A small town of approximately 3000 inhabitants in the province of Lecce, it is located inland of the Salento Peninsula, 10 km from the Adriatic Sea. Originally founded by the Greeks, it began to come alive after the destruction of nearby Muro Leccese. Later the Maramonti took possession, building the imposing Marquis Palace. It was in the period of the Castriotas that Botrugno experienced its moment of greatest glory and fame thanks to the prestige of the family and the wealth generated through trade. The name Botrugno comes from the Byzantines, with clear reference to the grapes and vineyards which, according to tradition, grew over this site. Botrugno bases its economy on agriculture and livestock with particular attention on the production of wine and extra virgin olive oil. Among the religious architectural monuments there is the Chiesa Madre, the Cappella del Convento and the ancient Cappella dell’Assunta where the apse is preserved with its frescoes dating back to the 14th – 15th centuries. The most important example of civil architecture is the Marquis Palace, located in the upper part of the village. Dating back to the 15th century, it was constructed by the then feudal Maramonte family. Today the palace is known by the name of Palazzo dei Guarini (Guarino Palace) because the Guarino family were the last owners of the impressive building. To visit: the Historic Town Centre where you can admire the Church of Madonna di Costantinopoli (now the Church of St. Antonio), the baroque-style Palazzo Guarino and the Cappella dell’Assunta.
Tourist Office
Piazza Indipendenza
+39 0836992213-997205
www.comune.botrugno.le.it
comune.botrugno@libero.it
Town Police
Piazza Indipendenza
+39 0836/992213
