Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli. These enchanting destinations are conveniently close to each other and easily accessible by a slow but direct train, making it effortless to visit both in just one day.

Galatina

We started our day by taking a short and easy train ride from Lecce to Galatina, a charming town that is conveniently located along the same railway line as Gallipoli. The journey only took us 45 minutes, and as soon as we stepped off the train, we were immediately drawn to the town's mini Lecce-like ambiance.

Galatina welcomed us warmly as we explored its streets, which were adorned with centuries-old buildings that had a rich history. One particular highlight on our itinerary was the magnificent Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria.

Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

The Basilica, built in 1383, impressed us with its exquisite artistry and religious significance. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by a sense of awe. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes that took us on a fascinating journey through time, depicting scenes from biblical stories and the lives of saints.

The artistry displayed in these frescoes was truly remarkable, showcasing the talent and devotion of the artists who created them so many years ago. We were amazed by the vibrant colors that still retained their brilliance. It felt as though we had entered a living museum, where history came alive before our eyes.

What made our visit even more special was that admission to the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria was based on donations, making it accessible to visitors from all walks of life.

Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

Continuing our exploration of Galatina, we stumbled upon another architectural gem - Chiesa Madre dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, also known as the Mother Church. Its grand façade enticed us to step inside and discover its hidden treasures.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a serene and reverent atmosphere. The ornate decorations adorning the altar and walls showcased Galatina's rich religious heritage. We took our time to admire the intricate details carved into every surface, a testament to the craftsmanship of those who built this magnificent structure.

Try out the Pasticciotto

Make sure to try the pasticciotto in Galatina, where it originated. This shortcrust pastry with a creamy filling is a local specialty which you can also find in most cafes in Salento. We had a delicious one from a bakery near the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria. It's a delightful treat that perfectly complements your visit to the basilica and allows you to experience Galatina's culinary heritage firsthand.

Where to Stay in Galatina?

The old town is pretty relaxed so if you want a quiet base then this is the place for you. I recommend staying in the center.

For mid-range, Casa Vacanza Vico Maroncelli is central and nicely decorated.

For luxury, check out the highly rated Amira 1899 Luxury Suite where you can pamper yourself in a hot tub or relax in a sauna.

Gallipoli

After our delightful time in Galatina, we hopped on a short train ride to reach the coastal town of Gallipoli. As we arrived, the refreshing scent of the sea filled the air, setting the stage for a culinary adventure.

Seafood in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a seafood lover's paradise, thanks to its location on the Ionian Sea. We couldn't resist trying the local specialties at Trattoria Santa Monaca, a renowned restaurant in the old town. One dish that stood out was the succulent purple prawns cooked in salt. You can also have it simply grilled as it can be too salty. These local delicacies boasted a delicate flavor and vibrant color, offering a memorable taste experience.

To complement our prawns, we savored a flavorful fish soup brimming with mussels, clams, and squid. The broth was skillfully infused with herbs and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our palates.

Our meal at Santa Monaca, including drinks, came to a total of EUR 62, a reasonable price for the quality and quantity of food served. Portions were so huge that we didn't have space for dessert.

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Basilica Concattedrale di Sant'Agata

Also known as the Gallipoli Cathedral, it holds deep religious importance in this town and is dedicated to their patron saint Saint Agatha. Its history dates back several centuries, and as we wandered through its hallowed halls, we couldn't help but feel a connection to those who had come before us.

Hooded Penitents

While exploring one of the churches by the coast, I was shocked to see a hooded mannequin as I entered one of the churches simply because I wasn't expecting that and didn't do much research prior our visit. This is just a model of the hooded penitents that parade barefoot during Lent and are covered to protect their identity.

We found this at the Church of the Holy Crucifix just along the coastal road. They also have some photos of the penitents during Holy Week.

There are a few more churches that you can explore within the old town but these two are what I found most fascinating.

Left: hooded statue

Right: church interior

Take it Slow at a Café

When in Italy, take it slow. We settled into our seats and ordered comforting cappuccinos – creamy concoctions topped with delicate foam. As we sipped our drinks, we savored both their rich flavor and the relaxed atmosphere surrounding us.

Fontana Greca

The Greek fountain, believed to be built around 3rd century BC, is just located outside the fort of the old town so we visited this as we headed back to the train station.

We were here in the late afternoon and also watched fishermen and locals transact by the shore. There's also a church that you can visit from here.

Santuario di Santa Maria del Canneto

Where to Stay in Gallipoli?

Coastal towns in Italy tend to be pricey but you can still find a place on a mid-range budget. Check out Centro Storico Casa Nel Cuoro

If you're feeling luxurious, check out the 4-star Palazzo Presta in the center of the old town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/4yqARfS5ybU

Conclusion

Our day trip to Galatina and Gallipoli from Lecce proved to be a rewarding journey filled with historical marvels, tantalizing flavors, and the ease of travel. Thanks to the convenient train connections, we seamlessly ventured from one town to another, immersing ourselves in their unique charms.

If you want something more convenient and you do not have your own car, getting a private transfer is the way to go. Check out this full day tour of Galatina and Gallipoli. They provide a comfortable airconditioned car with a private driver from Lecce which really makes a difference especially during the hot peak summer season and saves you the long trip in the slow train. You still have the independence to get around and explore on your own. Combine this with the itinerary we have provided above. Have fun!

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Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

Embark on a stress-free excursion starting from Lecce, where we'll explore the captivating towns of Galatina and Gallipoli . These ench...

Galatina and Gallipoli Day Trip Itinerary from Lecce, Puglia, Italy

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A journey through time

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It was when I got separated from my Venice tour, so I walked around the streets thinking If I should do a gondola ride, since it was a bit expensive for a single person. And I stumbled upon this place – Palazzo Fortuny.

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Palazzo Fortuny - Once owned by the Pesaro family, this Gothic building in Campo San Beneto, near the church of the same name, was transformed by Mariano Fortuny into his own photography, stage-design, textile-design and painting atelier. Source

Paradise for art lovers

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The building from the outside looked Gothic -style, not sure what was to expect, I went inside with not much hope. As soon as I entered, it felt like a completely different world, it was an artist’s paradise with a rich and varied art collection from statues, to textiles, architecture, paintings, and much more.

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The place is a perfect intersection of art, design, and architecture.. But what excited me most was the paintings and the Delphos gowns. I have admired them since the time I read about the finely pleated Delphos gown from the ancient Greek sculptures and I can see it close, it was beyond anything for me!

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DELPHOS GOWNS

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Delphos pleated dress – Mariano Fortuny

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Printed silk tunic over a Delphos dress by Mariano Fortuny - Palazzo Fortuny

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The dress was inspired by the Hellenistic classical sculpture of the Charioteer of Delphi, discovered in 1896.

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You enter a dark room, and from the first glance, the paintings capture your eyes and thoughts. It is a mysterious place, and so much to see, the walls are adorned with rich tapestry, and paintings, the space with a collection of paintings and sculpture, furnishing lamps, theatre models, the famous Delphos and theatre costumes. Every single artwork is a masterpiece in itself which cannot be missed. you can't help but marvel at these incredible work of arts.

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The Bottega Cadorin - A Dynasty of Venetian Artists, Sculptor - Vincenzo Cadorin

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I would recommend anyone going to Venice to include this if you are even remotely interested in the arts.

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The collections within the museum comprise an extensive number of pieces and materials which reflect the various fields investigated in the artist’s work. These are organized under certain specific headings: painting, light, photography, and textiles.

• Painting: there are around 150 paintings by Mariano Fortuny, which illustrate the various phases of his career as an artist, where the Wagnerian period (until 1899) holds a central place.

• Light: the main focus of Fortuny’s work was light design, perfectly identified with the creation of the celebrated theatre dome.

• Photography: photographs exhibited were taken either from the collection left by Mariano Fortuny or from the Musei Civici di Venezia's collection, comprising works from 1850 to the Second World War, in a rich variety of styles, techniques, and historic images.

• Fabrics: the collection of clothes, fabrics, prints, materials and ornamental clothes make up a rich sample of Fortuny’s work in the field of fabrics and fashion design, in which the artist took ornamental motifs and reinterpreted them in a modern decorative style. Source

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PAINTINGS

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‘Portrait of a muse’ painting by Mariano Fortuny, 1935

Portrait of Henriette Fortuny in Pompeian costume with a Delphos dress and Knossos scarf designed by Mariano Fortuny

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Still Life. The plasters in the atelier (1940) - by Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo

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SCULPTURES

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Wood carved sculpture Fortuny Palazzo

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Guido Cadorin – nude female sculpture relief

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ARCHITECTURE

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TEXTILES

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THE MUSEUM

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I hope you enjoyed reading my post and I am grateful for every Upvote, Resteem, and Comment. Until next time!

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Venice #1: Palazzo Fortuny - A journey through time ... A must visit for art lovers

A journey through time It was when I got separated from my Venice tour, so I walked around the streets thinking If I should do a gondo...

Venice #1: Palazzo Fortuny - A journey through time ... A must visit for art lovers

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A few years back whilst living in Madrid I was fortunate enough to have a few jaunts to some other great European cities. I’ve discussed Berlin and Lisbon a little, but this encounter sees me take in the enchanted capital of Italy - Rome!

The idea was to go there for the rugby. The Six Nations Championship was on and Italy were playing at home to Ireland. That was one premise for the trip but also just to go there in general and sample its emphatic delights.

A friend of mine at the time was planning to go with a few rugby mates, as it turned out it was him, his girlfriend and a friend of hers. They were just staying the weekend whereas I was there for 5 days, so a real chance to take it all in.

To start we were a little unfortunate with the weather but that brightened up for the last couple of days. Great for me, as I saw the place in its full glory, not so much for my friends as they saw it all whilst it was a bit dour.

Still a fantastic place either way, and I was super impressed. It wasn’t so much all the obvious stuff like the Colosseum and the like (although great) but more the interesting architecture and structures you see round random corners that may not be in a guide book.

The place is like walking through a museum and has such a cool vibe. Yes, there’s a little chaos. You’d have to question whether you could live there. The public transport for one was fairly poor for a capital city (especially coming from Madrid where it’s pretty good) and it has other drawbacks.

But that is part of the charm. You have to take the rough with the smooth, and it really shines the light of what the place is.

I was staying around Trastevere which was a nice area… but quite a distance from where my companions were staying. This made things a little awkward for meeting up, but I definitely got my steps in!

So on the day of the rugby, it was off to the Stadio Olimpico… via a trip to another famous landmark and institution, the Vatican! There were queues and tourists galore but we eventually got in and in amongst it. An essential stop off on a trip to the Italian capital. Then it was a case of getting from there to the Olympic Stadium for the rugby.

We got chatting to an Irish/Italian girl after we had stopped off somewhere on the way. We were at the bus stop but the best way of getting there and in good time was via taxi, so we all jumped in together. On arrival she dashed off to meet her mates and mentioned an Irish bar she was going to later. Ok, noted.

There was a lively atmosphere at the stadium and Ireland beat Italy fairly comfortably as expected but a great vibe.

What next? After some fun with trams and the like, my companions jumped on one and I continued walking. They were off the next day so we said our goodbyes and I went on with my adventure. Perhaps to this Irish bar that was mentioned?

As I walked through the city I was amazed at all the sights I saw. I had no idea exactly where I was but there was a real buzzing atmosphere and more great looking architecture and features in multiple squares that I passed.

I did eventually make it to the Irish bar and there was another rugby match on that day so that was being shown. Once that was over, the band started and all hell broke loose. Those Irish know how to party.

Our old friend Athena (I think that was her name, the half-Irish/half-Italian girl) popped up in amongst the melee. We had some exchanges but she was on the go as her friends were going for dinner (so she said?). Off she went, and on I went with the night.

I got involved in the party and took off at a reasonable hour. Got some food from nearby and called it a night. There must have been some pizza in there somewhere… the Italians do a fair job of that! Although like anywhere, it can vary a lot, especially in tourist areas. 

As for the rest of the trip, I just took it all in. Sampled some delicious gelato and anything else I could get my hands on. Did much of the tourist stuff, some less obvious and generally enjoyed my time there before returning home.

That is still the only time I’ve been to Italy but I’m hoping to change that soon. Of course there’s far more to Italy than Rome, but I will be back there too… I did throw a penny into the Trevi Fountain after all :)

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When in Rome: Rugby & Ruins

A few years back whilst living in Madrid I was fortunate enough to have a few jaunts to some other great European cities. I’ve discussed Ber...

When in Rome: Rugby & Ruins

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