Discover Specchia – History, Nature and Festivals

Specchia showcases historic architecture, underground spaces, woodland landscapes and seasonal festivals. Piazza del Popolo, Specchia’s main square, is home to Castello Risolo, a fortified building constructed in the 16th century.

Underground olive mills and distinctive spaces

The Via dei Frantoi Ipogei runs beneath the streets of Specchia along an almost entirely underground route. Specchia has four underground olive mills: Scupola, Cicca, Perrone and Francescani neri. They date from between the 15th and 19th centuries; they were built into beds of calcarenite made of tuff or Lecce stone.

The churches also each have their own distinctive features. The Cappella di Santa Caterina was built in 1532 and is completely decorated with scenes from the life and martyrdom of Saint Catherine. It includes an underground crypt of Basilian origin, supported by 36 columns and containing traces of Byzantine frescoes. The Chiesa della Madonna Assunta is a 17th-century church near the former Porta del Foggiaro, also known as Porta Lecce. Specchia also still has two 15th-century towers that were incorporated into later buildings.

Nature and vivid discoveries

Specchia lies at the foot of Serra Magnone, one of the highest points in the province of Lecce. The Bosco Magnone in Specchia is a pine forest consisting mainly of Aleppo pines. Its vegetation includes garrigue, maquis, holm-oak woodland, as well as reforested areas with Aleppo pines and stone pines.

At the Museum of Specchia, the Sala delle Energie rinnovabili uses games and three-dimensional reconstructions to explain the use of wood as an energy source and the Cardigliano wind power plant. The Bosco delle Sensazioni at the Museum of Specchia offers a vivid reconstruction of the forest of Specchia, focusing on the properties of wood.

Festivals, markets and Salento specialities

On 2 February, Specchia celebrates the Festa della Candelora with a centuries-old procession of blessed candles in the church dedicated to Saint Catherine; the Fiera della Candelora is also held as part of the festival. This typical market offers textiles, handicrafts and terracotta items for display and sale. At the beginning of May, during the celebrations in honour of the patron saint, the blessed papier-mâché statue of Saint Nicholas is carried through the streets of Specchia. The Fiera di San Nicola is a centuries-old event held as part of these celebrations in honour of the patron saint.

A seasonal sagra in Specchia features typical pittule. Varieties are offered with salted cod, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, tuna and vegetables. Puccia is also recommended as a traditional Salento bread.

Choose a holiday apartment in Specchia based on your holiday idea

If you are considering a holiday apartment in Specchia, you can base the focus of your trip on the town’s specific themes: Castello Risolo, the Cappella di Santa Caterina and the olive mills for culture; Bosco Magnone and Serra Magnone for nature; or Candelora, San Nicola and Salento specialities for seasonal experiences.

More places for planning your trip

You can also extend your travel plans to Ortelle, Carpignano Salentino, Corigliano D’otranto, Bagnolo Del Salento, San Foca, Vignacastrisi, Borgagne and Surbo.

Back to the main travel overview: Lecce.