Santa Cesarea Terme
Santa Cesarea Terme extends along a green slope sloping down to the sea. Arriving, you're immediately captivated by the clear emerald sea, the greenery of the majestic pine forests, and the charming town center characterized by Moorish palaces (primarily the picturesque Palazzo Sticchi), elegant villas, and simple whitewashed modern buildings.
Overlooking the Strait of Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme is a charming town in Salento, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Nestled between the blue sea and the greenery of lush vegetation, its town center is characterized by Moorish palaces, elegant villas, and white houses. This true jewel of the Salento coast is known for its renowned spa, attracting not only visitors seeking treatment and therapy but also those seeking relaxing days.
The origins of Santa Cesarea Terme revolve around various stories and legends, both pagan and Christian. One of the most well-known versions holds that Cretan ships, sailing to Sicily to avenge the death of King Minos and his son Daedalus, were shipwrecked on the Salento coast due to a severe storm. There, the sailors discovered the town of Cesarea, surrounded by lush vegetation, and decided to settle in these lands, founding the first colonies. Although the properties of its waters were known as early as the 2nd century BC, reliable information about Santa Cesarea Terme dates back to the 19th century, when the construction of roads broke the town's isolation. Since then, interest in its sulphurous waters has grown, making it an important spa town.