Mesagne
Mesagne, a jewel in the heart of the Apulian countryside, offers visitors an unforgettable journey through its rich history, fascinating architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Situated in the province of Brindisi, the town preserves the traces of its glorious past and offers tourists a unique experience of time travel.
The historic centre of Mesagne is a maze of narrow, winding streets whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you are immersed in a unique atmosphere, surrounded by ancient palaces, centuries-old churches and cosy little squares. The Chiesa Matrice, with its imposing Baroque façade, is one of the most important places of worship and bears witness to the centuries of devotion and spirituality.
It is worth visiting the Norman-Swabian castle and nearby Piazza Orsini del Balzo, a beautiful 16th-century square with Palazzo Cavaliere, which houses the Diocesan Museum, and the splendid Baroque Church of Sant'Anna. Through a characteristic narrow passage you can reach the archaeological site of Vico Quercia, with its important Messapian necropolis. Nearby is the splendid Chiesa Matrice, and on the other side of Piazza del Sedile, is Palazzo dell'Orologio, the town library. Walking through the alleys and small squares of the old town, we come to the Porta Piccola, an exit from the old town centre. Here is the former Celestine convent, dating back to the 16th century, which includes the Baroque church of Santa Maria.
The town theatre has been restored and regularly hosts quality theatre seasons thanks to regional funding. Almost opposite the Teatro Comunale is the monumental Porta Nuova, characterised by an entirely paved 'chute' staircase. Before taking this staircase to re-enter the old historic core, one can visit the nearby Dominican church and, not far away, the Byzantine Tempietto di San Lorenzo.
Mesagne is not only history and tradition, but also a lively cultural centre that offers numerous opportunities to its visitors. The Norman Castle, an imposing fortress that dominates the entire village from the top of a hill, is the beating heart of Mesagne's cultural life, hosting concerts, plays and art exhibitions that attract enthusiasts from all over the world.
Mesagne is also a place where you can enjoy the delicacies of Apulian cuisine and immerse yourself in the daily life of its inhabitants. The town's restaurants and trattorias offer a wide selection of traditional dishes, prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients, that delight the palate and satisfy every taste. From orecchiette con le cime di rapa (ear-shaped pasta with turnip tops) to braciole al sugo (chops with tomato sauce), from taralli to Puglia olives, each bite is a journey of discovery into the culinary traditions of this extraordinary region.
