Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History

Below Triumphal arch (Naples gate), you can recognize me by grey car.

In front of Hotel Tiziano, you can recognize me by grey car.

Transfer from Lecce to Galatina 30 minutes. You'll first visit the late Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in 1390 by Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, count of Soleto. The interior contains frescoes by artists from "Giotto school" so that, for their pictorial cycles, the church is second in Italy to San Francesco d'Assisi Basilica.

Walking along the old town you can find out several aristocratic Palace built when Galatina was part of Soleto county with "Giovanni Antonio" the Son of Raimondello and Maria d'Enghien, Queen of Naples Kingdom from 1406 to 1414. Close the main square there is the Baroque church of San Pietro rebuilt from 1633 on a previous Byzantine (Greek-rite) edifice. Nearby is the small church of San Paolo who houses a well which, according to tradition, was able to heal people bitten by poisonous tarantulas (those bitten were called tarantati or pizzicati in the local dialect, from which starts the famous Italian folk dance). Galatina is also known for the delicious pastries produced for generations in the local pasticcerie. In the most famous one you can delight yourself by tasting the "Pasticciotto" with inside the stunning cream.

Transfer from Galatina to Soleto with quick halt along the way for visiting the spire of Raimondello Orsini.

Transfer from Soleto to Palascia lighthouse 30 min. The tall white cylindrical lighthouse on the easternmost point of Italy. Walking along the path you can enjoy the splendid view of Otranto cost. From here we'll transfer driving along the stunning cliff, passing by tipical villages like Porto Badisco e Santa Cesarea Terme, heading to the Zinzulusa Cave (30 minutes about).

The Grotto name comes from the "rags" in local dialect "zinzuli", because the stalactites resemble many hanging rags. The visit is divided into three parts: "La Conca" which is characterized by stalactites and stalagmites; "The Duomo" with its vault about 25 meters high; "Il Cocito" with very clear waters flow through it in which there are stratifications of fresh water at the top and brackish water at the bottom. It’s a true natural spectacle. The cave is not suitable for people with limited mobility. You first have to climb down a few steps, where you can even more easily swim, if you whish; It needs more steps to get into the grotto, sometimes narrow, damp/wet and slippery so you need to wear comfortable shoes. The grotto visit lasts 30 minutes and the waiting to go into depends on the queue. The remaining time could be spent for enjoying the terrace by the see, swimming in the clearest azure sea you've ever seen or having independent lunch in the close restaurants.

Transfer form Zinzulusa cave to Castro historic center 5 min. The town derives its name from Castrum Minervae (Latin for "Athena's castle"), which was ancient Messapian town with a temple of the goddess Minerva. It’s said that it was the place where Aeneas, the ancestor of the founders of Rome, first landed in Italy following his escape from Trojan war (as also published by the Independent in April 2007). Here you’ll visit the little historic center and the Castle which inside host the archeological museum with several finds of Greek colonies, and spot of the mythic temple with the latest discovery of a female statue dating back to the 4th century BC, presumably depicting the goddess Minerva. In downstair room a large panel will show you all the stages of Aeneas' journey, recounted by Virgil in the Aeneid, before you go up to the tower for enjoying the amazing landscape.

Below Triumphal arch (Naples gate), you can recognize me by grey car.

In front of Hotel Tiziano, you can recognize me by grey car.