Santa Cesarea Terme (1)
The thermal baths of Salento
Located on the eastern coast of the Salento peninsula, at the mouth of the Strait of Otranto, it is one of the most tourist-oriented towns in Salento.
With its sheer cliffs, caves, and thermal waters, Santa Cesarea Terme is lapped by a sea with immediately deep seabeds all along the coast. Steps and paths through the rock, both public and private, lead to the sea.
Arriving there, one is immediately enraptured by the clear emerald sea, the green of the majestic pine forests, and the charming town center characterized by Moorish palaces (first and foremost the picturesque Palazzo Sticchi), stately cottages, and simple modern buildings painted white.
The sheer cliffs above the sea are full of stacks and caves, and by following the many steps and paths one can find oneself at the edge of marvelous, irregular natural pools carved out within ancient quarries. The striking scenery is the result of stone quarrying by the sea, with the obvious signs of rock cutting.
Santa Cesarea Terme is also a hydrothermal center, characterized in fact by the presence of sulfur water, Santa Cesarea will always be ready to host you in its spa.
Porto Miggiano beach
Known as the beach of the 100 steps, it is among the most popular bathing destinations in Salento. Breathtaking views from the top, crystal-clear water that allows you to see the deep seabed. The ideal place for snorkeling in Salento.
Villa Sticchi
Built between 1894 and 1900, the elegant mansion is situated in a commanding position on a rocky relief by the sea. It stands out for its Moorish-style architecture. It is visible from the outside.
Villa Raffaella
Built in the last quarter of the 19th century, the elegant mansion is located in front of the cliff. It features an austere facade in eclectic taste.
Ciullo Palace
Located in the historic center of the town, it is an interesting building dating from the second half of the 17th century. It is an aristocratic house with a chapel from the same period, both belonging to the Ciullo family.
Sulfur pools
The thermal baths of Santa Cesarea and the four caves of sulfurous-salty-bromine-iodine waters that flow at 30°C, a place of interest from a curative point of view, is also a historical place to which legends are linked whose origins go back a long way.
Minervino Tower
So called because the Universitas (municipality) of Minervino participated in the expenses for its construction, is a work of fortification and defense from the eastern Salento coast located in the municipality of Santa Cesarea Terme. Built in the 16th century, during Spanish rule, it was ordered by Charles V following attacks by the Saracens.
Feast of Mary Most Holy of Sorrows
It is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday. It is organized by the Parish Feast Committee.
Patronal Feast of St. Anthony of Padua
It is held the second ten-day period of August.
Patronal Feast of Saint Cesaria the Virgin
On September 11 and 12, the traditional sea procession with the simulacrum of St. Caesaria the Virgin is celebrated.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
It is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday.
Feast of St. Louis Gonzaga
Held on June 21.
Patronal Feast of Mary Most Holy Assumed into Heaven and Saint Roch
At the end of the festival characteristic "Vai e Vei" fires and intorciata.
Cucuzzata Festival
Held in the last ten-day period of July. Food stands with local products and good music.
