Sanarica, city of graces and prodigies

Dario Melissano 14 April 2022

Sanarica is a village rich in history, and despite its few inhabitants, it preserves monuments and churches that leave the visitor spellbound.

The origins of Sanarica date back to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. and the first nucleus was built around families who fled from Muro leccese because of Saracen raids.

The origins of the name are uncertain, and among the most curious and fascinating etymologies is the origin from the words Sana Natica, because in the past, the area was inhabited by doctors, healers and thaumaturge monks who were experts in the treatment of sciatic nerves..

An oddity that is linked to the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, where a 16th century wooden statue bears witness to many miracles in the lumbar region.

A few years ago a child dreamt of a beautiful woman and his parents showed him figurines and holy cards of the many madonnas scattered around the Salento region. The child was unable to walk and the dream fuelled his parents' hopes. When they showed him the Madonna of Graces of Sanarica the child's face lit up, confirming the correspondence between the icon and the dream. The family went on pilgrimage to Sanarica, where they stood in front of the wooden statue, the child prodigiously began to walk.

The sanctuary has witnessed other prodigious events, such as the Madonna's rescue of a crew of sailors from Taranto. It is no coincidence that every year a pilgrimage departs from Taranto, culminating in the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie in Sanarica.

Other important monuments are the Castle and the Church of the Madonna Assunta. Adjacent to the latter, there is a trapdoor from which it is possible to access one of the sites of the Puglia Sotterranea.

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It is a basilian greek cross crypt with remains of block altars, windows and frescoes dating back to the 11th-13th centuries. A mystical and evocative place, inviting to prayer and recollection.

Other churches include the building dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation, with a beautiful exterior sculpture dedicated to Mary and the Archangel Gabriel.

Finally, the small church of San Salvatore, dating from the 11th century, with several medieval frescoes including in the centre an enchanting Transfiguration.

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Not far from the town centre is a real jewel of industrial Apulia. The Sticchi factory, built between 1901 and 1908, a factory for extracting oil from olive pomace, which was used to make soap. Today, the columns, arches and striking rooms without attics remain. A Fellini-esque place to visit with the help of the Pro-Loco di Sanarica.

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Sanarica, city of graces and prodigies

The origins of Sanarica date back to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. and the first nucleus was built around families who fled from Muro leccese because of Saracen raids.

Other important monuments are the Castle and the Church of the Madonna Assunta. Adjacent to the latter, there is a trapdoor from which it is possible to access one of the sites of the Puglia Sotterranea.

Written by Dario Melissano

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Sanarica, city of graces and prodigies

The origins of Sanarica date back to the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. and the first nucleus was built around families who fled from Muro leccese because of Saracen raids.

Other important monuments are the Castle and the Church of the Madonna Assunta. Adjacent to the latter, there is a trapdoor from which it is possible to access one of the sites of the Puglia Sotterranea.

Written by Dario Melissano

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