CALIMERA
A city of Salento in the province
of Lecce, where Griko or Grecanico, a linguistic amalgam characteristic
of Greek Salentina in Puglia, is still spoken.
Some claim that the significance of its name has its origins
from the Byzantine age, but it could even be Hellenic (8th
Century BC). However, it comes from the Greek Kalimera, which
means “good day”.
In the past, its fief was linked to the most influential person
from the City of Martano.
Over time, Calimera has linked its development and economy,
mainly to agriculture and subsequently to the production of
coal.
Here, one can visit the beautiful San Brizio Church, Palazzo
Montinari and the Civic Museum of Natural History.
The S. Vito Church, close to the ancient Bosco di Calimera
(ancient forest), is also noteworthy. It contains a pierced
limestone megalith slab of pre-Christian age.
From a prior era, dating back to the Iron Age, one can visit
megalithic dolmen scattered throughout the Calimera territory,
among which the most famous is definitely the Dolmen Placa.
There are various events to remember in Calimera: the Feast
of S. Brizio held on 28th and 29 July, the re-enactment of
the Passion of Christ, according to Greek-Byzantine ritual,
which happens during Easter and the Festival of the Pucceddhra,
held on 7th December and during which typical bread with olives
is served.
|
