Things to see in Ceglie Messapica

Ceglie Messapica, located in the heart of the Itria Valley 24 km from the Trulli of Rò, offers a fascinating historical and architectural heritage. Major points of interest include:

• Medieval Village: a maze of alleys, stairways and small squares that tell the story of the city’s history.

• Civic Clock Tower: a symbol of the city, with its imposing structure dominating the historic center.

• Ducal Castle: ancient fortress dating back to the 11th century, now one of the city’s most representative monuments.

• Churches of historical interest:

  • Matrix Church

  • Church of San Rocco

  • Church of St. Joachim

  • St. Anne’s Church

  • Church of the Passionist Fathers

  • Church of the Annunziata

  • Madonna of the Cave rural church

• Historic buildings:

  • Vitale Palace

  • Allegretti Palace

  • Chionna Palace

  • Epifani Palace

  • Greek Palace

Ceglie Messapica: a journey through history and culture

Ceglie Messapica is one of the oldest cities in Apulia, with origins dating back to the Messapian civilization. It was part of the Dodecapolis Messapica, a system of twelve autonomous city-states including Oria, Ugento and Manduria. The city was surrounded by defensive walls, and its center housed temples, palaces, and an agora where the main social and economic activities took place.

The historic center of Ceglie Messapica is a real gem: it is accessed through ancient entrances that lead into an intricate system of alleys and small squares. The Ducal Castle, with its majestic structure, represents one of the most fascinating buildings in the village, flanked by numerous historic churches and noble palaces.

The gastronomy of Ceglie Messapica

Ceglie Messapica is not only art and history, but also a true paradise for lovers of good food. Recognized as the “Land of Gastronomy,” it offers a variety of culinary specialties that enhance Apulian tradition.

Gastronomic excellences include:

• Cegliesi cookies: a typical dessert made with roasted almonds and jam, a Slow Food Presidium. They were prepared for religious holidays and wedding banquets.

• The Cegliese sandwich: a combination of tuna, extra virgin olive oil, aged provolone, mortadella and capers, an explosion of authentic flavors.

• Traditional restaurants and trattorias: the city offers numerous gastronomic options where you can taste typical Salento dishes, based on simple but top-quality ingredients.

Every year in August, the Ceglie Food Festival is held, an event that draws visitors from all over Italy to celebrate the authentic flavors of the area.

Farms and farmhouses

The countryside of Ceglie Messapica is dotted with farms, oil mills and dairies, many of which are still operating or have been converted into elegant agritourisms . Here it is possible to immerse oneself in Apulian rural life, tasting genuine products and enjoying breathtaking landscapes among centuries-old olive groves and expanses of cultivated fields.

Ceglie Messapica is a place that enchants with its history, its artistic heritage and its gastronomic tradition. A village to be discovered and savored, amid culture and authentic flavors of Apulia.