Galatone is a charming village located in Salento, in the province of Lecce, in the splendid region of Puglia. With a history dating back to ancient times, Galatone is a destination that combines the charm of the past with the natural beauty and hospitality typical of this part of Italy. It is no coincidence that it is part of the Authentic Villages of Italy. Thanks to its strategic position, the town is often chosen by tourists looking for unusual, authentic and less touristy locations, close by the sea and complete with all services. In this article we want to guide you in the discovery of Galatone, between history, origins, activities, points of interest and beaches. </span >
Where is Galatone?
Galatone is a municipality that covers an area of 46.54 km² in the central-western part of the Salento peninsula. Located at an altitude of 57 m a.s.l., the town overlooks the Ionian coast with the localities of < b>Montagna Spaccata and La Reggia.< /span>
It is located in a convenient position, 24 km from Lecce e 13 km from Gallipoli. The municipal territory includes the fiefdoms of ancient medieval farmhouses, such as Tabelle, Tabelluccio, Fulcignano, San Cosma, Fumonegro Morice and Renda, even if these are currently abandoned. To the north, the territory is crossed by the Asso stream, an ancient stream that conveyed the waters coming from Cutrofiano and Neviano northwards, in the territory of Nardò.
It borders to the north with the municipalities of Nardò e Galatina, two other unmissable jewels, to the east with the municipalities of Seclì and Neviano, to the south with the municipalities of Gallipoli< /b> and Sannicola.
When was Galatone born? The story
Galatone is an ancient municipality in Salento with roots dating back to the Neolithic period. Throughout its history, it has faced occupations and raids by different powers. During the Byzantine rule, agriculture and livestock experienced a significant development and there was a population increase. Small rural communities were founded which later settled in the hamlet of Galatone.
In the 15th century, Galatone was besieged by Giovanni Antonio Orsini Del Balzo, causing the destruction of part of the city walls. After Orsini’s death, the city experienced a period of peace interrupted by the Turkish invasion of 1480 and by the Venetian invasion four years later. The Orsini family was replaced by the Branai Castriotas. In 1497, Bernardo, son of Vrana Konti, was named the first Baron of Galatone by Federico I, king of Naples. The Branai Castriota governed the feud until 1549, when it passed to the crown and was subsequently sold to wealthy Genoese settled in Salento. In 1556, the fiefdom passed to the Squarciaficos, who contributed to the prosperity and cultural growth of the place, building a hospital run by the clergy in 1570. In the 17th century, the Pinellis governed the fiefdom, while in the 18th century the political life of Galatone was influenced by frequent elections of mayors who were systematically deprived of power by an authoritarian and centralizing governor.
In 1743, a terrible earthquake struck Galatone, causing the collapse of part of the city walls, the San Sebastiano gate, the marquis palace and many houses. However, this event also stimulated the building development of the city.
In 1925, an important private financial institution called Banca Leuzzi & Megha, which gave a significant boost to the local and city economy.
How far is the sea from Galatone Lecce?
Galatone is located in the inland of Salento, therefore its distance from the sea depends on the coastal locality of reference. However, in general, considering the main seaside resorts in the area, Galatone is located at a distance of about 10-15 kilometers from the sea. Some of the closest coastal towns are Gallipoli, Santa Maria al Bagno and Santa Caterina.
What to see in Galatone?
There are several interesting places to visit in Galatone. Here are some of the main points of interest:
- Collegiata dell’Assunta: Built between 1591 and 1595, it has an elegant façade in carparo divided into three orders. Inside there are altars with paintings by Donato Antonio D’Orlando.
- Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso della Pietà: Built between 1683 and 1694, it is characterized by a Baroque facade in carparo and Lecce stone. Inside is the icon of the Most Holy Crucifix of the Pietà from the 14th century.
- Church of San Sebastiano and San Rocco: Built in 1500 and rebuilt in Baroque style in 1712, the façade has a sixteenth-century portal and inside there are four Baroque altars with paintings by Donato Antonio D’Orlando.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: Built between 1635 and 1653, the church has a facade with Baroque references and Catalan-Durazzesque. Inside there is a sumptuous high altar in Lecce stone.
- Church of San Francesco d’Assisi: Built between the end of 1599 and 1600, the church is located adjacent to the convent of the Capuchin friars. The facade is characterized by sobriety and inside there is the high altar with a canvas depicting St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata.
- Church of Our Lady of Grace: Built between 1591 and 1595, it houses the Byzantine icon of the Virgin of Grace. The facade is divided into two orders and the interior has a single nave with the icon of the Virgin.
- Annunziata Church: Rebuilt in the 18th century, the facade is simple and features a portal with a scroll that indicates the year of reconstruction. The interior consists of a single nave with an altar in the presbytery.
- Church of the Madonna Odigitria: Dating back to the 12th century, it is the apse part of an original Catalan-style building durazzesco. The frescoes inside depict scenes from the passion of Jesus and the Madonna Odigitria.
- Abbey of San Nicola di Pergoleto: Founded in the 9th century by Basilian monks, it subsequently passed to the Benedictines. The church was rebuilt in 1613.
- Abbey of Sant’Angelo della Salute: Built between the end of the XII and the beginning of the XIII century, is of Basilian origin. The Romanesque-style church has frescoes and paintings depicting religious scenes.
- Porta di San Sebastiano: Built around 1500, it is the only remaining gate of the Aragonese walls. The current structure dates back to 1748 after the earthquake of 1743. It is made of carparo and has three parts divided by four Doric style columns. In the center is a round arch with a lunette above which contains the coats of arms of the Pinelli-Pignatelli feudal lords. Above the arch is the statue of San Sebastiano, protector of the city, and on the back there is a stone coat of arms with the civic flame.
- Palazzo Marchesale or Bel Monte Pignatelli: This palace was the residence of the feudal lords of Galatone since the 16th century. It was built next to an Angevin tower and has a sixteenth-century portal. The building has an elegant facade decorated with windows with masks and floral motifs in the late sixteenth century style. The interior includes the stables and utility rooms on the ground floor and the rooms of the nobility on the upper floor. The structure was damaged and modified following the earthquake of 1743.
- Castello di Fulcignano: This castle dates back to the 12th-14th centuries and was built by the Normans. It is located on the southern outskirts of Galatone and was part of the Fulcignano farmhouse, abandoned in the 15th century. The walls of the castle are in limestone and have some square towers with an internal circular plan. The main entrance has a pointed arch portal with an elegant frieze. The interiors include rooms with cross and barrel vaults, as well as a garden.
- Menhir Coppola: Located in the Coppola district, the Coppola menhir is a megalithic monument dating back to the Bronze Age. It is made of hard limestone and has a height of approximately 2.35 metres. The top is broken off and rests on the feet. It is distinguished from other Salento menhirs by its irregular shape.
Like the sea in Galatone?
If you are staying in Galatone, you can easily reach some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Here are some locations that we suggest:
- Santa Maria al Bagno;
- Spiaggia di Santa Caterina;
- Baia Verde;
- Spiaggia di Porto Cesareo;
- Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo.
These are just some of the beaches you can visit in the Galatone area. Each of them has its own unique charm, so you’ll want to explore the area and find out which one appeals to you the most.
La reggia di Galatone
The Reggia di Galatone, located in Santa Maria al Bagno, a a splendid seaside resort in the municipality of Nardò, it represents an authentic heavenly corner. This place is perfect for those who love the reef, with a sea that gets deep immediately, ideal for take a dip, and cool water even on the hottest days. It may not be the most suitable choice for families with children, but for lovers of snorkelling and exploration of the seabed , or simply to swim in the waves of the blue sea, is an enchanting place. Just choose one of the rocks, spread a towel and relaxation is guaranteed.
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