Let's find out the village of Castro in Salento, one of the most fascinating places in Puglia with a breathtaking panoramic position.
Castro: a pearl of Puglia
Puglia is a land rich in beauty, with the sea framing a suggestive and breathtaking landscape. There are many hidden pearls in the long region of southern Italy, including the village of Castro in Salento, considered one of the most amazing places in Puglia, above all because of its panoramic position.
The village overlooks the Adriatic, with its crystalline blue color that creates a splendid contrast with the white of the buildings. The town is located in the lower part of Puglia, about 20 km away from Otranto. It is divided into Castro Superiore, located on the high ground, and Castro Marina, which is located on the seashore.
Both areas are absolutely worth discovering and visiting. Castro Superiore offers a charming historic center, with the sixteenth-century castle to enclose it, giving it that air of a medieval village much appreciated by tourists and visitors. Another great point of interest is the church of the Annunziata, built on an ancient Greek temple and with the facade in the typical Apulian Romanesque style that marks most of the churches in the region.
The bishop's petition
The oldest plant of the current castle dates back to the XII-XIII century and was built on the remains of the Byzantine fortress. The castle is considered of national importance and considered one of the most functional, combining natural defenses and military architecture. In 1480, following the sacking of Otranto, the city was invaded by the Turks and the castle was semi-destroyed.
During the eighteenth century the building fell into disrepair, so much so that in 1780 it was described as dilapidated and semi-destroyed by Monsignor Del Duca, bishop of the city. He thus chose to send a petition to King Ferdinand IV to allow the restoration at the expense of the State Treasury. The arguments were so convincing and informative that they managed to convince the king.
Castro Marina is instead, as mentioned, by the sea and therefore is visited especially in summer. The coast offers breathtaking viewpoints and is characterized by numerous caves which, combined with the crystalline sea, make up a truly beautiful landscape. The most famous caves in this area are: Romanello cave, Zinzulusa cave, Palombara cave and Blue cave.
Things to do
There are several things to do in Borgo di Castro. A visit to Castro Superiore, with a walk in the historic center and places not to be missed such as the Aragonese Castle and the Church of the Annunziata. And of course the beauty of the sea in Castro Marina: this village offers practically everything to tourists.
Of course, there is no shortage of typical dishes of the area: the most famous is the "sarsa fish”, A dish made with vope, floured and fried and offered to visitors with breadcrumbs. This food is prepared especially in April, on the occasion of the celebrations for the patron saint of the village of Castro in Salento, or Maria Santissima Annunziata.
Castro is one of the many pearls of Puglia, an unmissable stop on a journey to discover one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.
Photo source in evidence: Instagram @regionepuglia
