Nardò history to visit
Nardò, dates back to the 8th-3rd century B.C. with its origins in the ancient Messapian civilisation.
Throughout its history, Nardò has had an intense cultural life, animated by culture and great talents such as Antonio De Ferraris, known as Galateo, and Ruggero Pazienza, author of the ‘Balzino’.
There are several churches worth visiting: the Cathedral, the Church of Santa Chiara and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, as well as the towers, noble palaces and courtyard houses of the old town.
In Nardò, an evocative mural depicting the passage of many Jews to Palestine in the post-war years is housed in a small house.
Nardò is a true jubilation of Baroque art, thanks to the exquisite P.za Salandra and the numerous churches that testify to the undisputed religious value of a town that became the seat of a diocese as early as 1413, to the castle erected between the 15th and 16th centuries, the imposing Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the municipal library.
Walking On Sunshine: the International Musical filmed in Salento
In September 2013, Salento was chosen as the set for the popular film/musical ‘Walking on Sunshine’, a work with an international cast. Filming took place entirely in this beautiful region, and the film was released on 13 June 2014. The plot follows the adventures of two American sisters, one of whom is played by the talented Leona Lewis, winner of the X Factor in 2006. After several love affairs, the sisters find themselves in Salento, where unexpected events occur. The film features a soundtrack that includes hits from the 1980s, creating a light and romantic atmosphere, celebrating the importance of family and love. The cast also includes Italian actors such as Giulio Berruti and Riccardo Scamarcio, along with stars such as Kylie Minogue. ‘Walking on Sunshine’ is a celebration of Salento, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, representing a major international film production.
Porto Selvaggio recommended itinerary for a paradisiacal place
Portoselvaggio is located in the territory of Nardò, on the S.Caterina – Porto Cesareo coastline.
With a law of 1980, the Apulia Region wished to protect this area of particular landscape, historical and environmental charm, establishing a Natural Park of 432 hectares of coastline, 268 of which are wooded, including aleppo pines, italic pines and maritime pines.
Along a series of paths cutting through the forest, bordered by a cliff that is mirrored in a crystal-clear sea, you can reach the Bay of Uluzzo, a Palaeolithic site with stone artefacts and the remains of large mammals (rhinoceroses, cervids, bovids, equids) of such great importance that it has given its name to an archaic horizon of particular importance, the so-called ‘Uluzzian’.
Immediately afterwards, we come to the first of the many caves along this stretch of coastline, the cave of Capelvenere, named after a maidenhair fern plant.
In this cave, artefacts have been found that date back to the earliest Messapian, Roman and medieval settlements.
Climbing along a path, many stretches of which are stepped, you reach the Torre dell’Alto, one of the most powerful Aragonese fortifications built to defend the Salento coastline, now home to the Marine Biology Museum. On the edge of a 50-metre cliff that drops sheer into the sea is the Dannata, a precipice where, in the 19th century, a girl voluntarily sought death when she wanted to escape the ‘jus primae noctis’ (right of the first night) imposed by GianGerolamo Acquaviva, Count of Conversano and Duke of Nardò, the notorious ‘Guercio di Puglia’ (not only in appearance, but also his character was said not to be the best).
A path starts from the tower and overlooks the small beach of Portoselvaggio, where the water is a brilliant turquoise, aided in this by the freshwater springs that rise to the surface of the water and are the outlets of underground streams typical of a karstic area such as this part of the Apulian coast.
Santa Caterina to continue along the coastline
Santa Caterina is a marina of Nardò, from which it is 7 km away. It is a seaside resort of great environmental and naturalistic value, thanks to its quiet, verdant pine forest, natural grottoes and crystal-clear sea.
Santa Caterina is topped by the two nearby towers of ‘Santa Caterina’ and ‘Dell’Alto’.
From the heights of this small tourist centre, one can admire the Salento coastline bordered by Gallipoli to the south and the regional natural park of Porto Selvaggio to the north.
Behind the stretch of coastline that goes from Santa Maria al Bagno to Santa Caterina, there are the Cenate, one of the most beautiful residential areas in Salento and its name derives from the ‘acenata’ grape.
Discover the Stanza dei Bagni in Santa Caterina di Nardò: A Journey through Time between Sea and History!
If you are looking for an enchanting place where history blends with natural beauty, you cannot miss the bathing room in Santa Caterina di Nardò. This historical marvel is accessible through two side openings: one, the ancient main entrance, still retains the original door wings, while the other is a more difficult to reach but fascinating passage.
But the real gem is the second opening: a semi-submerged hole overlooking the sea! Imagine holding your breath as you dive in and, with two strokes, you are greeted by a small beach that transports you to a place out of time. This hidden corner will give you a unique and unforgettable experience.
In the 19th and early 20th century, ladies of high society indulged in the pleasure of bathing by the sea in total privacy. To ensure their privacy, ad hoc rooms were built close to the cliffs, where the sea created protected natural pools. Here, small beaches were formed, allowing these women to enjoy a refreshing bath without fear of prying eyes.
This fascinating tradition and the combination of nature and history make the bathing room in Santa Caterina di Nardò an unmissable place for those who love the sea and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this magical corner, where the past meets the present in a dreamlike experience!
How hungry! Now dinner on the terrace in a typical Masseria from the 1700s
In conclusion, the journey between Nardò, Porto Cesareo and Santa Caterina offers an unforgettable experience of crystal-clear sea, history and local traditions. But we cannot forget to complete this itinerary with an unmissable stop in Matino, where ‘A Locanda tù Marchese’ awaits you. Located in a charming 18th-century building, our historical trattoria will delight you with typical dishes prepared with fresh ingredients coming directly from our farm. During the summer, you can enjoy our specialities on the splendid panoramic terrace, while in winter we welcome you in the charming underground dining room, where every meal becomes a unique experience. We invite you to visit us to savour the true flavours of our territory and experience a moment of conviviality that will enrich your journey.
