Santa Maria di Leuca

Nestled in a gentle inlet sheltered by the promontory that forms the extreme tip of the "Heel of Italy," Cape Santa Maria di Leuca appears suspended in the Mediterranean, reaching out toward the East. Located at the southern tip of Puglia, it is one of the most iconic towns in Salento, the landing point of the "Cammino del Salento" and the "Via Francigena" and the starting point of the "Cammino di Pietro." It is said that the Saint, on his journey to Rome, landed right here. It was then that the temple, dedicated to the goddess Minerva, on the Iapygean promontory, became a place of Christian worship.

The sanctuary was elevated to a minor basilica in 1990; since then, devotion to the Madonna de Finibus Terrae has steadily grown, so much so that today it is a destination for countless pilgrims from all over the world.

In the square, a Marian column dating back to 1694, erected by Filiberto Aierbo d'Aragona, Duke of Alessano, proudly displays a statue of the Madonna on top.

Known since ancient times as "De Finibus Terrae" (at the end of the earth), it offers a unique blend of spirituality, elegant architecture, and natural beauty. Its coastline is undoubtedly the most evocative in Salento, thanks to a succession of imposing rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, alternating with bays of pure white sand and azure waters.

After a sea excursion, a stroll along the seafront is a must, where you can admire the villas of Leuca in all their splendor, small masterpieces of human creativity. Built towards the end of the 19th century, they are all unique in their individuality and style: Villa Daniele, Villa Episcopo, La Meridiana, and Mellacqua are just a few.