Discover Supersano: Culture, Nature and Local Traditions

Supersano combines impressive religious buildings, medieval traces, Mediterranean landscapes and vibrant local traditions. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Supersano, you will find inspiration here for a wide variety of holiday days: historical details, paths through nature, regional customs and special experiences for planning your trip together.

Culture between the Middle Ages and religious architecture

The medieval tower of Castello Manfredi was probably the first defensive structure in Supersano. It may have been built under the Normans in the 12th century. Another historical feature can be found in Località Scorpo: there is an early medieval village with pit houses, a type of settlement that is so far unique in southern Italy.

The Santuario della Beata Vergine di Coelimanna dates from the early 16th century, was rebuilt and completed in 1746. Its interior has a Greek cross plan and a complex masonry vault. On the 18th-century high altar there is a papier-mâché high relief. It depicts a shepherdess showing the parish priest the Blessed Virgin of Coelimanna. The sanctuary thus offers both architectural and narrative details for a mindful visit.

The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo also tells of several construction phases. After its reconstruction, it was inaugurated in April 1740. An extension in 1933 gave it its present Latin cross shape. The façade consists of carparo masonry blocks and is divided by an entablature into two orders. Those interested in architectural history and regional forms can therefore connect different periods in Supersano.

Mediterranean landscape and paths through the greenery

The Bosco della Serra di Mucurone is an area of about 2,000 m² with Mediterranean maquis. Old field paths known as tratturi lead through the forest. They offer opportunities to observe the region's rich biodiversity. The visitor centre of the Bosco della Serra di Mucurone displays dioramas of the forest's flora and fauna, educational panels and a model of the water cycle.

The Parco Naturale della Serra di Coelimanna contains Mediterranean maquis; there, manna ash, terebinth and chestnut are among the rare plant species. An equipped outdoor area has also been created in the immediate vicinity of the Cripta and the Santuario della Beata Vergine di Coelimanna, offering opportunities for picnics, sports activities and wellness trails. Depending on the kind of day you want to plan, nature observation, exercise and quieter breaks can be given different emphasis.

The landscape of the Parco dei Paduli

Supersano is one of the municipalities in the Parco dei Paduli, a 5,500-hectare rural landscape with ancient olive groves, dry-stone walls, masserie, menhirs and other cultural and landscape features. The connecting project of the Parco dei Paduli includes Supersano and follows a route of about 30 kilometres through agricultural, natural and historic local landscapes. The different landscape features make the regional setting particularly varied for walks, discoveries and cultural excursions.

Local cuisine and traditional celebrations

On 19 March, Massa e ciciri is traditionally prepared in honour of Saint Joseph, a dish made from chickpeas and homemade pasta. Since 1980, the Supersano Carnival has featured a procession every year with masked groups and allegorical floats. Such dates add a seasonal accent to your trip planning and complement the historical and landscape impressions with regional community traditions.

Which holiday apartment suits your trip planning

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Supersano can be chosen according to your preferred focus: those interested in culture can devote their days to the Castello, churches and early medieval village, while nature lovers can include the Mediterranean maquis, the tratturi and the equipped outdoor area in their plans. If you would like to cook for yourself, Massa e ciciri is one of the town's culinary themes; around Carnival or 19 March, the trip can also be combined with a local tradition.

Further places for planning your trip: Lizzanello, Copertino, Cutrofiano, Marina Serra, Villaggio Resta, Posto Rosso, Torre Lapillo and Seclì.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lecce.