Lucugnano
Exploring Lucugnano: a peaceful and picturesque hamlet of Tricase
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about Lucugnano, a picturesque hamlet of Tricase, located in the province of Lecce, southern Italy. With a population of 1744 inhabitants, Lucugnano is a truly peaceful place, ideal for a relaxing visit.
Physical geography
Lucugnano is located west of the capital Tricase, in a vast plain interspersed with isolated gentle undulations and nestled between two modest ridges of the Salento hills. The territory is characterized by clay sediment belonging to the Gallipoli formation, dating back to the Pliocene.
Origins of the name
The name Lucugnano may derive from the Roman gentilic "Lucullus" or from the Latin "Lucus Jani", which indicates a sacred forest dedicated to the god Janus. This latter hypothesis seems to be confirmed by the presence of the Bosco Belvedere, a vast wooded area that was once present in the area.
History
The first news about the Lucugnano hamlet dates back to 1092, when the Norman Count Goffredo di Conversano donated it to the Basilian monks. Over the centuries, the village went through multiple owners and feudatories, until becoming part of the municipality of Tricase. Between 1855 and 1874, the village was administered by the municipality of Specchia.
What to visit in Lucugnano
Now let's talk about the monuments and places of interest that are worth a visit in Lucugnano.
Religious architecture
The Church of Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo is the main religious building in the village. Built over the centuries and expanded several times, the church features six side altars, decorated with paintings from different eras.
The Church of the Madonna Addolorata, on the other hand, was completed in 1763 and features a simple façade with two empty niches. The interior, however, houses a single altar in Lecce stone, surmounted by the Altarpiece depicting the Madonna Addolorata.
Other attractions
Lucugnano also has some lesser-known but equally interesting attractions. For example, the Clock Tower is a small quadrangular tower, located in a central position with respect to the settlement, which dominates Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Built in the eighteenth century, the tower houses a still functioning mechanical clock that, with its constant beat, marks the time of the village.
Another place not to be missed is the Belvedere Park, a green area located on the hill of the village, which offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic coast. Here you can walk among ancient olive trees and enjoy the view of the sea.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Lucugnano is a peaceful and picturesque hamlet, perfect for a relaxing visit and far from the chaos of big cities. Visit its churches and places of interest, enjoy the panoramic view of the sea from Belvedere Park, and be enchanted by the tranquility and beauty of this small corner of Puglia.
