Small Temple of San Miserino

In the countryside just outside San Donaci, on the site of the Limitone dei Greci (the long wall of strategic importance built at the end of the 7th century on the border between the Byzantine territories to the south, today's Salento, and the Lombards to the north), you can visit the ruins of the mysterious Tempietto of San Miserino.
Dating back to the 6th century, the Tempietto is considered to be the oldest place dedicated to early Christian worship in Salento.  It is an example of religious architecture whose octagonal structure, with a square ground plan and vaulted roof, derives from Roman construction techniques. Recent studies have shown that the Tempietto is in fact a transformation of a nymphaeum or thermal bath dating back to the late Roman period (1st to 4th century A.D.). In addition to the structural typology, the two-colour mosaics on the floor, which can still be seen today, support this hypothesis.
The interior, which is very small, is accessed through a pronaos supported by capital pillars, and the central area under the dome is divided by small apses facing each other, although the structure is partly collapsed. In addition to the black and white mosaic floor, there are traces of bright red painted plaster on the walls and vaults, as well as the remains of Byzantine frescoes.
Despite some previous restoration work, the Tempietto is currently being considered for a total renovation project in recognition of its historical and artistic value and its evocative testimony to the history of the area.