Salento is a region that lies host to its past. This is evidenced in the remains and relics of its original religious monuments, both the sacred and the profane. Christianity and paganism walk hand in hand here. Each town and village throughout the territory, however big or small, has its own allegiance to its patron saint and to whom they ascribe miracles. Their faith led to the building of churches and other communal monuments that reflected the cultural influences of the time. There are so many interesting sites to mention that again we can only take the time to mention, but a few, not only of the most interesting but of those that have remained relatively pure to their origins. Let us start with examples of Byzantine structures: Carpignano Salento - crypt of S. Cristina – second half 10th century Muro Leccese - chapel of S. Marina – 10th century Vaste - crypt of S’s. Stephens – 9th/10th century Otranto - chapel of S. Peter, Byzantine city cathedral With the advent of the Norman invaders and the dispersal of the romantic period for the Gothic era, here follow some examples of this period: Otranto - Basilica of the Annunciata (cathedral) from 1083 with its splendid floor murals from the 12th century Squinzano - Abbey of S. Mary of Corate – 11th/12th century Galatina - Church of S. Catherine of Alexandria which is the principal centre of Gothic architecture and art in the region with its cycle of murals from the period Soleto - church of S. Stephen with its ornate paintings
Many churches during this period were transformed by the addition of baroque Leccese carvings which began to adorn both religious and lay buildings; carvings of vegetables, myths and legends, and human and animal carvings which had their basis not only in Christianity but in the pagan beliefs. Lecce - basilica of S. Croce, cathedral, church of Carmine Gallipoli - church of Rosario, church of S. Agatha Galatone - sanctuary of the penitent cross Nardo - church of S. Dominic The seventh century boasted a church both sacred and profane, a mix between the Christian world and the local cults and faiths found in every town throughout the region, the cathedral of S. Peter and S. Paul at Galatina, the centre of healing for the “tarantate” which was received during the exorcism of St Paul. This list is necessarily restrictive, and these and many more breathe the ancient histories and faiths of the people of Salento. They also lay testimony to the depths of faith that a main requires, and tells the tales of the many voices and cultures that invaded Salento and which make this region unique.