The Murgia dei Trulli, which includes several municipalities in Puglia, is famous for its unique architecture. Local names for trulli vary depending on the area, with terms such as “casedda” and “truddu”. Trulli construction has also influenced modern architecture, inspiring modular models.
The meaning of the word Sternatia derives from the Greek ‘Sterna’ (cistern, well) and ‘Thia’ (sacred) which indicates the fact that in the area there were wells or sacred cisterns where religious ceremonies were held.
The origin of Sternatia dates back to the 9th-10th century AD, when populations from Greece and in general from the Eastern Roman Empire arrived in Salento, particularly in the internal area.
In the 12th century Sternatia grew until the construction of the ancient walls by the Angevins.
Passed to the Aragonese in the 15th century, the expedition that freed Otranto from the siege of the Turks departed from the castle of Sternatia, headquarters of the Aragonese troops commanded by Giulio Antonio Acquaviva, in 1480 AD.
The most important monuments are the Palazzo Granafei, the Mother Church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, with the Bell Tower from 1790 next to it, one of the most beautiful in Puglia, with an oriental character.
The former Dominican Convent was rebuilt in 1712 with a finely decorated portal. The seat of the Municipality and the Crypt of San Sebastiano presents wall decorations of St. Sebastian and the Annunciation with Greek epigraphs from 1114-15 and 1509-10.
Sciana
Country Orecchiette
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