メレンドゥーニョの天然記念物・トップ20

The most suggestive corner of the Adriatic coast of Salento. From here a dirt road starts that overlaps with the Cammino del Mare and winds up to Otranto along the rocky stretch

Legend has it that two sisters, two local farmers, one day approached the sea to cool off. Having reached the bay of Torre dell'Orso, one of the two enters the water to take a nice swim, but the water, near the rocks, has become treacherous and swirling. The girl gasps and screams for help: her sister can only rush to help her. They swim and swim, and the more they swim the more their efforts seem in vain. When they finally manage to get closer to each other, they are exhausted, without strength. They embrace for the last time, now unable to overcome the fury of the sea, which swallows them and drowns them. However, the god of the sea is sorry for this and has compassion for the two innocent sisters, one who died due to unconsciousness and the other due to brotherly love; thus it transforms them into two stacks, close together for eternity. And today we, on sunny summer mornings as well as on humid winter days, admire these rock giants, almost embracing, stone and salt between sky and sea

The Le Cesine Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis is the last stretch of coastal marshes that once characterized the Salento coast.

The Menhir of Montevergine is yet another example of how pagan elements have managed to mix over the centuries within Christianized places. The monolith, which in the past reached 2 meters or more in height, is in fact located close to the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montevergine, in the exact point where an underground river would flow. The apparition of the Blessed Virgin, which occurred in 1595, created an aura of sacredness and mystery around this place, which is still capable of enchanting many visitors today. By @Sandro (ancient_salento)

Inserted in the collection https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/2431081/-pietre-del-salento - An integral part of the Sanctuary, it is well enhanced by the context and visible without problems. Let's not forget that menhirs are archaic elements that must be observed without touching them. They are the history and heritage of Salento.

The name of the Menhir derives from the griko and means "Big Cross". In 1880 Cosimo De Giorgi described it with larger dimensions than its current one. It was demolished several times due to an ancient legend linked to a treasure hidden at the foot of the monolith.

Inserted in the collection https://www.komoot.com/it-it/collection/2431081/-pietre-del-salento - Located in the middle of the intersection, it is easily visible and accessible by bike.

The main avenue leads through Le Cesine and descent into the reserve is only allowed with an authorized guide. The escapade into the interior lasts about 2 hours.