Population : 6552 inhabitants
Altitude: 140 m asl
In total area: 28.48 kmq
Distance from the capital : 56 km
Postal code : 73031
Telephone of the Municipality of Alessano (Lecce): 0833/781064
Alessano is located a few km from Santa Maria di Leuca , and boasts the splendor of:
It is an immersion in the history, traditions and culture of this extreme strip of land that is Salento.
Furthermore, Alessano offers a rich network of nature trails that allow you to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Macurano can be considered the symbol of olive oil cultivation, due to the presence of two well-preserved oil mills: Trappeto Sauli and Trappeto Santa Lucia.
Furthermore, the presence of 4 farmhouses, the oldest of which dates back to the end of the XNUMXth century, testifies to the continuous frequentation of the area in every era.
The Novaglie Marina probably represents the least “contaminated” seaside resort on the south-eastern coast;
the tourist port, the crystal clear water, the few houses scattered among the olive trees, the Mediterranean scrub and the dry stone walls best represent the essence of the Salento area.
In ancient times, it was the seaport of Alessano.
Of the ancient watchtower only a shapeless mass of stones remains, on the southern tip of the small inlet.
On the Canale del Rio , which borders the town to the north, Torre Novaglie, still recognisable, occupies the top of an imposing cliff.
A few dozen meters from Punta Rossa, which closes the inlet to the north, lies the marvelous Blue Grotto, where the intensity of the blue and the transparency of the water are reminiscent of the more famous caves of the same name.
On the coast just south of Novaglie there are two important Neolithic sites, Grotta Cipolliane and Grotta delle Prazziche , accessible only by sea.
With its 180 metres of altitude , Montesardo can be considered the “peak” of Salento.
The origins of the village are very distant, its name is marked on the route of the Via Traiana, together with that of a few other locations (Otranto, Leuca, Vereto, Ugento).
In feudal times Montesardo must have appeared to be an impregnable fortress: its defence was ensured by the castle bastions and a solid circle of walls, punctuated by towers (demolished in 1867).
The castle was built between the 15th and 16th centuries, probably by the Del Balzo family.
Its position on the top of the hill and its imposing mass make it a very interesting example of that military architecture which in Salento reached extraordinary levels.
The small church of Santa Barbara is also worth a visit: probably a former convent of Poor Clares or Benedictines, dating back to the 13th-14th century, therefore to the Norman-Swabian period.
A few kilometers from Alessano, in the province of Lecce, you will find other historic towns and villages worth visiting, such as: Specchia , Morciano di Leuca , Presicce , Salve , Castrignano del Capo and Gagliano del Capo.
To sleep in the surroundings of Alessano there are many farmhouses and holiday homes.
Among these structures, we point out some beautiful accommodations: the Agriturismo Serine , the Masseria Santa Lucia and the Masseria Macurano.
Furthermore, for accommodation near the town we recommend the Messapia resort , the Hotel l'Approdo and the Albergo 2 Mari and on Salento.it you can also find various apartments in Santa Maria di Leuca.
Sources: comune.alessano.le.it