Nardò is a splendid city in Puglia, located in the province of Lecce, which hosts wonders to be discovered and admired inside. In this article we will take care of providing you with some practical information on what to see in Nardò and which are the closest beaches not to be missed.
Nardò and its historic center: all the beauties to see and discover
The town of Nardò is considered a real pearl of Salento because of its history, but also because of its cultural wealth and the artistic and natural heritage that it hosts inside.
Within a tourist itinerary to discover Nardò it is impossible not to visit the magical historic center of the city, which for its beauty and its characteristic atmosphere is comparable to a treasure chest containing precious places to be discovered.
The historic center of Nardò is the pride of the city and in addition to being its beating heart it is also considered one of the oldest and best preserved in all of Salento.
But what can you admire in the historic center of Nardò? In the first place, you could start from the wonderful Piazza Salandra, which is the fulcrum of the oldest and most evocative part of the city, rich in monumental treasures and artistic beauties in the Baroque style.
In the center of the square stands the Spire of the Immaculate Conception erected in 1769 and made of carparo (the traditional local stone), it is 19 meters high and is divided into five levels. At the top of the spire is the statue of the Virgin.
Also in Piazza Antonio Salandra it is possible to admire the famous Seat with the statue of San Gregorio Armeno, protector of the city since, according to legend, he stopped the earthquake of 1743.
Another artistic treasure and high historical value of the historic center of Nardò is certainly the Fontana del Toro, which was built in 1930 by the sculptor Michele Gaballo and has a great symbolic value for the city as it bears the symbol of the city, that is the bull. According to legend, in fact, the city was founded at a point where a bull made water gush out.
The historic center of Nardò is also home to the characteristic Caccialupi Clock, which traditionally strikes in quarter of an hour and the famous Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
What if you get hungry during your exploratory visit to Nardò? Don't worry, you can taste the main local gastronomic specialties, for example at Antica Macelleria Fai, a restaurant located in the historic center of Nardò or in the famous Pizzeria Paglialunga also located in the historic center of the city.
Nardò and its marinas: natural treasures to be discovered and experienced
Nardò is not only art and culture, but also a land of incredible landscapes and natural treasures to be discovered and of course to be experienced.
Particularly interesting are the Marinas of Nardò, stops to be considered essential within a tourist itinerary aimed at discovering the beauties hosted by this magnificent location.
Santa Caterina and Santa Maria al Bagno are two small hamlets of Nardò, which stand out for their uniqueness and for their innate scenic beauty.
Santa Caterina is particularly appreciated by tourists and visitors, but also by the inhabitants of Nardò, the seaside resort is in fact very close to the town and is characterized by fascinating beaches that allow it to be classified as one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Italy.
Very beautiful is also the locality of Santa Maria al Bagno, also this not far from the inhabited center of Nardò, originally born as a fishing village, it is today one of the most popular tourist destinations among those located in Salento, thanks to the coexistence of elements architectural belonging to different eras such as the remains of the Roman merchant port, the defensive towers of the Renaissance period and a crystalline sea that boasts very few rivals in terms of beauty. Also in Santa Maria del Bagno it is possible to visit the Museum of the Sea and the Museum of Memory.
Another maritime pearl of Nardò is certainly the nature reserve of the Porto Selvaggio Park, a magical place that has been included in the Italian Environment Fund in the list of 100 places to be saved. And what about the splendid beaches of Sant’Isidoro? This last resort is perfect for a family tourist itinerary, in fact, here children and adults can relax, admire beautiful natural views and enjoy crystal clear water that is comparable to what can be found in the Maldives.
If you feel like tasting excellent food and find yourself in one of the seaside resorts just mentioned, we recommend that you go to Barrueco in Santa Caterina or alternatively to Masseria Bellimento if you are in Sant’Isidoro.
Basically, Nardò is a land rich in history, art, culture and where you can spend splendid and unforgettable holidays.
