Holiday apartment in Avetrana

Avetrana combines a vivid local history with a landscape that you can explore by bicycle along quiet country roads in the surrounding area, between olive groves and the numerous masserie. These quiet country roads offer a different setting from the narrow lanes of the historic district: olive groves and masserie lie here, while low houses shape the townscape there.

Historic district and religious buildings

In Avetrana’s historic district, known as “li caseddi”, narrow lanes and low houses shape the townscape. The district includes the Palazzo baronale. The square tower is all that remains of Avetrana Castle. The castle is also known as Casale di Santa Maria della Vetrana. The tower is called Torrione and very probably dates from the Frederician period.

The Chiesa Matrice, the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, has three naves. It was completed in 1756.

Archaeology between Casamatta and the caves

The Mostra Archeologica permanente di Avetrana is located in the semi-underground Casamatta of the Complesso Fortilizio. The first section contains archaeological finds dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman Imperial period. These finds were recovered in 2002 during excavations at Masseria della Marina. The second section contains various animal fossils. They come from excavations carried out in La Grava in 2003.

South of the Avetrana area, the Canale di San Martino complex includes several caves. One of them is the Grotta di San Martino, a cave approximately 160 metres long and of archaeological interest. Avetrana’s underground trappeti are historic oil mills. In these underground sites, archaeological interest meets the history of oil milling.

Festivals and living traditions

The Giostra dei Rioni has been held in Avetrana since 1985, during the first half of August. At this festival, the four districts—Castello, San Martino, Saraceno and San Francesco—carry their coats of arms in a procession. The districts compete against one another in games on various themes. The event also includes a historical re-enactment of the Middle Ages.

The final evening of the Giostra dei Rioni includes a scene depicting a historical banquet hosted by Prince Galeotto Pagano. Galeotto Pagano was Avetrana’s feudal lord from the 15th to the 16th century.

The Festa Patronale di San Biagio has been celebrated in Avetrana on 28 and 29 April since its introduction in 1836. It includes a procession on the eve of the festival, two days of illuminations along Avetrana’s main streets, brass-band music and fireworks. The two festivals take place in different seasons: San Biagio is celebrated on 28 April, while the Giostra takes place during the first half of August.

The tradition honouring Saint Anthony of Padua also includes a procession with carts loaded with grain.

Discover more places

Other places include Marina Di Ginosa, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, Maruggio, Massafra, Specchiarica, Monacizzo, San Giorgio Ionico and Lido Chiatona-stazione di Palagiano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Taranto.