Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History
This tour will take you to discover 2 important cities of Salento peninsula such as Galatina, with its fascinating late Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in 1390, full covered with stunning frescoes by workers from Giotto school. Castro, which was an ancient Messapian town about 20 kilometers south of Otranto, where we'll be heading driving along the best coastal route for enjoying the breathtaking cliffs. It is said that it was the place where Aeneas, the ancestor of the founders of Rome, first landed in Italy following his escape from Trojan war. Here you’ll visit the Castle which houses the archeological museum inside with several finds of Greek colonies, and spot of the mythic temple of the goddess Minerva. Down the amazing cliff of Castro you'll have a stunning experience visiting the "Zinzulusa Cave" where we'll even stop for swimming in the clearest azure sea you've ever seen.
Options
Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History
Pickup included
What's included in Galatina, Castro e Zinzulusa. Full Day of sightseeing and History
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
Transfer from Lecce to Galatina 30 minutes. You'll first visit the late Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in 1390 by Raimondello Orsini del Balzo, count of Soleto. The interior contains frescoes by artists from "Giotto school" so that, for their pictorial cycles, the church is second in Italy to San Francesco d'Assisi Basilica.
Centro storico di Galatina
Walking along the old town you can find out several aristocratic Palace built when Galatina was part of Soleto county with "Giovanni Antonio" the Son of Raimondello and Maria d'Enghien, Queen of Naples Kingdom from 1406 to 1414. Close the main square there is the Baroque church of San Pietro rebuilt from 1633 on a previous Byzantine (Greek-rite) edifice. Nearby is the small church of San Paolo who houses a well which, according to tradition, was able to heal people bitten by poisonous tarantulas (those bitten were called tarantati or pizzicati in the local dialect, from which starts the famous Italian folk dance). Galatina is also known for the delicious pastries produced for generations in the local pasticcerie. In the most famous one you can delight yourself by tasting the "Pasticciotto" with inside the stunning cream.
Guglia di Raimondello Orsini
Transfer from Galatina to Soleto with quick halt along the way for visiting the spire of Raimondello Orsini.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Independent tour
- The tour is just for you with flexible schedule
- Ticket of Zinzulusa Cave
- Ticket of Castro Archeological Museum
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wear comfortable shoes
- The remaining hours of the tour will be spent on travel
- The visit to "Zinzulusa Cave" is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Please provide your lodging name for direct pick-up. We keep in touch by Phone / whatsApp.
Meeting / End Points
- You can recognize me by grey car.
