Standing exactly the same distance from Porto Cesareo, on the Ionian coast, as it does from Casalabate, on the Adriatic coast, Novoli, with its hamlet of Villa Convento, is located 11km from Lecce.
In the heart of the town, the ancient Church dell’Immacolata conserves a Byzantine-style fresco of the Madonna enthroned with Child, from the early 14th century, once used as the town’s coat of arms. The town’s moment of maximum splendour dates from 1546 and feudal vassalage to the Mattei family who built the Palazzo Baronale which dominates Piazza Regina Margherita and numerous other churches, including the Mother Church of St. Andrew Apostle, opposite the Town Hall in Piazza Aldo Moro, the Church of St. Anthony Abbot and that of St. Saviour with its characteristic octagonal shape. The Teatro Comunale and the Convento dei Padri Passionisti, both from the 19th century, are also interesting.
The most ancient evidence of human activity here has been found in the Cardamone Caves and Contrada Pietragrossa where a Bronze Age menhir stands. Novoli is also famous for the excellent wine produced in its vineyards and for the fòcara (a big bonfire) which celebrates its patron St. Anthony Abbot.
Apulia Film Commission
Cineporti di Puglia/Bari — c/o Fiera del Levante - Lungomare Starita 1 — 70132 Bari
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Fax: +39 080 9147464
Email: email@apuliafilmcommission.it
