Discover Copertino

Visitors wishing to explore historic architecture and religious art in Copertino will find a variety of periods and themes to discover. The town combines a Renaissance fortress with churches, monasteries and underground olive mills. Wine and olive oil are also part of its local character. If you are planning your stay and looking for a hotel in Copertino, these interests can serve as a starting point for planning your trip.

Renaissance Fortress and Earlier Building Phases

The Castello di Copertino is a typical Renaissance fortress. It was built around 1540, incorporating older structures, including a free-standing tower dating from the 13th century. The architect is thought to have been Evangelista Menga. The tower and fortress thus represent different building phases within the same complex. In the Chapel of San Marco, Gianserio Strafella painted frescoes in 1568.

Church Architecture and Works of Art

The Chiesa Matrice takes us further back in time: its construction began in 1088 and was completed in 1235. The 35-metre-high tower has a square footprint and is divided into two sections. The church also houses Strafella’s Deposizione, dating from the 16th century. Its building history, tower design and painting offer different clues for understanding the town’s architecture and art.

The Santuario della Grottella also combines a clearly described architectural form with works of art. The present-day church was built in 1577 as a single-nave church with three altars on each side. Its single-nave layout is divided by eight arches, which contain Baroque altars and valuable paintings. A 17th-century painting depicting Saint Anthony of Padua is attributed to Antonio Donato D’Orlando. Construction of the monastery at the Santuario began in 1618.

The Santuario e della Stalletta di San Giuseppe da Copertino tells another story of religious architecture. Construction began in 1754, a year after the saint was beatified. The design is by Adriano Preite, who came from Copertino. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose different focuses: the Renaissance fortress, the older history of church architecture, or sites associated with San Giuseppe.

Settlement History and Local Distinctions

The Chiesa di Casole is associated with a rural settlement whose origins predate the year 1000. At the beginning of the 16th century, the settlement around the monastery of Santa Maria di Casole was repopulated. Byzantine monks contributed to the development of the village associated with the church. The Monastero e Chiesa di S. Chiara has a different historical date: its history goes back to 1545, when Alfonso Castriota commissioned the building.

Copertino’s underground olive mills were built outside the town walls in areas with hard, sandy limestone. They offer another perspective on how the local subsoil was used, alongside the churches and fortress buildings. Copertino is also an olive oil production area.

Plan Your Tour and Journey

A sightseeing tour is dedicated to the town and its saint, focusing on places of spiritual significance and architectural monuments. The tours are led by specialist guides and/or tourist escorts from CTG; information and reservations are available through CTG Albatur. Check whether the tour is available before making your plans.

Copertino has a railway station on the Novoli–Gagliano del Capo line operated by Ferrovie del Sud Est. Check train connections and service details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Salve, Sternatia, San Pietro In Lama, Alliste, Alezio, Punta Prosciutto, Torre Rinalda, San Foca

For the broader travel overview: Lecce.