A small village in the province of Brindisi

There is a small village in the province of Brindisi that tells the thousand-year history of this region rich in natural and architectural wonders: we are talking about Ceglie Messapica, one of the oldest towns in Puglia.

The town stands on a hill relief in the southern part of the Murge plateau. It is in a rather interesting location, since it is situated just a few kilometers from the main population centers of the region, such as Brindisi, Ostuni and Taranto. But its main feature is undoubtedly the fantastic panorama that this area offers: in fact, Ceglie Messapica stretches along the karst depression from which it takes its name-it is in fact called the Messapian threshold-that borders the Salento plain, one of the most renowned locations in southern Italy.

From the Apulian village, it is possible to admire the olive groves that unravel as far as the eye can see, while here and there some of the characteristic trulli that have made the region world-famous pop up. In addition, many masserie, ancient rural buildings once used as farms, stand here. The historic center of Ceglie Messapica is located on top of one of the hills that dot this locality and has some splendid architectural works that have been preserved since the medieval period.

The Ducal Castle, which is built around the Norman Tower of medieval origin, was the main fortress of the area for many centuries. Inside, we can find a library for several years. In more recent times, a square tower was built next to the original fortification, which has become a symbol of the village. A few steps away stands the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which was originally Romanesque in style. Its foundations rest on the old acropolis of Ceglie Messapica. Among the more recent buildings, dating from no more than two centuries ago, the Clock Tower, which towers in Plebiscito Square, the beating heart of the town, deserves mention. Those who visit the village can enjoy not only evocative views of the Apulian countryside and architectural wonders that take us back with the hands of the clock. In fact, this area is also renowned for its gastronomic culture: Apulian cuisine finds its greatest fulfillment here.

In Ceglie Messapica it is possible to find plenty of places in which to enjoy the region’s typical dishes, but it is in the area of confectionery production that the town has achieved national fame. One example out of all? The Ceglie cookie, recognized as a Slow Food Presidium and beloved by tourists.