Mesagne stands on the Appian Way (Via Appia), in the Salentine flatlands, 18km from Brindisi, its nearest coast the Adriatic Sea. The castle, property of the Teutonic Knights from the late 12th century, passed to the Orsini del Balzo family in the 16th century. They preserved the original shape of the fortress, adding the keep. Today it houses the Granafei Archaeological Museum. Near the castle, in Piazza Orsini del Balzo, the Church of St. Anna was built in the 17th century by the most skilful masters of Salento Baroque art. The 17th-century Chiesa Madre, which is dedicated to All Saints and whose impressive façade is embellished with statues and a bell tower, was built on the site of the Byzantine Church of San Nicola Vetere. Adjacent to the former Convento dei Celestini, today the Town Hall, the Church of St. Mary is an interesting treasure trove of Salento Baroque art. The Porta Grande, rebuilt in the 18th century, is all that remains of the city walls built by the Orsini family. The Messapian village of Muro Tenente is 5km from the town centre.
Apulia Film Commission
Cineporti di Puglia/Bari — c/o Fiera del Levante - Lungomare Starita 1 — 70132 Bari
Phone: +39 080 9752900
Fax: +39 080 9147464
Email: email@apuliafilmcommission.it
