Italy Photo Gallery

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.

hooded statue church interior

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

Just yesterday that I was thinking about what to do this summer and if I can go somewhere now that finally there are fewer restrictions in my country, these photos have emerged that I had stored in the hardisk.

so I wanted to share them with you not only to share the photos I took this summer but also to share the experience I had on this island that I think is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

I still remember that I took a fast hydrofoil from Naples without booking, usually there are two / three in the morning and within 20 minutes I arrived on the island, then to reach the center of Capri I took the funicular otherwise yes you can use a taxi but the cost goes up significantly.

What I recommend from my experience is to go to Capri in the spring or at the end of summer not only for a matter of heat which in any case is never so excessive but for a matter of crowding of people because in the high season the island is very busy and so it becomes really difficult to shoot it in peace.

is what I also recommend is to take a tour around the island, perhaps for the more experienced it is more convenient to rent a boat or take advantage of the many excursions that the island offers.

There is the possibility to visit the famous blue grotto where you can only enter with rowing boats and when there is high season and you can also wait several hours but the beauty is also to go around the square and here too the prices are quite enough. high precisely because Capri tends to attract a medium-high clientele so in restaurants and bars you will certainly find a menu that is not suitable for all budgets.

In the famous square you will also find many shops of famous brands in the world but nearby there is also a beautiful museum called the Caprese center Ignazio Cerius where at a cost of only 3 euros you can visit a beautiful museum where all the finds are kept archaeological sites that have been found on the island over the years.

I hope I have been able to give you as much information as possible for a future visit to the island of Capri.

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Memories of this summer: the island of Capri

Just yesterday that I was thinking about what to do this summer and if I can go somewhere now that finally there are fewer restrictions in...

Memories of this summer: the island of Capri

Hello dearest friends,

This morning I managed to publish this post before dedicating myself to my usual exploration of new places around, but during this workweek, I have been in the Massa Carrara area. Therefore, I was able to take my time to see some places that I think are very interesting and probably quite off the usual tourist route, but as you know well, I love sharing them with this community.

By the way, I read Pinmapple's post published yesterday, and I am really happy that this project continues because a nice community has formed here. It's also great to gather all the most interesting points of our explorations on this map.
Anyway, back to us, today I bring you to the discovery of Taponecco, a hamlet of Licciana in the province of Massa Carrara, a small village at 610 meters above sea level in the Apennines. It is built against the reliefs of these mountains.

Taponecco is located at 610 meters above sea level, and those who visit this place will surely come into contact with a suggestive scenario. It is very beautiful scenically because as soon as you arrive in this place, you find yourself in front of these houses where the paths passing by are almost carved into tunnels. This is because people in the past were very clever and tried to make use of every useful space to live in these places.
We can already understand by seeing this village that it has medieval architecture, preserved in its buildings. It is a real pity that most of the castle has been destroyed, leaving only the tower, which today also serves as a bell tower.
I was struck by how well-maintained these houses are. I must say that in these artificially dug caves, it's very pleasant because you are sheltered from the sun, so I can imagine that on hot days, it is really cool here.

It was a weekday, and there was practically no one around. Some things indicate that this place hasn't been used much in a long time.
Visiting this place, I discovered that this village was once famous for growing cannabis for textile use, and there were also important chestnut cultivations here. In many cases, these chestnuts were transformed into flour inside these houses, unfortunately, these traditions have been lost over time.

It is always nice to come and walk in these places. In reality, when I come here, I don't have high expectations, but I like to observe every corner of this village. Sometimes it really feels like going back in time, as if everything here has stopped.

I hope the photos I shared were to your liking and conveyed the same emotions these places gave me. See you in my next post, and I wish you all a good weekend.

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Exploring the Hidden Gems of Taponecco: A Medieval Village in Massa Carrara

Hello dearest friends, This morning I managed to publish this post before dedicating myself to my usual exploration of new places around...

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Taponecco: A Medieval Village in Massa Carrara

Today I want to talk to you about a place I visited, one of my favorite places in my beloved Tuscany, in the heart of Maremma, one of the areas richest in history and culture in the region, Pitigliano is much loved for its characteristic layered appearance and for its ancient places. There are really cute corners and lots of things to see. Pitigliano is also called the little Jerusalem because it was home to a large Jewish community. Furthermore, it is also called the city of tuff because it is literally built on tuff rocks, it was precisely for this reason that it was important for the construction trade, the tuff rocks are literally the heart of the town that supports the inhabited areas. The Etruscans lived here and in the past built the vie cave, that is, inside the quarries that led to the necropolis. Pitigliano has an ancient and long history closely linked to the Jewish community but also to its quarries. Today there are many caves and ravines and it is one of the most beautiful and particular villages in Italy. Visiting Pitigliano is a pleasure, there are many streets to see, shops for tourists (there is a lot of tourism especially in summer) and many places of interest. There are various churches and also obviously a synagogue, but for me the most beautiful place to see is the town itself and also the tuff, unfortunately we could not enter the caves but a visit to the caves would also have been really interesting, there are also many archaeological sites that can be visited.

Also characteristic of Pitigliano are the alleys that end on the precipice and the various panoramic stops that the road to get there offers to visitors. In the past many noble families followed one another on this place, it was much disputed and coveted and having visited it I understand why, not only is its position excellent for defending itself from possible enemies but also for trade, furthermore in addition to the quarries it also has woods and arable land that made it attractive. If you come to Tuscany I recommend taking a walk in Pitigliano, even better than visiting it for a few days, I myself only had a few hours to see it and unfortunately they are not enough to explore everything this place has to offer. However, it remains a beautiful and particular village!