Holiday apartment in Melissano: Historic Centre, Olive Mills and Traditions

Melissano reveals its distinctive character particularly clearly in its historic town centre. It lies around Piazza Mercato Vecchio; the centre developed spontaneously, creating characteristic lanes known as “sack gass”. Those choosing a holiday apartment in Melissano will find a distinctive local setting here rather than an interchangeable backdrop.

Holiday apartment in Melissano between local history and regional culture

Several notable individual buildings form part of Melissano’s architectural history. Palazzo Nassisi was built in the 17th century and is a large courtyard house. Palazzo ex Ricchello also dates from the 17th century; it features magnificent Mignani balconies. The mother church has a Neo-Renaissance-style façade made of Lecce stone and is dedicated to the Beata Vergine del Rosario. The courtyard house, balconies and church architecture therefore represent different facets of the townscape.

The town’s older religious history is also part of its character. The former Church of Sant'Antonio was built around 1570 next to the ruins of the Church of San Nicola. The Masseria Cucuruzza also includes a small chapel dating from the 16th century. A trip focusing on regional history therefore offers several specific themes – from religious buildings to rural complexes.

The history of working with olives and field crops can be seen in several masserie and complexes. The underground olive mill at Li Curti was probably created in the 15th century and carved into the rock. It still contains bases for Calabrian presses from the 16th century and Genoese presses from the 18th century. Masseria Briganti o Quarta also includes an underground olive mill, along with storage rooms for processing agricultural products and threshing floors for chickpeas. At Masseria Cuntinazzi, ruins can still be seen today from the provincial road between Melissano and Felline; they were probably built in the 15th century.

Traditions and Salento culture

Seasonal traditions include Focareddhe di San Biagio on 3 February: this community tradition features a bonfire and is connected with the purification ritual of Candelora on 2 February. In July and August, Cibo per Bacco is associated with a series of events in Melissano’s historic centre featuring music, cuisine and typical Salento culture. In August, VinImmagine is associated with an exhibition of wine and gastronomic products as well as folk traditions.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

On State Road 101 towards Gallipoli, drivers can use the Taviano–Melissano, Racale–Melissano or Felline–Melissano exits. When choosing a holiday apartment in Melissano, you can consider whether your focus is on historic townscapes, religious and architectural history, underground olive mills and masserie, or on the dated traditions and summer events. You can therefore choose accommodation according to the type of trip you want to create for your days in Melissano.

More places for planning your trip

Seclì, Marina di Marittima, Marina Di Ugento, Neviano, Nociglia, San Cesario Di Lecce, Squinzano, Fontanelle

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecce.