The great art show in Otranto-Leuca park
Salento’s castles were mainly built in the times of Frederic II and his successors the Angevins and the Aragonese. They are famous for their grandeur and their austere appearance, severe-looking yet attractive. These incredible places are brimming with of all kind stories and legends and are dotted all across the Salento region. There are hundreds of them, including lookout towers, hunting lodges and all-out castles. They form a priceless national heritage.
Many have become museums – prestigious cultural centres. Otranto Castle is definitely the largest. It has hosted exhibitions by many international artists including the likes of Andy Warhol, thus greatly enriching the cultural life of Otranto-Leucan coast’s Regional Park.
Indeed, this September two exhibitions are taking place in the Aragonese castle: a photographic exhibition by Oliviero Toscani, perhaps the world’s best known Italian photographer; and the “The 20th Century in Italy. From De Chirico to Fontana “, an exhibition of over forty works by the greatest Italian artists who have changed the aesthetic canons of our nation.
And given that September, as we know, is a month of culture, after time at the seaside and all our holidays, the Salento International Film Festival is a must. It takes place in September every year in Tricase, just a few minutes from Leuca, and attracts the whole world to Salento. You get the chance to explore indi cinema and discover emerging talents, all against the splendid architectural backdrops of Piazza Pisanelli and Palazzo Gallone.
Tricase also forms part of the Regional Park thanks to its wonderful Vallon oak woods. These trees are among the endangered species most at risk. Indeed, there are few of them left in the Salento region or in the Mediterranean area as a whole.
In short, what makes the Santa Maria di Leuca Otranto-Leuca Coastal Regional Park so special is not only its natural heritage but also all the cultural activities and attractions that it offers.
We look forward to seeing you, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!