The village of Felline, a hamlet in the hinterland 3 km south of Alliste, is a stop that you absolutely cannot miss on your trip. A 12th century baronial castle makes the small village a village in all respects. It seems that the name Felline derives from the Latin figlinae which would indicate the artisan workshops of the Roman or early medieval era for the production of figuline, or ceramic artefacts, whose activity is confirmed by the presence of an ancient public oven that can still be seen today when visiting the village. 3 km from the village of Felline in a westerly direction, on the last promontory of the Murge Salentine, stands solitary and silent the Church of the Madonna dell'Alto. Legend has it that a sailor tormented by a violent storm, asked the Virgin for help to escape the shipwreck and when she appeared to him with an anchor in her hand he understood that he would be saved. He then vowed and promised to build three churches in honor of the One who had helped him: the little church of the Madonna dell’Alto Mare in Felline, that of the Campana in Casarano and that of the Casale in Ugento. In Felline, on the first Sunday after the celebration of Easter, a picturesque procession of the Madonna dell’Alto is held. The statue of the Madonna is carried by hand first uphill towards the little church on the hill where they celebrate with music and stalls and then downhill at dusk, from the hill at the entrance to the village, towards the statue of St. Anthony of Padua with the child who waits to reach together the enchanting baroque church of S. Leucio.
The area is also notable from an archaeological point of view. Excavations near the little church have attested to the presence of man starting from the Bronze Age. Furthermore, in the farms around the village it is possible to observe up close two menhirs of the time known as the Ninfeo menhir and the Terenzano menhir. I therefore feel like recommending a stop.
The Baia dei Diavoli is one of the places most full of suggestions and echoes of legend that you will find in this small piece of land. This coast, thanks to the conformation of the seabed, is ideal for snorkeling and observing the marine flora and fauna up close. But snorkeling is not essential to be left breathless: you just need to travel the coastal road from Posto Rosso to Capilungo, visit the village of Felline or climb up to the Church of the Madonna dell’Alto. Let yourself be tempted by the infinite possibilities that this land offers you and you will not regret it.
by Federica Giustiziero
Photos by Author
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