Beyond the beaches and the sea that make Salento‘s panoramas an extraordinary paradise with an exotic charm, this land hides secret places that tell of precious artistic and architectural testimonies, as well. The “underground” Salento is a tour to discover the hidden places of Salento. Read here to find out more.
Crypt of Saints Stefani and Crypt of S. Maria degli Angeli
In the Archaeological Park of Vaste, in the rock, with three naves, the crypt, which owes its name to a triple representation of Saint Stephen, preserves various representations of the first martyr of Christianity and frescoes dating back to between the 10th and 16th centuries, including the portraits of some apostles.
A Poggiardo worthy of note is the crypt of S. Maria degli Angeli, whose frescoes are in the Museum in Piazza Episcopo, including the Madonna between the two archangels. The crypt, made accessible in 1929, has a basilica shape, with three naves that end in as many curved apses. The vault is supported by four pillars but two of these have collapsed and the bases remain. The floor is in beaten earth.

Poggiardo and Vaste – Located in south-eastern Salento, Poggiardo is about 40 km from Lecce and includes the hamlet of Vaste, the ancient “Bastae”, a Messapian center which is only a few km from the famous Santa Cesarea Terme.
If you don’t know where to sleep in Salento, here you will find some useful advice:
holiday houses -> www.casesalento.com
Holiday luxury villas -> www.villesalento.it
email -> info@villesalento.it
Mobile Phones -> (+39) 366/2604050 – (+39) 392/0202233
Leave a comment