Castro, the Pearl of Salento, offers a dramatic cliffside coastal landscape that feel authentically Salento.
History
Castrum Minervae, comes from ancient Roman times and the presence of a fortress/temple dedicated to Minerva. That promontory, (identified by archaeologists as the site of Castro), was a guide for sailors but also a spiritual and cultural crossroad for Greeks, Messapians and finally the Romans. According to legend, Aeneas offered a poetic description of the Sanctuary of Minerva temple from his ship as he escaped from Troy.
In Book III of the Aeneid, Virgil recounts how Aeneas sailed from Troy to Italy and became the progenitor of the Roman people. Describing the landing spot as “a port dominated by a high promontory with a majestic temple on top consecrated to the goddess Minerva”.
In 2015 excavations discovered such a temple at the end of Vico della Minerva; a large headless statue of the goddess – Aeneas is believed to have landed in Castro.
Beauty
Castro is a beautiful coastal hamlet -a Must-see with a picturesque castle, charming piazzas, and the beautiful aquamarine sea. Located on the Adriatic coast, Castro is a 45k drive from Lecce, and and 15k from Otranto.
Stroll around the beautiful old town Center- and stop by the beautiful restaurants, shops and bars. It seems that all roads lead to the Terrazza- where the panoramic views of the ocean are stunning.
Fun Things to do in Castro
Enjoy a Lido or Beach Club:
The beaches around Castro feature beautiful beach sites where you can lounge, swim, or enjoy food and cocktails. Lido Sorgente has a prime location.
Castro Marina
Historic Castro Marina is a rocky bay of gloriously clear blue-green water and becomes the center of activities for swimmers, sunbathers and those looking to relax. The Marina welcomes sizable yachts and pleasure boats. Near the Castro Marina, bars, restaurants, and cafes open up on the shoreline to accommodate summer vacationers with great food and spectacular views.
Wander the storied streets of Castro’s Centro Storico
Start your walk at the Belvedere di Castro- a beautiful piazza with breathtaking views. Be sure to visit the Castle, and Castro’s Cathedral- Chiesa dell’ Annunziata(1171) attached to the remains of a 10th Century Byzantine Church with traces of Frescos.
Visit the Castle
Explore the historic Castle of Castro, dating back to the 12th century – Romanesque architecture and in a historic town’s medieval past.
Check out Palazzo Vescovile
A privately owned palace with an ornate interior
Tour Grottos and caves:
Caverns, and caves, stalagmites, stalactites, archeological interests, crystalline waters and wildlife- amazing! Enjoy a walking tour of Grotto Zinzulusa,. Grotto Azzurra e Palombara is also a good choice but usually reached by boat.
In the local Salentine dialect, zinzuli translates to torn scraps of cloth or rags. The bizarre, tattered shaping of the stalactites resembles hanging, petrified laundry, which inspired a dark local folklore legend about a cruel baron who forced his daughter to dress in rags.
Archaeologists have found structural and material evidence proving that humans used these deep limestone chambers as shelters during both the Paleolithic era and ancient Roman times
The cave is globally famous in scientific communities for the Cocito, an underground lake at the very back. It features a stratified ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater sit layered together without mixing, serving as the only ecosystem on Earth home to Typhlocaris salentina—a completely blind, prehistoric white cave shrimp that evolved over thousands of generations in total darkness.
Have a natural Hot spring experience
Just 7k from castro….Santa Cesarea- These waters flow at various temperatures from 4 caves. The waters include chlorinated sulphurous Iodine with a thermalization process that brings the temperature to 36-37 degrees C(or approximately 97F). These waters are thought to benefit a whole host of ailments and/or- just feel good. Oooooh! The baths are open between May and November and you can also treat yourself to a number of massages, mud, and hot mineral treatments.
Favorite Restaurant in Castro
Renowned for its dedication to traditional Puglian cuisine and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Da Amedeo is just a few minutes walk from the central square, and definitely made worthwhile by the food. Lovely atmosphere and back garden patio. Nice seafood menu, and a good wine list. Highly recommend the Seafood Starter. Via Sant’Antonio 46, 73030 Castro Italy +39 0836 947040
Meet Amedeo- Ristorante Del Salento
