The history of Strudà has its roots in the Bronze Age, with evidence of settlements dating back to Roman times. The toponym Strudà derives from the Latin term Struthea, which refers to a variety of wild quince that grows spontaneously in the surrounding countryside. Over the centuries, the fiefdom of Strudà has passed from hand to hand, initially incorporated into the County of Lecce by Tancredi d’Altavilla and subsequently under the lordship of the Orsini Del Balzo. In 1591, the fiefdom was sold to the Pagano family, then passed to the Saluzzo family in 1607 and subsequently to the Esperti family. Thanks to the latter family, the ducal palace underwent significant renovation. With the marriage between Margherita Vittoria Esperti and Andrea Saraceno di Montemesola, the palace and the fiefdom remained in the family until the abolition of feudalism in 1806. With the unification of Italy in 1866, Strudà was aggregated to the Municipality of Vernole.
The Esperti-Saraceni Palace has a rich and fascinating history, beginning in the 15th century with its construction by the Esperti barons, well-known patrons of the arts. In the 16th century, the palace was expanded with Renaissance elements, such as the rusticated portal and the internal courtyard. In the 18th century, the palace was inherited by the Saraceno family, who made further changes, including the addition of a Baroque balcony.
The Strudà convent, founded in 1498 by the Discalced Franciscans, was dedicated to preaching and helping the needy. Consisting of a church, a cloister and a library, the convent enjoyed a period of splendor until the 17th century, when it was suppressed in 1650. Today, only a few ruins remain, witnesses to its ancient importance.
The Strudà Well, located in the main square, is a replica of the 16th-century fountain that was destroyed in 1958. Decorated with baroque motifs, the well is dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows, the patron saint of Strudà, and is a symbol of the community. Devotion to Our Lady of the Snows dates back to 1498, when it is said that it snowed in Strudà, an extraordinary event for the region. The well not only provided water, but was also a place of social and spiritual gathering for the inhabitants.
The Mother Church of Santa Maria ad Nives is the main place of worship in the hamlet, whose current structure dates back to the 16th century restoration. The church has a simple but elegant façade, with statues of the apostles Peter and Paul. The interior, with a single nave, houses several altars dedicated to various Madonnas and saints.
Raisin Wheat Orecchiette
Taralli with Salento Dried Tomatoes
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