Tuglie
Hi everyone! Today I will talk about Tuglie, a small town in the Province of Lecce, in Puglia. With its 5,150 inhabitants, Tuglie is a real gem surrounded by the splendid Salento greenhouses.
The Physical Geography of Tuglie
The territory of the municipality of Tuglie covers an area of 8.4 km² and is located on the Ionian coast of the Salento peninsula. The town is divided into two parts: the lower part, where the original urban fabric is located, and the upper part, around the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Montegrappa. The Mediterranean climate of the lower Salento guarantees mild winters and hot and humid summers.
The Origin of the Name Tuglie
The origin of the toponym "Tuglie" is often attributed to the juniper trees, but this hypothesis should be considered legendary, as the coniferous tree is not native to Italy. Instead, the pre-Latin etymology "Tulliae" seems to be the origin of the name.
The History of Tuglie
The presence of four menhirs and the Passaturi caves indicates that the territory of Tuglie has been frequented since ancient times. Over the centuries, the territory has been inhabited by different peoples, such as the Messapians, Greeks, and Romans. During the Middle Ages, Tuglie was part of the County of Lecce and the Principality of Taranto. In the 14th century, the upper part of the town was owned by the Lords of Galatone, and Tuglie became a fiefdom of the De Angelis until the abolition of feudalism in the 19th century.
What to See in Tuglie
In the historic center of Tuglie, you can admire the Mother Church of San Nicola di Mira, dating back to the 16th century. The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi is another building of great historical importance, dating back to the 15th century. In the territory of Tuglie, there are also numerous farmhouses, churches, and chapels to visit.
Events in Tuglie
Tuglie is known for the feast of the Madonna del Montegrappa. The festival, held on August 13th and 14th of each year, includes processions through the streets of the town, fireworks, musical performances, and tastings of typical products.
How to Get to Tuglie
Tuglie is easily accessible by car. For those coming from the North, it is recommended to take the A14 motorway, exiting at Bari Nord and then following the directions to Lecce. After reaching Lecce, you can take the SP366 provincial road towards Gallipoli, which leads to Tuglie. Alternatively, you can take the A16 motorway to Naples and then follow the SS7 state road, passing through Salerno and Reggio Calabria.
Conclusions
Tuglie is a town in the Province of Lecce that is definitely worth a visit. With its millenary history, its churches, farmhouses, and the splendid feast of the Madonna del Montegrappa, Tuglie is an enchanting place that never disappoints tourists' expectations. If you plan to visit Salento, Tuglie should not be missed on your itinerary!
