Montesano Salentino Between Culture and Landscape
The Calvario of Montesano Salentino was built in 1870 and is located along the central thoroughfare connecting the mother church with the medieval sanctuary of San Donato. The Calvario is designed like the apse of an imaginary church: the road forms the nave, the façades along the side streets form the side walls, and the blue sky forms the vault.
Religious Buildings and the History of San Donato
The present-day building of the Cappella di San Donato dates from 1775; according to tradition, the origins of the chapel go back to the 15th century. The Chiesa Maria SS. Immacolata is a 16th-century building that was extensively remodeled in 1822. Its Baroque portal is crowned by a stone statue of the Virgin Mary. Inside, there is a Venetian wooden statue of San Donato dating from the 17th century.
The festival of San Donato takes place on 6 and 7 August in the chapel dedicated to the saint in Montesano Salentino. During the festival, the statue of the saint, normally kept in the parish church, is carried to the chapel. In the past, numerous people came to Montesano Salentino to seek San Donato's intercession for the healing of illnesses.
Town Centre, Library and Rural Architecture
Palazzo Bitonti is a historic building dating from 1821 on Piazza IV Novembre and reflects the aristocratic past of Montesano Salentino. The ancient courtyards in the town centre of Montesano Salentino are examples of Salento's rural architecture. The “Salvatore Scolozzi” municipal library provides the public with information and lending services and has rooms for meetings and other cultural activities.
Wetland, Vineyards and Palmenti
Padula Mancina is a 2.5-hectare wetland and marshy area located west of Montesano Salentino towards Ruffano. It is a remnant of a larger marshland that has now been mostly drained, consists of a pond, is regularly flooded by rainwater conveyed through canals, and is of particular natural-history interest.
The Paduli Trail runs through Montesano Salentino and five other municipalities in the lower Salento: Nociglia, Miggiano, Taurisano, Ruffano and Specchia. Montesano Salentino is surrounded by extensive vineyards. The palmenti form part of the historical heritage and rural culture of Montesano Salentino and consist of eight large basins.
Festivals and Regional Impressions
At the traditional Fiera Mercato di San Donato on 7 August, typical food products and local handicrafts are offered. The festival in honour of San Luigi is celebrated on the third Saturday in June.
Further Places for Trip Planning
Further places: Felline, Alessano, Acaia, Soleto, Carmiano, Palmariggi, San Donato Di Lecce and Copertino.
