Discover Crispiano: Rock Settlements, Masserie and Olive-Growing Culture

Crispiano between history, landscapes and flavour

In Crispiano, archaeological traces, rock settlements, historic farm estates and an olive-growing culture that has developed over centuries come together. There are also protected landscapes and local specialities. Those who want to combine a trip with cultural discoveries, regional flavours and nature will find several different themes here that can be taken into account when planning their own day trips.

Archaeology and historic sites

Archaeological investigations in Parco del Vallone brought traces of prehistoric settlements to light in 2017. These include post holes from huts dating from between the 9th and 6th centuries BC. The Cripta o Abbazia di Santa Maria di Crispiano dates from the 11th to the 12th century and is of Byzantine origin.

Masserie and architectural history

The 100 Masserie of Crispiano comprise one hundred farm estates dating from between 1400 and 1800. Another distinctive complex is Torre Cacace. It was built by engineer Carlo Cacace up to 1873 to house the mortal remains of members of his family. Over the years, thematic and individually designed tourist routes have been created in Crispiano as part of the “100 Masserie” project.

Rock villages and the percorso dei briganti

The Grotte del Vallone are a complex rock settlement that was inhabited from the 12th century onwards. The rock settlement of Triglie lies partly in the territory of Statte and partly in the territory of Crispiano. The village of the same name developed on the slopes of the Gravina between the 10th and 12th centuries. Triglie is also known as the origin of the imposing Roman aqueduct of the same name.

The percorso dei briganti is a route along which you can discover the places that served as settings for the legendary deeds of the brigands Don Ciro Annicchiarico and Cosimo Mazzeo, nicknamed Pizzichicchio. This gives a journey through Crispiano a cultural and historical perspective that differs from its religious and rural architecture.

Masseria Russoli and Mediterranean landscapes

Masseria Russoli is a protected area covering approximately 192 hectares in total. It lies partly in the territory of Crispiano and partly in the territory of Martina Franca and is characterised by shrubland and Mediterranean maquis. Many of the trees found there are classified as monumental. Since 1981, Masseria Russoli has been a centre for preserving the genetic heritage of the Martina Franca donkey breed. Important for your day plan: Masseria Russoli is accessible exclusively as part of visits approved in advance.

Olive growing and local specialities

Olives have been cultivated in Crispiano for centuries. Even today, this is based on cold-pressing methods and the promotion of the indigenous Olearola variety. A traditional festive dessert from Crispiano is Pan Dei Briganti. At 100MASSERIEINTOUR, the focus is on guided tours of Le Cento Masserie and tastings of local products; these are complemented by practical workshops on flour, oil, honey, milk and wild herbs.

Choose accommodation suited to your interests

When choosing your accommodation in Crispiano, you can align the focus of your trip with these specific themes: rock settlements and architectural history, the landscape of Masseria Russoli, or olive growing and regional products. This keeps the planning open to different travel rhythms without equating the individual places and their respective characteristics.

Other destinations in the area

Leporano, Lido Chiatona-stazione di Palagiano, Marina Di Ginosa, Roccaforzata, Faggiano, Castellaneta Marina, Librari, Specchiarica

For the higher-level travel overview: Taranto.