Depressa
Depressa: A place immersed in nature
Depressa is a small hamlet of Tricase, located in the northern part of the municipality. This location is situated at an altitude of 108 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a large expanse of olive groves. The terrain of Depressa is characterized by tufaceous sandstone and limestone of different gradations. It lies at the foot of the modest Salento Serre of Andrano and Castiglione d'Otranto, which provide a backdrop to the surrounding landscape.
The origin of the name Depressa
According to Giacomo Arditi, the name Depressa derives from the offense suffered by the Saracens, who destroyed the ancient center of Salete in 1480. However, this theory has been challenged by Cosimo De Giorgi and A. Raeli, who advance the hypothesis that the village owes its name to the fact that it is located on a natural depression located between the Salento Serre of Andrano and Castiglione d'Otranto.
The history of Depressa
The territory around Depressa has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous menhirs that stand in the surrounding area. The first documented records date back to 1269, when the lord of Depressa was Judge Nicola Gargano of Bari on the records of the Angevin chancellery. In the fourteenth century, the feud belonged to the Pisanelli family, then passed to the Carafa and Castriota. Later, it belonged to the Saraceno, lords of Andrano. In 1604 it was purchased by Angelo Gallone of Tricase and enlarged by incorporating the fiefs of Principano and Bernardo. Became part of the principality of Tricase, Depressa followed the events of the Gallone family until 1806, the year of the Eversion of feudalism. In 1869 Emanuela Gallone married Antonio Winspeare, Duke of Salve, with whom the town enjoyed some prosperity and the ancient castle was restored and renovated.
Places of interest in Depressa
Depressa is rich in important monuments and places of historical and artistic interest. Among these, there are several very ancient churches that are worth a visit.
Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova
The church of Sant'Antonio di Padova is the parish church of Depressa. Built in the seventeenth century under the title of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it was completed in 1790 and often restored and enlarged over time. In 1870 the left nave was built, while in 1958 the adjacent Church of Santa Veneranda was demolished for the construction of the right nave. The neoclassical facade is developed on two orders and is crowned by a triangular tympanum and two bell towers built in 1880. The interior, with three naves divided by pillars, has a ceiling with corner vaults. Along the side aisles, there are altars dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario, Souls in Purgatory, theHoly Doctors, Sant'Antonio di Padova, and the Madonna delle Grazie. The presbytery houses the main altar in Lecce stone, built in 1837, and four ovals with the paintings of the Evangelists painted in 1835.
Church of the Madonna Immacolata
The Church of the Madonna Immacolata was built in 1956 and consecrated in 1968. Although much more recent than the Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova, this church is still noteworthy for its modern architecture.
Depressa is a tranquil place immersed in nature, ideal for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday in Salento. If you visit this beautiful locality, do not miss the Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova and the Church of the Madonna Immacolata, which will leave you speechless.
