Taviano
Welcome to Taviano, the "City of Flowers"
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Taviano, a wonderful city in the province of Lecce. With its 11,454 inhabitants, Taviano is located in the southern part of the Salento peninsula, just 48.5 km from Lecce. But that's not all: the city also includes the splendid Marina di Mancaversa, with a stretch of the Ionian coast of Salento. But the peculiarity of Taviano is certainly its designation as the "City of Flowers". Floricultural activity is, in fact, very important for the local economy.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Taviano covers 21.18 km² and is predominantly flat, with elevations ranging from 0 to 86 meters above sea level. The Marina di Mancaversa, which is part of the municipality, offers a splendid view of the Ionian coast, with land that gradually slopes towards the sea. The subsoil is mainly composed of limestone, making the area extremely fertile.
Climate
From a meteorological point of view, Taviano falls within the territory of southern Salento, with a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot and humid summers. The average temperature is around +9 °C in January and +25.1 °C in August, while rainfall is mainly concentrated in autumn and winter.
Origins of the name
While scholars have hypothesized various origins of the name Taviano, the most accredited hypothesis is that it derives from the Latin personal name "Octavilius" or "Octavellius", with the addition of the suffix -"ano" which indicates belonging. Taviano was in fact called Ottaviano for centuries, in honor of the Emperor Augustus.
Economy
As we have seen, floricultural activity is very important for the economy of Taviano. The city also benefits from the cultivation of ancient olive groves, vineyards, and fruit trees. But Taviano is also an important commercial center, with numerous shops and craft businesses.
Things to see in Taviano
Taviano is a city rich in history and culture. The main church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the early 16th century, is certainly one of the most important places to visit. But there are also other churches of great artistic and historical value, such as the church of San Vito Martire and the church of San Domenico. For lovers of contemporary art, the "Lito Memoli" Art Gallery is a must-see, collecting works by Salento artists from the 20th century.
Events
Taviano is a city that loves traditions and celebrates them with numerous events throughout the year. One of the most important is the patron saint's festival of Santa Maria Assunta, which takes place in mid-August and includes a suggestive procession at sea. Among the other events not to be missed are the fair of San Filippo Neri in May and the "Purità di Maria" festival in September.
Conclusions
Taviano is a city that combines its rich history with a lively contemporary life. The beauty of the territory, the wealth of the economy, and the great attention to traditions make it a tourist destination not to be missed. Come and visit us and let yourself be conquered by the "City of Flowers"!
