Discover Calimera: Culture, Festivals and Beaches

Calimera combines cultural history, lively traditions and a variety of destinations in the surrounding area. The Casa-museo della Civiltà Contadina e della Cultura Grika has been housed since 2003 in a characteristic courtyard house in the historic centre of Calimera. Calimera is also home to a marble stele dating from the 4th century BC, which was donated by the city of Athens in 1960. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Calimera will find a place whose special features are not limited to a single attraction.

Churches and Visible History

The Chiesa madre di Calimera is a single-nave church. It was built in 1689 on the ruins of an older two-nave temple. Its interior has a Latin cross layout and preserves nine altars with valuable paintings. These include the Madonna della Misericordia; the depiction of a pregnant Madonna is attributed to Catalano. Several trapdoors in the Chiesa madre provide access to underground tombs, giving the church another historical dimension.

The Chiesa di San Vito also reaches far back into the past. It is located in the countryside east of the cemetery, near an entrance to the old Bosco di Calimera, and dates from the 16th century. It is first mentioned in a notarial deed dated 6 March 1468. On Easter Monday, Calimera traditionally observes the ritual of passing through the perforated stone at the San Vito chapel.

Festivals with Their Own Atmosphere

The San Luigi festival on 21 June creates a particularly vivid scene in the streets of Calimera: large lanterns made from simple materials are hung up and lit from within. Folk music and traditional dances are also part of the festival. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between quiet contemplation of historic sites and experiences shaped by the community.

Nature and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The Museo di Storia Naturale del Salento is located in the immediate vicinity of Calimera. It houses the Osservatorio faunistico della Provincia di Lecce, with three centres dedicated to caring for wild and exotic animals as well as sea turtles. Also nearby are the ancient site Kalòs – l'Archeodromo del Salento, the archaeological site Scavi Archeologici Apigliano and Palazzo Granafei castle.

Several beaches add to the regional selection: Spiaggia di San Foca, Lido Le Cesine and Spiaggia di Torre dell'Orso are located in the vicinity of Calimera. Spiaggia della Punticeddha is in the wider surrounding area. You can therefore consider a holiday apartment or holiday home in Calimera according to the focus you want for your days—with culture and festivals in the town, as well as nature, archaeological and beach destinations in your wider plans.

Other Places to Include in Your Plans

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Calimera, the following are also options: Zollino, Cerfignano, Lido Marini, Gemini, Leverano, Acquarica Del Capo, Borgagne and Marina Di Ugento.

For the broader travel overview: Lecce.