Grotta dell’Angelo

One of the most evocative places in the history of Messapia, in Torrevecchia, in the countryside of San Pancrazio Salentino, is the Grotta dell'Angelo, an ancient site of great archaeological and artistic value for the enchanting frescoes inside.
Dating back to the 4th-5th century A.D., the cave, a hypogean environment of modest dimensions, was originally a Messapian chamber tomb, as evidenced by the staircase leading down to the entrance, with its typical lintel and two side pillars. In the Middle Ages, the cave was reused as an early Christian place of worship of Italo-Greek monastic and religious inspiration. Going down the seven steps, the small circular room opens up and on the opposite side you can see the small niche where the altar used to be and the considerable damage caused by the collapse of the vault, which is now protected by a plexiglass cover.
The walls, once completely decorated, bear witness to the interventions of different historical periods, from the 10th to the 11th century. Carefully restored, the frescoes still evoke the splendour of the past and allow us to imagine the intense spiritual atmosphere that inspired this sacred place. The subjects depicted in the frescoes are varied and painted with admirable expressiveness according to Byzantine iconography. Among the figures that can be seen, there is that of St. Vito Martyr, which is still intact and therefore recognisable, and which was once mistaken for an angel, hence the name of the grotto; saints in vestments (perhaps a Christ) with magnetic faces, which remain from a series that continued on the rest of the walls; a fantastic scene with two mystical figures flanking a dragon; the few traces of a Madonna and Child near the altar niche and some decorative details on the vault of the starry sky with a cross and small red flowers that once closed this treasure chest of wonders.