Alessano: a treasure trove of culture and beauty, as well as the homeland of Don Tonino Bello

Alessano is a famous town in Salento that has been part of the Authentic Italian Villages association since 2016. The village is the birthplace of Don Tonino Bello, a well-known bishop and parish priest in the area, dedicated to charity. Today a part of the convent of the Franciscan friars is dedicated to him and the tomb is located in the city center, visited every day by pilgrims. The commercial and religious importance of Alessano is demonstrated by the many historic and religious buildings in the historic center. Palazzo Legari, a Renaissance-style mansion belonging to various merchants from the 16th century, today the seat of the municipal library. Another example are Palazzo Sangiovanni and Palazzo Ducale San Giovanni, which flank Piazza Castello, both private and also in Renaissance style. The first is one of the best preserved examples of diamond ashlar in the area. Tourism is not only cultural: the sea is one of the riches of Alessano which has a high and rocky coast of incredible charm, bordered by a wonderful blue sea. Another symbol of the city is oil and in particular the rupestrian village of Macurano considered the symbol of oil culture due to the presence of two ancient oil mills still in use. In Macurano there are also some ancient Basilian caves. The main church is the mother church of San Salvatore, also linked to the personality of Don Tonino.