Free walking tours in Galatina and what to see

Must-sees

Galatina is in the heart of the Salento, about twenty kilometres south of Lecce, and is known as the little Assisi of Puglia. The reason is the basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, built in the late 14th century for the Orsini del Balzo. Outside it is plain, but inside its three naves are covered in 15th-century frescoes with scenes from the Apocalypse, Genesis, the seven sacraments, the life of Christ and the story of the saint.

A few steps away is the mother church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, rebuilt in the 18th century in Lecce baroque. Galatina is also the town of tarantism: the so-called tarantate came to the small chapel of San Paolo, by a well, to ask the saint to cure them, and pizzica musicians return during the patron saints' festivities. Stroll through the centre to see baroque doorways and balconies, and try pasticciotto, the custard pastry born in one of the town's pastry shops.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Galatina. What Civitatis offers is a private guided tour, covering the historic centre and the basilica at your own pace and helping you read the frescoes. If you are staying in Lecce, it is easy to combine the visit with other Salento towns on the same day.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to see the basilica at a relaxed pace, the mother church, the chapel of San Paolo and a walk around the old town with a stop at a pastry shop. If you want a full day, combine it with Lecce or other nearby towns. During the feast of Saints Peter and Paul the town fills with music and it is worth booking ahead.

Where to stay

The most convenient choice is to stay in or on the edge of the historic centre, where there are B&Bs and houses in old buildings and everything is within walking distance. The surrounding countryside has masserie, old farm estates converted into accommodation, peaceful but a car is essential. If you want more atmosphere, Lecce is less than half an hour away, making it easy to go and come back in a day.