The sun rising behind the hills. This is the coat of arms of Matino, due to its location at 198 metres above sea level on a hothouse, looking westwards. Like all towns on a hill, Matino exerts a particular charm, in fact the classic white lime colour of the houses, the flowered balconies, the green patches of gardens enclosed in ancient courtyards, give the impression, to those observing the town from the plain, of being in front of an intact landscape without defacement. E
the eye is not mistaken. In fact, Matino is one of the few historic centres in the province of Lecce to have preserved its characteristics almost unchanged: narrow, winding alleys, narrow streets embellished with votive niches, courtyards still equipped with ‘pile’ for washing clothes, small buildings with corbelled and baroque balconies.
And it is precisely in the old village that the most valuable buildings of historical and architectural value can be admired.
First and foremost, and the only one of its kind in the Salento, is the Palazzo Marchesale ‘Del Tufo’: built on the ruins of an ancient fortified building, it overlooks the central Piazza San Giorgio with a three-mullioned balustrade window dating from the end of the 16th century.
fortified building, it overlooks the central Piazza San Giorgio with a balustraded triple lancet window dating back to the late 16th century.
Inside the palace there are about forty rooms built on a series of quarries dug into the tuff, a hanging garden and a stable with mangers.
a stable with frescoed mangers, where the marquises bred splendid thoroughbred horses.
On the same square stands the 16th-century Chiesa Matrice, an elegant single-nave Latin-cross building. There are
other interesting 17th- and 18th-century churches (such as the splendid Church of the Madonna del Carmine with its altar made entirely of Lecce stone), although the true symbol of Matino is the slender and imposing Arco della Pieta’ (Arch of Mercy)
that seems to act as the entrance to the town. Built in tufa, it has a quadrangular plan, and on one side it abuts the Church of the Pietà, whose characteristic feature is the wooden doorway adorned with twenty ornamental motifs.
A historical centre to visit, therefore, without neglecting the presence of lush, luxuriant countryside.
Leaving the habitat in the direction of Gallipoli (just 12 km away), one enters, in fact, the Matino countryside where the bright red of the earth blends with the green of majestic centuries-old olive trees, the typical ‘caseddrhi’ and the dry-stone walls built by farmers in ancient times. A lush countryside that stretches as far as the sea. Ancient villas, fascinating gardens enclosed by walls
prestigious walls, 18th-century portals and rural chapels make a walk through the countryside even more interesting.
Another important testimony to the peasant culture is the ‘Trappitu’, an underground oil mill built into the rock, of which Matino is rich. Don’t miss a visit to the numerous underground oil mills scattered throughout
Matino (which can be visited today by asking at the town’s Proloco in Piazza San Giorgio) and the archaeological remains of the Sant’Ermete cave (Neolithic) and the basi1iane crypts.
What an appetite! Now we dine al fresco in a traditional Masseria dating back to the 1700s.
To conclude our tour through the alleyways of Matino’s historic centre, we cannot miss an unmissable stop at ‘A Locanda tù Marchese’. Located in an enchanting 18th-century palace, our historic trattoria will surprise you with typical dishes made with the freshest ingredients sourced directly from our farm. During the summer season, you will have the opportunity to savour our specialities on the wonderful panoramic terrace, while in winter we will welcome you in the charming underground dining room, where every meal becomes an unforgettable experience. We invite you to visit us to taste the true flavours of our territory and experience a moment of conviviality that will enrich your journey.
