Holiday apartment in Crispiano – Masserias, history and nature

Crispiano combines impressive evidence of the past with landscapes, regional specialities and fascinating stories.

History among crypts, rock settlements and masserias

The Cripta o Abbazia di Santa Maria di Crispiano dates from the 11th to the 12th century and is of Byzantine origin. The 100 Masserias of Crispiano offer another gateway to the past: they comprise one hundred estates dating from between 1400 and 1800. Torre Cacace was built by engineer Carlo Cacace up to 1873 to house the mortal remains of members of his family.

The rocky landscape also tells stories of earlier settlements. The Grotte del Vallone are a complex rock settlement inhabited from the 12th century onwards. The Triglie rock settlement lies partly in the territory of Statte and partly in that of Crispiano. The eponymous rock village arose on the slopes of the ravine between the 10th and 12th centuries. Triglie is also considered the birthplace of the imposing Roman aqueduct of the same name.

In Parco del Vallone, archaeological investigations brought traces of prehistoric settlements to light in 2017. These include postholes from huts dating from between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. For a holiday with children or days spent discovering the area together, such places provide plenty to talk about, as different eras can be explored at tangible historical sites.

Routes, stories and regional impressions

As part of the “100 Masserie” project, thematic and individually designed tourist routes have been created in Crispiano over the years. The percorso dei briganti is a route to places that served as settings for the legendary deeds of the brigands Don Ciro Annicchiarico and Cosimo Mazzeo (Pizzichicchio). The range of experiences therefore extends from architectural history to local tales.

Crispiano’s culinary heritage includes Pan Dei Briganti, a traditional festive sweet from Crispiano. Olive growing also shapes the town: olives have been cultivated in Crispiano for centuries. Even today, cultivation is based on cold-pressing methods and the promotion of the indigenous Olearola variety.

Landscape and nature around Masseria Russoli

Masseria Russoli is a protected area covering approximately 192 hectares in total. It lies partly in the territory of Crispiano and partly in that of Martina Franca and is characterised by shrubland and Mediterranean maquis. Many of the trees found there are classified as monumental. Since 1981, Masseria Russoli has also been a centre for preserving the genetic heritage of the Martina Franca donkey breed.

This site’s access rule is important for your planning: Masseria Russoli is accessible exclusively as part of visits approved in advance.

Sightseeing and practical insights

100MASSERIEINTOUR promotes guided tours of Le Cento Masserie. 100MASSERIEINTOUR also organises tastings of local products and hands-on workshops on flour, oil, honey, milk and wild herbs. In addition to focusing on historic estates, these activities emphasise flavour and craftsmanship, complementing the themes that define Crispiano among masserias, olive-growing culture and rural landscapes.

You can find further destinations at Massafra, Torre Columena, San Giorgio Ionico, Taranto, Pulsano, Martina Franca, Torricella and Uggiano Montefusco.

For the overarching travel overview: Taranto.