Veglie
Welcome to Veglie, in the heart of Puglia!
If you are planning a visit to the beautiful region of Puglia, do not miss the opportunity to visit the municipality of Veglie, located in the province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento! Veglie has a population of almost 17,000 and covers an area of 61.35 km². Get ready to discover the history of this unique city and taste its delicious wine and olive products!
Let's discover the territory of Veglie
The territory of Veglie is located a few kilometers from the Ionian coast, in the north-western part of the Salento plain. The landscape is flat and the average altitude varies between 36 and 98 meters above sea level. Veglie borders the municipalities of Salice Salentino and Campi Salentina to the north, the municipalities of Novoli and Carmiano to the east, the municipality of Leverano to the south, and the municipality of Nardò to the west. If you are a trekking enthusiast, do not miss the opportunity to explore the Terra d'Arneo, the strip of Salento peninsula between San Pietro in Bevagna and Torre dell'Inserraglio.
Mediterranean climate in Veglie
The climate of Veglie is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot and humid summers. The coldest month is January, when temperatures hover around +12.5°C, while the hottest month is August, with an average temperature of about +26°C. Precipitation is more frequent in autumn and winter, with an annual average of 626 mm of rainfall. During spring and summer, the territory of Veglie is often affected by long periods of drought.
The history of Veglie
The foundation of Veglie dates back to the 10th century. However, archaeological discoveries show that the territory was already inhabited in the Messapian era. It is believed that the Byzantine emperor Nicephorus II Phocas refounded the village around the year 1000, after the destruction caused by the Saracens. In the 13th century, the fiefdom of Veglie was assigned to Copertino under Spinello delli Falconi, then passed to the Normans and subsequently to the Hohenstaufens. In 1265, the kingdom of Italy came under the control of the Angevins and then of Charles I of Anjou, who founded the county of Copertino, giving it in 1268 to the Counts of Brienne.
The origin of the name Veglie
The name Veglie derives from the Greek-Byzantine word "Elos", which means "swamp". However, some scholars hypothesize that the name could have even more ancient origins, dating back to the pre-Roman era.
Wine and olive products of Veglie
Veglie is a city known for its wine and olive products. If you love good food and wine, this is the place for you! Here you can taste a wide range of wines made with native grapes such as Negroamaro and Primitivo, or extra-virgin olive oil of the highest quality. A visit to the local companies in Veglie is the perfect opportunity to learn about the production processes and taste the authenticity of the flavors of Puglia.
Our advice
Veglie is an ideal destination for those who want to explore Puglia. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of this charming municipality and discover the natural beauties and gastronomic delights that this territory has to offer. Do not miss the opportunity to make a stop here during your next visit to Puglia!
