Specchia: one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy

History of Specchia

Specchia was founded on a hill, far from the sea, to avoid Saracen invasions. Around the 9th century, a small group of shepherds and peasants occupied this hill: the place was strategic because from the top of the hill, they could control the territories and see barbarian threats in advance. When the count of Lecce, Tancredi d’Altavilla was crowned king of Palermo in 1189, Specchia became a fief and, as such, passed from hand to hand, from baron to baron, from feudal lord to feudal lord. In a strong tourbillon, the following lineagesalternated :

• Filippo Monteroni,
• Rodolfo d’Alani,
• Beltrando Orsini del Balzo.

The latter had to fight against Queen Giovanna, who sent an army led by Louis of Anjou III and Giacomo Caldora, a ferocious and ruthless captain of fortune, a born fighter. In 1435, the stronghold of Specchia gave way under heavy bombardment and Caldara and Queen Giovanna took possession of the town. The fief of Specchia experienced greater splendour under Niccolò Ripa. That was until 2 August 1806, when feudality was subverted. What to see in Specchia One of the most beautiful ancient villages in Italy Specchia is truly enchanting, fascinating. You will be impressed from all points of view. Whatever your point of view. There are many points of interest: among churches, baronial palaces and underground oil mills, you will be spoilt for choice. Walking, observing and contemplating every corner of this small village will be a unique experience. Discover this beautiful town. Church of Our Lady of the Assumption Dating back to the 17th century, located near the ancient Porta Lecce, or more commonly known as Porta del Foggiaro, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is elevated above the road surface. Access to the sacred building is provided by symmetrical ramps not aligned with the church’s frontispiece. The façade is characterised by a set of niches and a Baroque tympanum. The interior is characterised by a transept with no right arm. Church of St. Euphemia The Church of St. Euphemia, listed by the Monuments and Fine Arts Office, is a small Greek church of particular beauty. An incredibly unique cultural heritage site, the church’s façade is double-sloping with a mullioned window delicately separated by a small column surmounted by the typical Greek cross. On the side facing north, there are small windows to channel light into the interior space dedicated to worship. The south side has a doorway bordered by simple pillars and architrave. The ground plan is a Greek cross with three naves, finely separated by small columns supporting round arches. Inside the church, a statue of St Euphemia dominates. Church of St Nicholas of Myra Together with the Church of St Euphemia, the Church of St Nicholas of Myra (or Myra) is the obvious example of a medieval church. The church was consecrated towards the end of the 17th century, in a Byzantine rite, on the day of St Nicholas, the saint to whom the church is dedicated. In fact, on 6 December, during the solstice, when the sun is lowest, its rays penetrate the interior of the church and mystically illuminate the altar. Over the centuries, the church was converted from a Greek-Byzantine to a Latin rite and changes were made to the architectural structure. The roof is vaulted while previously it was double trussed and the original apse was replaced with a new, much larger one. During recent restoration, a beautiful semi-fresco of the Virgin and Child, dating back to the 16th century, was found.

Church and Convent of the Black Franciscan Friars

Built in the 16th century, this splendour housed the order of the Black Franciscans (the Capuchins). Inside the church is the beautiful chapel dedicated to St Catherine and the crypt adorned with exceptional frescoes, located under the choir. On the wall of the façade, a splendid high relief can be seen, possibly depicting a memorial of the Protonobilissimo family, who contributed to the building of the church itself. In fact, on the first altar to the right, the herald of this very prestigious family is carved in Lecce stone. The frescoes in the chapel depict Sts Cosmas and Damian and the martyrdom of St Agatha. Legend or truth (?) has it that St Francis stayed in the crypt for a while before leaving for Jerusalem via Otranto.

Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Matrix (or Mother) Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the very early 1600s and its façade and floor plan was redone a century later, in 1700, with an expansion of space due to the increase in population. The beautiful pillars were stuccoed with Venetian stucco and the arches of the aisles were adorned with beautiful floral motifs. Little gem: inside the church you will find two very valuable works by Maestro Giuseppe Afrune, a native of Mirror and official portraitist of the Vatican. The famous ‘Artist of God’ has donated two of his incredible works: a painting of St Gianna Beretta Molla and a splendid lithograph of St Giuseppe Moscati.

The crypt of Madonna del Passo

The church of Madonna del Passo is certainly of Byzantine origin. Its discovery dates back to the 16th century. Later, its transformation, the one we know today, took place. From a simple crypt, it was transformed into a church, towards the end of the 16th, early 17th century. With a quadrangular ground plan with two side altars and a central altar, the interior of the church is extremely interesting from an artistic point of view. The central altar is dominated by a columned baldachin. The style permeating the canopy is late Renaissance. The building is adorned with a splendid painting of the Madonna and Child and on the walls, you can admire ancient frescoes. A Calvary was built outside the church and is used during the Lenten period for the impressive Stations of the Cross.

Palazzo dei Risolo Protonobilissimo

The residence, in centuries gone by, of the Protonobilissimo-Trani family, this noble family, whose name sounds like a tongue-twister, overlooks the central square of Specchia, in the heart of the ancient village of Salento. The palace as we see it is the result of a series of works and interventions carried out between the 15th and 18th centuries. The elegant balustrade overlooking the square of Specchia is beautiful and runs across the entire façade. The coat of arms of the Specchia noble family stands out on the ashlar entrance door.

The underground oil mills

Scupola, Cicca, Perrone and Francescani neri Also in the historic centre of Specchia, you can admire the underground oil mills. Here, in ancient centuries, olives were ground with large millstones pulled by oxen, donkeys and horses, also with the human help of farmers and peasants. We recommend a visit, if only to get an idea of how much effort was put into producing an oil of the highest quality. Today Specchia, continuing to embody the age-old tradition of master oil producers, is part of the Oil Route and every evo oil produced in Specchia has the Docet mark

Borgo Cardigliano

“Specchia’s “Enclave” not far from the centre of Italy’s most beautiful village Borgo Cardigliano is a small village belonging to the municipality of Specchia, for a very long time uninhabited and then used as a rural hotel in recent years. Passed to private management, again under the supervision of the municipality of Specchia, this hamlet has now closed its doors and is not used as accommodation. This is a great pity because now it can no longer even be visited, at least until the licence to use it, given to local entrepreneurs, expires. To get an idea of what it looks like, you can do a little research on the Internet and see some photographs of the entire small rural village, used as accommodation.

The Specchia living nativity scene

Attracts the faithful and curious from all over Europe During the Christmas period, the town of Specchia hosts a living nativity scene. Citizens turn into shepherds, infants become the Christ, the ox and the donkey warm up this little bundle. The dim lights of the lanterns embellish the portrait of the town of Specchia, which we remember as one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. We suggest you visit it with us during your Christmas holidays.

Film Festival of the Real

From the Sacred to the Profane Like every year, between 19 and 22 July, Specchia will host the Festival del Cinema del Reale. Artists, film-makers, and independent productions will recount, through their works, facts, episodes, and slices of everyday life with captivating films and scripts. We suggest you come and see what it’s all about.

Where to eat in Specchia

Suggestions on restaurants and typical cuisine bistros You can eat well anywhere in Salento and, in Specchia, even more so; for this reason, we suggest a magical mantra: ‘reservation’. Joking aside, it is a good idea to make a reservation because these places of food are known and assiduously frequented by tourists or ‘locals’. Well, let’s proceed with our checklist of the best restaurants in Specchia, just so you don’t waste time.

Trattoria Da Coppuleddhra

Sigfrido and his high-sounding name are ready to welcome you At Trattoria da Coppuleddhra you can eat really well and typically Salento food. ‘Ricchiteddhre e maccarruni cu le purpette e la ricotta scanta’ (Orecchiette and macaroni with meatballs and a sprinkling of ricotta forte), ‘Fave e cicorie’ (Broad bean and chicory puree), hearty hors d’oeuvres with pittule and mixed fritters of breaded vegetables, horse pieces with sauce. These are just some of the dishes you will find on the menu. Sigfrido, although the name instils reverential awe, is ready to welcome you with kindness and courtesy.

Le Macinate

Restaurant and wine bar Le Macinate is located just outside the historic centre of Specchia, one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Salento in Italy. Friendly staff led by the very young Veronica, the owner of this enchanting place for cooking, chatting, wine and spirits. Inside, the spaces are well furnished, Lecce stone, vaults and a beautiful stretch of glass floor, just to give you a glimpse of how ‘once upon a time there was the real Salento’. The dishes are incredibly good and the raw materials used are of the highest quality. We recommend making a reservation and, in summer, asking for a table outside for your romantic dinner. You will be enraptured. A small curiosity: if you don’t want to be fed with the typical southern grandmother’s portions and you like to taste centuries of tradition on a plate, this is the right place for your food experience… which we also recommend for an after-dinner meal.

La Ficarigna

An excellent fish and meat restaurant that pays homage to the Salento prickly pear La Ficarigna is an excellent fish and meat restaurant located in the heart of Specchia. The dishes served are exceptional, the taste simple. The ambience is ideal for a romantic dinner because the soft lighting and spaced tables provide the right amount of privacy for an evening with a couple. In summer you can enjoy excellent food in the outdoor area. Highly recommended, as is booking.

Where to sleep in Specchia

Hotels, bed & Breakfast, masserie, pajare and resorts in the authentic, medieval village of Salento In Specchia, you will have different possibilities for accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, relais, pajare (which we mentioned in the article on Pescoluse, and masserie. Here we list the most significant accommodation facilities, leaving out the others for reasons of space.

Hotel Resort I Mulicchi

Immersed in the Salento countryside, this renovated farmhouse offers the services of a 4-star hotel. You are immersed in nature, just two kilometres from Specchia. Inside, you will be surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, fichidìndiaand, to cool off quickly from the hot Salento sirocco, you can take a dip in the beautiful swimming pool. The wi-fi is free of charge, but we advise you to turn off your mobile phone and enjoy the enchanting view, while you pet your dog because the structure welcomes your four-legged friends!

Risolo Castle

In the heart of the historic centre of Specchia Palace with a medieval flavour, indeed truly medieval. You will feel for a night or for more than a week the king and queen of Specchia. We are not talking about rooms but mini-apartments equipped with all comforts: private bathroom with bidet (to be specified for all foreign tourists coming to Specchia), air conditioning, plasma TV, free wi-fi. Having said this, just think that looking out of the window you will see the main square of Specchia because the position of this formidable accommodation facility is unbeatable.

Weather in Specchia

Before visiting this beautiful authentic village, we suggest you take a look at the Specchia weather forecast below.