Lecce: Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate Entry Ticket

Step into the serene world of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, a captivating Greek Orthodox monastery nestled near Lecce. Marvel at the stunning Puglian Romanesque architecture, a testament to the region's rich history. Lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of the monastery gardens, then journey back in time as you gaze upon the breathtaking 13th-century Byzantine frescoes. This architectural gem offers a captivating glimpse into the past.

Tucked away amidst the olive groves outside Lecce, the Abbey of Cerrate whispers tales of its intriguing past. Legend paints a picture of King Tancred of Sicily, visited by a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary, laying the foundation for this remarkable place. History, however, points to a more concrete beginning: Bohemond I of Antioch, a Norman prince, who sometime between the 11th and 12th centuries, established a monastery here for Greek Orthodox Basilian monks. This monastery quickly became a beacon of learning in Southern Italy, its library and thriving scriptorium buzzing with the transcription of ancient texts. For centuries, the abbey flourished, its religious mission complemented by a thriving agricultural life. Sadly, a devastating attack by Turkish pirates in 1711 plunged it into ruin and abandonment, a silence broken only in 1965 with initial restoration efforts by the Province of Lecce. In 2012, a new chapter began, with a dedicated restoration project aiming to open this historical gem to the public. While restoration continues, the abbey's beauty is undeniable. A stunning example of Puglian Romanesque architecture, it boasts exquisite 13th-century Byzantine frescoes, a graceful 16th-century well, and a 13th-century loggia showcasing breathtaking capitals carved from the region's distinctive white stone – a true masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. Explore the remnants of the abbey's agricultural past – workshops, farmhouses, stables, and underground mills, complete with grindstones, presses, and storage tanks – all piecing together a captivating story of Salento's rich heritage. Though still a work in progress, the abbey already offers a glimpse into a fascinating slice of history.