Territory

We are in Contrada ‘Serrazze‘, in the fief of Salve, a strip of land in the deep south of Salento. Ideal for those seeking a glimpse of an unspoilt world, hospitable people and authentic historical and gastronomic pearls. It only takes a few minutes by car to reach taverns and restaurants where you can taste our best typical dishes and stroll through the villages to discover traditions and worldliness.

Casale de li Canti stands on a hill 90 metres above sea level. Downstream is Pescoluse, a marina in Salve, recently renamed the Maldives of Salento because of its fine sand and the turquoise and emerald hues of the sea.

Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca and Lecce are within easy reach and represent just a classic example of the beauties to be visited.

Nestled in the heart of the Salve feud and in the centre of a constellation of noteworthy seaside resorts (Posto Vecchio, Pescoluse, Torre Pali, Lido Marini), Il Casale de li Canti belongs to both the sea and the land.

It is no coincidence that the peculiarities of the area include the pajare and liame (ancient rural stone huts), as well as, of course, the crystal-clear waters of the sea, which have been awarded the FEE Blue Flag since 2009. There are numerous archaeological sites: prehistoric caves, Grotta Montani, ancient Messapic centres, Dolmen and Le Trappite.

Salve has a rich artistic heritage in the old town. Visit the oldest organ in Apulia in the Church of St Nicholas the Great and Palazzo Ramirez. Ruggiano the hamlet of Salve reserves for the wayfarer the artistic façade of the medieval Sanctuary of Santa Marina. The seaside resorts are splendid for the alternation of freshwater springs, long stretches of fine golden sand and watchtowers (Torre Pali) on the crystal-clear sea.

The presence of megalithic monuments, such as dolmens, menhirs and specchie, testify to human habitation since ancient times. In the Bronze Age, the territory of Salve was home to Messapic settlements testified by several archaeological finds.

The actual origin of the present urban centre can be traced back to the centurion Salvius, who in 267 B.C. is said to have been given these lands as a prize after the subjugation of the Salento to Rome. In the 9th century A.D., walls were erected to defend against Saracen raids; other fortifications, which still exist today, were built in the 15th century as a defence against the Turks. To learn more, visit us!