The friselle arrived in Salento probably with the first Greek navigators who apparently used it as biscuits, but their large-scale diffusion occurred when, less than a century ago, with the decline of the feudalism, typical buildings spread in the countryside house, the “furneddhi”, where the peasants often spent the summer with the aim of obtaining supplies for the winter.
Welcome to our historic Palace: between a varied sweet and savory breakfast prepared by Luisa and a dinner in our Orto-Locanda on the Terrace and roof garden, we will tell you about Salento and the love we feel for this territory, recommending bike itineraries, trekking, Salento recipes, the most beautiful beaches and marinas and the main events and festivals throughout the year.
If you have any particular doubts about the typical recipes of Salento that we propose, about the places to visit, about the cycling itineraries along the Salento coast, about the festivals in the province of Lecce, contact us: we will be happy to chat with you and tell you a little about our history and give you some advice on how to live and enjoy your holiday here in Puglia to the fullest!
Many scholars who have written about the origins of Ugento never agreed on the period of its foundation, and have supported various and conflicting hypotheses; however, and on this there is unanimity of consensus, its origin is lost in the mists of time. An evident proof is given by the archaeological finds of prehistoric origin found in the area, including the Menhirs of which we can , still today, admire two examples set on the periphery of Gemini and on Terenzano masseria. Around 1500-1000 BC the Messapi settled in the area; indelible marks of this settlement are the important walls whose perimeter was about 4900 km with an urban area of about 150 hectares; their thickness ,still visible today in some points, measured approximately between 6 and 8 meters and were constructed using large squared blocks. In this period the town was great, prosperous and powerful, and had its own mint. During the Roman Empire, Ugento entered the great expansionist design of Rome,and became a Roman ally. The outbreak of hostilities between Rome and Carthage let the Messapian towns to form an alliace with Hannibal hoping to regain independence and ancient autonomy.
The scapece is a specialty made up of fish of particular species, fried, layered with breadcrumbs in special tubs and marinated with vinegar colored with saffron. The fish traditionally used for this preparation are the zerro, locally called pupiddhru, the garizzo, distinguished on the basis of sex in mascularu and fimmineddhra, the small boghe and the silversides, locally called minoscia.
Acquarica del Capo is a small town in the area of Santa Maria di Leuca, from which it is 15km away and is located 8km from the Ionian coast (the closest beaches are those of Torre Mozza and Lido Marini), and about 15km from the coast. adriatica (nearest sea on the east side, marina di Novaglie). "A locanda Tù Marchese" in Matino is 23km away. The civic emblem of Acquarica Del Capo is a golden fountain from which a long gush of water rises, probably it was a symbol representing the aboundance of water in the territory.
In "A Locanda Tù Marchese" are waiting for you with our grandmother Tetta to LEARN TO MAKE ORECCHIETTE, at our km0 trattoria, to learn everything you wanted to know about the art of Orecchiette: from dough with semolina and hot water , to the secret of transforming a shapeless piece of dough into the famous orecchiette and more.
So outstretched towards the sea, so exposed to the dominations, so fought for its geographical position, but at the same time welcoming and open to new cultures, the Salento peninsula has always had to deal with the numerous assailants. By cycling in some cities of Salento, you will be amazed by the mighty messapic walls and the great number of coastal towers scattered along the coast but also inland as part of the structural complex called "masseria"
The excursion includes points of historical interest including museum, rural churches, votive chapels and churches in the city , palaces in historical centres and some points to taste local food and wine. For our guest we prepare this route for our guests, to discover the hidden corners of Salento, in contact with nature, history and people.
Lecce is perfect for walks with your children in the historical centre or to ride on bike during the night, among pompeian palaces. From “A Locanda Tù Marchese” , a historical residence with rooms and a typical salentine restaurant on terrace, Lecce is far about 46 km, you could travel to Matino by car or on bus.
