Pozzo Seccato, or the first farmhouse in Salento

Dario Melissano 4 March 2025

Pozzo Seccato is considered the first masseria in the history of Salento, dating back to the 4th century BC during the Messapian era. This settlement was completely surrounded by a sturdy fortification, with a dry stone wall almost 4 meters thick, covered externally with large, perfectly squared monolithic blocks. Inside, there was a large residential building divided into various rooms, including a room for receiving guests, a kitchen equipped with a fireplace and cooking slabs, and a pantry.

The central structure included a two-story tower, useful for controlling the surrounding territory, up to the sea, only 5 km away. Another building, 16 meters long and 8 meters wide, served as a warehouse for agricultural products from the nearby countryside. Archaeological investigations conducted by the University of Salento, led by Prof. Francesco d’Andria, revealed that the settlement extended over a surface area of 5,000 square meters.

In an adjacent area, a building dating back to the 6th-7th century AD was discovered, as evidenced by the ceramic materials found. The structure, measuring 12 metres by 7 metres, represents important evidence of occupation in the Late Antique period. Furthermore, post holes used for the construction of huts in the proto-historic period were found, underlining the historical importance of the site.

Access to the settlement is marked by an entrance door and a transit control room. Pozzo Seccato, located just outside the town of Acquarica di Lecce (Vernole), was abandoned by the Messapian tribes at the beginning of the 1st century AD, but continued to be frequented over time.

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Pozzo Seccato, or the first farmhouse in Salento

Written by Dario Melissano

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Pozzo Seccato, or the first farmhouse in Salento

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