スペルサーノのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

beautiful and very suggestive route.

On the highest point of the Serra di Casarano, in the Manfio district in the Ruffano area, stands the characteristic Crypt of the Crucifix, or of Santa Costantina, a cavity of natural origin transformed by the Byzantines into a place of worship around the year 1000.

Absolutely lovely place to visit. Breathtaking panorama!

Posted in Byzantine Salento collection https://www.komoot.it/collection/1811756/-salento-bizantino - Set in a fantastic environment with a view towards the Ionian Sea, it is absolutely worth visiting. It is easier to find information regarding the opening of the crypt in the summer season but, the closed gate still allows a glimpse of the internal composition even if only up to a certain point. Some frescoes are also clearly visible from the outside. Worth the visit. https://www.salogentis.it/2013/01/20/il-crocefisso-della-macchia-o-cripta-del-crocefisso/

Regardless of the church, what dominates is the geographical position with a view of the Salento hinterland. Unfortunately at the time of my passage a thick fog was raging which prevented me from adding a photo that would convey the idea ... I will provide as soon as possible

some off-the-beaten-path trails behind the crypt, but worth it

The church of the Madonna degli Angeli was built in 1902, in its place previously stood an ancient church dating back, most likely, to the 11th-12th century. When the district was still an uninhabited fiefdom, called Falnese or Fascese, the ancient building served as a real rural chapel, fulfilling the spiritual needs of the inhabitants of the farm, too far from the Nociglia farmhouse.

Truly mystical and evocative place. In addition to the small crypt completely carved into the rock, you can admire the ancient ruins of the convent of the Basilian monks.