Cisternino
History
Cisternino, an important centre of Messapian origins, is south west oriented above the Itria Valley and, on the other side, above the coast. The old Messapian civilization settled in the Salento even before the Greek and Roman civilizations. During the Middle Ages Cisternino was inhabited by Basilian monks who were refugees from the East because of persecutions. The town still holds the “specchie” (funeral monuments) and the “dolmens” ( tombs and altars) of the pre-Roman village. Later it was feud of Monopoli.
The town
The historic centre is full of peaceful and picturesque lanes among white houses and balconies adorned with flowers; there are elegant houses with attractive portals, arches, balconies, and sculpted masks.
The Main Church dedicated to San Nicola from Patara is of Norman origins and in Apulian- Romanesque style (13th century). It holds the lytic group of the Madonna col Bambino by the the 15th century Apulian artist Stefano da Putignano and columns with Roman capitals and other remains.