WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA?
Places not to miss in Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is a town at the far end of Italy, a place rich in history and art, where it is worth spending a relaxing day.
- BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- SANCTUARY OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- THE LIGHTHOUSE OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- MONUMENTAL STAIRCASE AND WATERFALL
- VITO MELE MUSEUM SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- 19TH-CENTURY VILLAS SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- PORTO VECCHIO (FISHERMEN’S PORT) SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- MARINA SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- TORRE DELL’OMOMORTO SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA SEA MUSEUM
- CHURCH CRISTO RE SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
- SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA CAVES
BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Where today stands the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca, a temple consecrated to the goddess Minerva once stood. In fact, inside the Basilica is an ancient Latin inscription: ‘Ubi olim Minervae sacrificia offerebantur hodie oblationes Deiparae recipiuntur’.
The first church was built at the dawn of Christianity, on the ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to the Goddess Minerva. Due to its location, the sanctuary was subject to continuous destruction and looting by the Turks and Saracens. The church was rebuilt several times, becoming a curious example of different architectural styles, but in complete harmony with each other.
SANCTUARY OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Legend tells of the landing in Santa Maria di Leuca of Peter the Apostle, as can be seen from the church square, who quickly succeeded in his mission of evangelisation, making the entire local population devoted to the cult of Jesus.
Demonstrating the importance attributed to the basilica throughout its history, we find evidence today of how it has been a refuge for pontiffs, hermits, crusaders and pilgrims, who evidently recognised the place as a symbol of Christianity.
During one of the many reconstructions it underwent, the Basilica was enriched with a symbolic work, which can still be admired today: the image of the Madonna and Child, or Madonna de Finibus Terrae. This is none other than a painting by Giacomo Palma junior, a disciple of the great Titian, who was commissioned the work by Bishop Giacomo del Balzo in 1507.
THE MIRACLE OF THE MADONNA
According to ancient chronicles (around the 4th century), Our Lady of Leuca saved the Leuquois and their surroundings from a ferocious tidal wave that occurred in 365 AD. Because the waves were so big, the inhabitants of Capo di Leuca asked Our Lady of Leuca to save them by calming the waters. The inhabitants were so frightened that they begged the Madonna to save them. She immediately responded to their request by calming the waters and saving lives and homes from destruction.
Facing the sea, the Basilica welcomes visitors with its large and sunny forecourt, in which both the stone cross and the column topped by the statue of the Virgin stand out.
THE LIGHTHOUSE OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Adjacent to the Piazza of the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, located at Punta Meliso, stands the great lighthouse symbol of extreme architectural and nautical importance.
Perched on Punta Meliso is the striking lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca . It was designed by Achille Rossi in 1864 and lit in 1866, with a fixed beam changing from 30 cm light in 30 seconds.
Second in Europe in terms of height, taller only the lighthouse of the Port of Genoa, the Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse has the light of its lantern visible up to 50 kilometres from the coast; in fact, it is called the lighthouse for the protection of seafarers.
Lantern has a diameter of three metres and is equipped with 16 lenses, which refract the light over the entire sea horizon, and is supported by a tower with an octagonal base; the original one was built in Paris and then replaced twice (in 1941 and 1954). Red light that spreads across the sea of Ugento indicates the threats brought by the shallows of the Salento waters.
Since 1937, lighting has been operated by electricity, whereas, until then, fossil energy had been used.
MONUMENTAL STAIRCASE AND WATERFALL – WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
The monumental staircase with the Sanctuary and Lighthouse complex is a must-see in Leuca. A place rich in history that offers a wonderful view from the top of the bay to Punta Ristola of the harbour below.
Leuca’s Monumental Waterfall is flanked by two long stairways, each of which has three hundred steps leading up from the harbour to Cape Japigio. The whole work was built at the behest of Benito Mussolini to celebrate the end of work on the Pugliese aqueduct, which was under considerable economic and structural hardship at the time.
Its task, even during the Regime period, is to receive water from the entire region, which, once it arrives at the Sanctuary, is symbolically blessed and returned to the sea.
Set perfectly between the rock and the surrounding Mediterranean scrub, its staircase ends at the top with the monolithic Roman column, commissioned by Benito Mussolini himself.
Entrusted to the municipality of Castrignano del Capo, the Monumental Waterfall of Santa Maria di Leuca has a flow rate of 1,000 litres per second, a drop of 120 metres and a length of 250.
Sandwiched between two vast flights of stairs that with their 300 steps allow visitors to admire the top, leading from the harbour to the top of the Japigia promontory, the work is only lit during particular periods that are mainly concentrated in the hottest months of the year.
VITO MELE MUSEUM SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
The Vito Mele Museum is located in the southernmost part of Apulia, in Leuca. The museum was created thanks to the synergy between the Salentine sculptor Vito Mele and the personalities of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae. In fact, it is set up in some rooms adjacent to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca and exhibits sculptural works by national and international artists, donated by the Salentine master.
These works add prestige to the sanctuary complex and are a point of attraction and reason for study for many tourists and pilgrims.
19TH-CENTURY VILLAS SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA – WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA?
Until 1800, Leuca was just a modest fishing village, linked for centuries to the tradition of the sea and the devotion of the Madonna, their patroness. At a certain moment, however, the beauty of the place aroused the growing interest of wealthy Salentine families. For this reason, the first villas sprang up around the town, each with its own characteristic original architectural style. Strictly classical style villas sprang up, others extravagant, Gothic, Moorish, Pompeian.
THE FIRST VILLA IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
he first building dates back to 1870, when Giacomo Arditi, a well-known politician, man of letters and archaeologist, decided to have his villa built in a privileged position on a promontory by the sea. Most of the villas were designed by just three local architects, namely Giuseppe Ruggeri, Carlo Luigi Arditi and Achille Rossi, who contributed significantly to the creation of what was Salento’s first major tourist hub.
Almost all the villas were equipped with a cabin on the beach opposite, the so-called ‘bagnarole’, or masonry dressing rooms used by the ladies to bathe in a private place, which could protect them from the sun’s rays as well as from unwanted glances.
Today, some of these villas are used for luxury accommodation, while others can also be visited during the ‘Ville in Festa’ event, which combines guided tours with shows and exhibitions.
PORTO VECCHIO (FISHERMEN’S PORT) SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
A destination for illustrious travellers since antiquity, the port of Leuca is said to have welcomed the ships of Aeneas fleeing from Troy. Later, St Peter, who arrived from Palestine and began his work of evangelisation, is said to have landed here. Always a natural shelter for local fishermen, the port of Leuca was structured in the early 1980s, thanks to the construction of a three-armed outer breakwater, making it permanently safe even from cross winds.
MARINA SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
In later years, as Leuca’s tourism grew, the tourist harbour of Santa Maria di Leuca developed with its floating docks, which we can now admire from the seafront or from the belvedere of the Lighthouse. Perched on Punta Meliso, the Leuca Lighthouse guided sailors with its three beams of light visible from over 40 km.
From the harbour, one embarks on trips and excursions to the caves of Leuca, those on the western and eastern sides. A pretty wooden footbridge follows the perimeter of the coast along the port and lends itself to pleasant walks.
The well-equipped marina that accommodates berths from 7 to 40 metres, with fuel service, 24-hour surveillance, wi-fi connection, 24-hour assistance and listening, VHF CH 12, is among the best marinas in southern Italy.
TORRE DELL’OMOMORTO SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA – WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA?
In the municipality of Castrignano del Capo, in the district of Santa Maria di Leuca, stands Torre dell’Omomorto about 50 metres from the sea and at an altitude of 11 metres. The ruin is in a state of abandonment.
It is a watchtower on the Salento coast. It is one of hundreds of towers that are regularly found along the entire Salento coastline. In addition to their role as defence elements, these towers served above all to sight the possible presence and approach of Saracen ships; which for a long time invaded Otranto and the other towns on the peninsula
It has a conical shape at the base, which gradually widens as its height increases, until it becomes a crenellated cylinder with a lookout terrace, the shape of which is not evident due to the collapses suffered over time.
The name of the tower derives from the discovery of some human remains, which occurred a long time ago. The site, due to severe structural deterioration, cannot be visited from the inside.
SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA SEA MUSEUM – WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA?
The Leukòs Museum is based in Santa Maria di Leuca, and welcomes a considerable number of visitors, enthusiasts, collectors and students.Born out of a love for the sea and its mysterious and fascinating creatures, today it is a place of cultural growth, thanks above all to educational activities. In fact, educational workshops designed specifically for schools are offered by expert biologists.
In the Leukòs Museum you can discover all the beauties of the seabed. A real kingdom in which to immerse yourself. The architecture of the sea is preserved so that you can admire the true essence of the seabed.
CHURCH CRISTO RE SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
In the centre of the Marina, in an enchanting position, is the Church of Christ the King, made of local carparo. The floor is decorated with an interesting mosaic, while pleasant light filters through the rose window.
It was built in the late 1890s to a design by engineer Pasquale Ruggeri of Lecce, but due to a lack of funds, work was not completed until 40 years later. Monsignor Miceli of Lecce gave his blessing during his stay in Leuca in 1935.
Of great chromatic and visual impact are the large windows in the aisles and the circular stained-glass windows, about one and a half metres in diameter. All around the walls are the names and coats of arms of the noble families who participated in the construction of the church.
SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA CAVES
In Santa Maria di Leuca, the karstic terrain has favoured the formation of natural cavities of striking beauty that have been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are countless caves set in the rock along the Leuca coastline, and some are accessible by land:
Porcinara Cave
The Porcinara cave consists of three adjoining and intercommunicating rooms. The interior walls of the cave constitute the true archaeological wealth of the site, especially for the presence of numerous epigraphic testimonies. There are no less than thirty inscriptions. In them, the pagan divinity of Aphrodite appears, but – even more importantly – Iuppiter-Zeus, father of men and gods since Homeric times, appears with the epiclesis of Optimus Maximus and Batius, clear proof that in this area, the highest expression of the Greco-Roman Olympus was worshipped under the appellation of Batius.Il dio messapico Batius è stato una divinità protettrice del mare e della navigazione tra le due sponde del Canale d’Otranto.
Devil’s Cave
It can be accessed both from land (on foot) and from the sea (by boat/swimming). Both from the sea and from land, it is possible to see the Porcinara Cave a few metres away.
These caves were frequented in antiquity and were thought to be the entrance to hell. Nearby one can see a large tricolour flag of Italy, hoisted on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Italian Republic, and a statue dedicated to Padre Pio. These two symbols testify to the value of this location both from a religious and geographical point of view. We find ourselves at the extreme point of Italian territory, but also the landing point for those arriving from the sea. From here, Greece and Albania are only a few dozen kilometres away and can be reached with a few hours’ sailing.
On mistral days, the lucky ones will be able to see the Albanian mountains and the Greek islands on the eastern horizon and Calabria to the west.
SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA SEA CAVES – WHAT TO SEE IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA?
Sea caves are created by the mechanical action of waves, which disintegrate the rock with the force of impact and the erosion of the debris they can drag along, and, above all, by the chemical corrosion action that sea water, especially when mixed with meteoric water, can exert on the rock, together with the biological action of marine organisms. They are generally cavities of a few metres or tens of metres in length, although they can sometimes open up with large portals.
Excursions departing from Santa Maria di Leuca in Salento
Santa Maria di Leuca is well known, and not only in Italy, for its enchanting scenic beauty. A crystal-clear sea bathes its coastline in overlapping layers and breaks into the numerous caves on both the eastern and western sides.
Caves, bays and secret coves full of magic and protagonists of numerous legends.
Easily accessible by boat, or by swimming for scuba diving and diving enthusiasts. Visit these beautiful caves by hiring a boat or rubber dinghy, or take a guided tour of the caves.
Immerse yourself in the unspoilt landscapes of the bays and coves of golden sand and be amazed by the reflections of the sun and the play of light in the caves that open out into the sea. Awaiting you are expanses of starfish and a universe waiting to be discovered.
THE SEA CAVES OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
The coastline forms many beautiful caves in the vicinity (which can be visited from the sea with guided tours or by boat hire); just outside the pier, under the lighthouse forecourt, are the two caves (communicating with each other and with a cavity further inland) of Cazzafra, which can also be reached by swimming. Beyond Punta Ristola, on the Adriatic coast then, are the beautiful Grotte del Diavolo (Devil’s Caves), Grotte del Fiume (River Caves), Grotte Treporte (Treporte Caves), Grotte Giganti (Giants Caves) and Grotte della Stalla (Stalls Caves); further away, near Torre Marchiello, is the large cave known as Grotta del Drago (from the shape of a rock to the left of the entrance): you will land in a large cavity, with a rock with a large stalagmite in the centre.
For those who travel to this location, it is a must not to miss the attractive panorama and the high, jagged coastline, where the sea laps at the thousands of hollows hidden in the rock, where bays and fjords offer shelter to boats.
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