Discovering the little Apulian villages: Acaya

Traveling to the south. Today our tour to explore the little Apulian villages brings us to the south of Lecce, in particular, to a very small center named Acaya. 

This little village is an hamlet of the town of Vernole Leccese. Firstly called Salapia and then Selice, this town is a rare example of a southern Italy center, which is completely walled and still intact.
In 1535, the built-up area was integrally restructured, walled and urbanistically reorganized by Giangiacomo dell'Acaya, a humanist, well-versed in mathematics and military engineer at the court of Charles V.

Acaya is one of the most important sign of the Aragonese period. Acaya's castle, which stands within the village, was built from Alfonso di Acaya and it is of great value. Until September 30, its suggestive seat will host, in collaboration with “Istituto di Culture Mediterranee” of the province of Lecce, the plan “H2O new scenarios for survival”. As a complement of the H2O event/exhibition, they have planned some meetings with the most famous names of the culture, the design, the enterprise and creativity from all over the world; some performances and water percussion concerts to enrich the analysis and the discussion about the theme of water. 

The ancient structure of Acaya's village is well-known also because, every year, it hosts the most representative events connected to the world of architecture and design, and it is the permanent seat of the “Mediterranean Peace Forum”.

During the renovation works of the castle, they found a fresco painting within the interspace. That is the Dormitio Virginis, datable to around the second half of 1300, extended nearly four metres long and three wide. The depiction, perfectly preserved, shows the apostles who witness the death of the Virgin and of Jesus Christ. 

Acaya is not only history and architecture, but also nature. If you move over just 5 km, you can visit “Le Cesine” nature reserve. It is one of the most important Apulian naturalistic reserve. There, thanks to the WWF guide of the park, you will admire the wildlife.

Well then, what are you going to do? Acaya and the whole Salento are waiting for you!