Castro, 2-Hour Private Tour (Puglia) w/Great View of the Sea

Explore the historic town of Castrum Minervae, an area with a rich history dating back to the time when Aeneas is believed to have landed in Italy. This charming destination features both the ancient heart of the village (Casciu de susu) and its coastal counterpart (Casciu de sutta), offering visitors a unique blend of historical significance and picturesque landscapes.

A guided tour of Castro begins with an exploration of the Mother Church, dedicated to the Madonna of the Annunciation, situated within a Greek temple foundation. This historical structure exemplifies Romanesque architecture, featuring a high altar in Baroque style and numerous paintings, including the revered Madonna of the Annunciation, a guardian of the village.

Subsequent to this, visitors proceed through the narrow streets of the historic heartland, eventually obtaining a captivating panorama of the sea and its Aragonese castle, constructed upon the remnants of the ancient Byzantine fortification. This fortified structure boasts a rectangular layout with four corner towers, offering access to the upper levels via a former courtyard used for storing agricultural goods and a now vanished scale. In this courtyard, one can observe the doors leading to rooms on the ground floor.

Upon entering the courtyard, tourists are invited to explore the Antonio Lazzari Civic Museum, housing a permanent archaeological exhibit titled "Castrum Minervae: Between Greeks and Messapi." This museum showcases a variety of artifacts unearthed during recent excavations in the historic center's vicinity, providing insights into the region's rich past.