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The name Galatina, according to some, derives directly from the goddess Athena. And it would mean, in Greek, Beautiful Athena. To support these theses, we find in the symbol of the municipality of Galatina, the owl. An animal sacred to Athena.
According to others, however, it comes from the Greek etymology gala-gàlactos meaning milk, with reference to the fertile, fertile area producing pastures and dairy products.
Walking through the streets of the historic center, it is not uncommon to encounter apotropaic masks and gutters with extravagant shapes. In particular, a face with glasses, according to many scholars, would be a clear Masonic symbol. The degree of the enlightened would be represented by a man wearing glasses, to symbolize the passage from sight to vision.
Continuing through the historic center, you will encounter multiple architectural styles. You can come across a finely decorated rococo balcony, while a little further on, in a delightful courtyard, you will encounter a mignano that uses the rose window of a destroyed church as a decorative element.
It is not uncommon to come across epigraphs decorating the facades of houses, but you can even find yourself in front of the old prisons of Galatina.
A writing warns: Dolor Pacentia Vincit, or with patience you can defeat pain.
Once we reach Piazza Vecchia we have the rare and precious testimony of a Templar fort, around it is a succession of Templar and Masonic symbols. For example, we find Solomon's knot.
The Church of Carmine is a baroque building and holds many surprises inside. From the beautiful nativity scene in Lecce stone, to the fresco of a Madonna del latte, prior to the construction of the church.
However, it is the wooden door that holds the greatest secrets. It is a wooden door from 1745, a carving by the Galatina master Donato Costantino.
Going into more detail, strange figures can be seen. The god Pan, represented with horns and goat legs, and on the sides various figures of demons
Further ahead from the Carmine church, we come across the Church of the Souls in Purgatory.
The church, with a flattened octagonal shape, has a central plan and an elegant portal. Behind it you can see a section of the medieval walls of Galatina.
The coat of arms of the brotherhood is carved on the portal, with flames from which spirits and tormented souls soar.
To learn more about the historical and fantastic Galatina, Amore di Puglia recommends a guide with the expert in local tradition and history, Raimondo Rodia.
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