Uggiano La Chiesa: Holiday Apartment, Culture and Landscape

Uggiano La Chiesa combines a rural landscape, religious traditions and impressive evidence of the past. The predominantly agricultural centre is surrounded by extensive olive groves and a tranquil rural setting. At the same time, cultural discoveries extend to the main square, historic religious buildings and archaeologically significant sites. This makes it a destination where you can choose a holiday apartment not only according to the type of accommodation, but also according to your personal interests in culture, landscapes and excursions.

Church Art and Historical Evidence

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena has an richly decorated portal, Baroque altars and paintings by the Salento artist Tiso depicting the life of Saint Mary Magdalene. The ancient Torre dell'Orologio stands in the main square of Uggiano la Chiesa. In the landscape around the town, the Menhir San Giovanni Malcantone is one of numerous menhirs. There are also ancient underground oil mills, while the Sant'Elena Crypt is one of the Basilian hermitages of Uggiano la Chiesa.

The historic Nachira residence also fits into this cultural setting. It is considered a typical example of an aristocratic residence and is located near the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. The Dolmen di Peschio is under direct archaeological protection in Uggiano la Chiesa. Those interested in religious architecture, pre-Christian monuments and rural building culture will find several different themes here, without having to combine them into a single tour.

Traditions, Festivals and Crafts

Local customs are also expressed through recurring events. The Festa Patronale Santa Maria Maddalena is celebrated every year on 21 and 22 July in Uggiano la Chiesa. The Tavole di San Giuseppe are a religious tradition of the town. Another facet of local life is the Fiera dei Santi Medici, a market tradition where draft animals and agricultural equipment are sold.

At the “Cantando e Amando” weaving workshop of the Fondazione Le Costantine, old four-shaft looms are used to make carpets, tapestries, scarves and bags. For travel planning with different interests, Uggiano La Chiesa therefore offers an interesting combination of visible craftsmanship, religious customs, agriculture and historical substance. Depending on their age and curiosity, families can choose between short cultural experiences, impressions of the landscape and themed discoveries.

Panoramic Roads and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The two sections of the SS 173 that connect Uggiano la Chiesa with Porto Badisco and Otranto respectively are classified as panoramic roads. The Circolo Ippico Tumara is located nearby. Also in the vicinity of Uggiano la Chiesa are the Castello di Otranto castle, the Villa Starace palace and the Palazzo Sticchi palace.

The surrounding area also includes several beaches: Spiaggia di Cala Casotto, Spiaggia di Porto Grande, Spiaggia degli Scaloni and Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Uggiano La Chiesa, these different priorities may influence your choice of location: cultural sightseeing in the town, the agriculturally shaped landscape, panoramic roads or destinations on the coast.

Discover More Places

For further travel planning, you can also discover Conca Specchiulla, Ruggiano, San Cassiano, Lido Marini, Arnesano, Marina Di Pescoluse, Cursi and Trepuzzi.

For the overarching travel overview: Lecce.