Grecìa Salentina or SalentinianGreece

Although the territory of Cutrofiano has been inhabited since ancient times and in the Roman era there was also a settlement where Badia is situated; the foundation of the centre came about in the Byzantine era during the High Medieval period.
The choice of its positioning was connected to the immense presence of clay and water necessary for the fabrication of handcrafted vases. These objects were so important that they gave the centre its name (in Greek Kutra, meaning vase).
During the 12th Century, under Norman rule, the village was encircled by defensive walls, but during the siege of Otranto by the Turks, Cutrofiano was besieged the same (1180).
Over the centuries, Cutrofiano has changed, losing its defensive walls and many of its small churches, which collapsed with time.
Things to visit in the City: Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Building), a 17th century work deriving from the previous Medieval castle, which gives a distinctive mark to Cutrofiano’s city planning.
The Matrix Church is dedicated to the Madonna della Neve (Snow Virgin) and was built in the 19th Century on a pre-existing church; in turn built on the site of the first kind of Medieval church of Cutrofiano.
It’s worth visiting the Ceramic Museum, which houses fine art which characterises the economy of Cutrofiano.
Just outside the City, one can admire the frescoes in the Cripta di San Giovanni (Crypt of Saint John).
Uccio Aloisi was born in Cutrofiano. He was one of the main interpreters of Salentina music.

Martano is the most populous centre of salentina Greece and it has been in existance since the times of Byzantine domination. The village has conserved Greek rituals for all of the XV century. The '400 castle was constructed at the time of Alfonso of Aragona. Beyond the Ducale Palace, there are numerous houses around the court (numerous noble palaces situated along the streets Cutumerea and Zaca) that embellish the historical centre of the town.

Melpignano is a small town whose origins probably go back to the II century B.C. and that according to an oral legend it was founded by the Muse Melpemone. The village boasts one of the most interesting public squares of Salento: it is a rare example of structure created purposely in order to accommodate a famous and flourishing market weekly organized at the end of '500. Rich merchants coming from Lecce, Bari and from Naples used to go to this market.

Soleto is an ancient messapico centre, an important Episcopal centre (in the time of the oriental emperors) which was the main town of the county during the medieval period. Soleto is a medieval ancient village that is characterized by the narrow streets arranged in a perpendicular manner. Baroque monuments, elegant decorated, are found in the alleys of the village. They go back to the period of the Renaissance.

Its origins are unkown, however after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sternatia is evidently influenced by Greek culture and customs. In the centre you will find "Porta Filia" (Door of the friendless or Door of the Peace). According to tradition, this ancient door was the exit of the deceased and the entrance for young spouses. Sternatia also boasts various olive-presses that are assigned to the production of oil.