in the lower Salento, surrounded by the Salentine hills, a true natural spectacle. The municipality covers an area of 42.04 km² and is located between 80 and 169 meters above sea level.

In this area, the climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperatures range from 9°C in January to 27°C in August, while the annual precipitation is about 550 mm.

A geologically interesting area

The territory of Taurisano is mainly characterized by a geological substrate composed of Cretaceous limestones, dolomitic limestones, and dolomite. Above these structures, we find the Pleistocene levels of organogenic calcarenite, clays, and red soils.

The territory is rich in small surprises, such as sinkholes, which are natural holes in the rock that give rise to sinks and karstic dolines. Among the most famous caves is the beautiful Santa Lucia Cave.

Taurisano: history, nature and culture in the heart of Salento.

The origins of Taurisano

As often happens, the origins of Taurisano are shrouded in legend. According to one of the most popular tales, the toponym would derive from a Roman centurion named Taurus who, after the conquer of Salento, would have founded a rustic villa in this area.

But there have been other versions. According to some historians, Taurisano would have been an important center of breeding and trading healthy bulls, from which the name "taurus sanus" would derive. Others instead attribute the origin of the name to Adelasia de Tauro, a noblewoman who would have founded a castle in the area in the 13th century.

What to see in Taurisano

Now let's move on to things to see in Taurisano. First of all, the town boasts a splendid Baroque church dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Built in the 15th century, it has recently been restored and is among the most important in the province of Lecce.

Another attraction for history and culture enthusiasts is the Castle of the Falconieri, dating back to the 13th century and home to the Municipality. Here you can admire precious frescoes of the Giotto school and Renaissance-style decorations.

Not to be missed are the numerous events that animate Taurisano throughout the year, especially the Feast of San Rocco in August and the Fair of San Martino in November.

Conclusions

In conclusion, if you are planning a visit to Salento, do not forget to stop in Taurisano. Here you will find a territory rich in history and natural beauties, immersed in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. We will be happy to welcome you among our guests and to show you all the beauties of our town. We are waiting for you!

Giovanni Rinaldi
Updated Thursday, Feb 2, 2023