Palazzo Bacile di Castiglione Palazzo Bacile di Castiglione is situated in Spongano 44 kms from Lecce which is the main town in the area. Its economy is based mainly on the production of tobacco, olives and grain. It is claimed that Spongano was founded by those who escaped from the destruction of Castro. The name Spongano comes from the Latin word 'spolium' which means 'driven out, despoiled'. In 1190 Spongano was declared part of the principality of Taranto by a grant of King Tancredi d'Altavilla. Later it was the feud of the signori Orsini Del Balzo, Gattinara, Lemons and Rossi. The imposing village church was constructed in the second half of the last century after the demolition of the old church which was cramped and dilapidated. The cult of Santa Vittoria, was imported by the Barone Bacile di Castiglione family who came from Le Marche and were very devoted to their local saint. There are tennis courts in the village and various riding schools. On the edge of the village there are attractive lanes through the olive groves which are ideal for long walks or cycle rides. At Castro small and large motorboats and acquascooters can be hired. Spongano is an ideal base to visit Southern Puglia, an area of great architectural, archeological, botanical, gastronomic and historic interest.

The Sea The nearest coastal town Castro is 5 kms away. The town is divided into Castro Marina situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the whole coast, and Castro Alto, the ancient town situated in a panoramic position high up over the sea, with its 16th century castle and 12th century cathedral. There are also the Grotta della Zinzulusa, named after the dark limestone concretions which reminded the first fishermen who entered them of rags -zinzuli in the local dialect-that had been hung out to dry. It is known also for its particular underground fauna of tiny crustaceans unique to this cave which scientists believe have existed for over 200,000 years. Otranto is 30 kilometres away. Tourists today come to Otranto for the beauty of the surrounding coast and for the atmosphere its small medieval centre has maintained. The historical quarter, enclosed within the Aragonese walls, is indeed charming, its narrow, stone-flagged streets winding their way between the old whitewashed houses. The town is dominated by the Aragonese Castle and the solemn Romanesque Cathedral, which boasts the largest, most complex and best preserved sacred mosaic in southern Italy. Santa Cesarea Terme. The sodio-iodic and sulphurous thermal waters emitted at between 27° and 30° C from four natural cavities on the cliff over the sea are the main claim to fame of this spa resort which is situated on a particularly beautiful stretch of the coast and is now also a busy summer vacation destination. A walk leading through the Aleppo pinewoods starts in the upper part of the town: from here the view stretches down the southern Salento coast all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca. Leuca: Finibus terrae is the point where the Adriatic and the Ionian meet. The name Leuca derives from the Greek 'leuké' meaning white, and indeed today-as undoubtedly in ancient times-Marina di Leuca appears suddenly as a shimmering white mirage poised between the land and the sea. This pleasant seaside resort is made all the more attractive by the sheer beauty of the sea and the exceptionally mild climate, which means that the bathing season continues well into October.

Directions Plane: Brindisi airport (79 kms from Spongano). Train: Change at Lecce for a local train-Ferrovie Sud Est- to Spongano. Car: Spongano is 44 kms from Lecce. Take the ss.16 towards Maglie/S.M.di Leuca, bypass Maglie and take the ss. 275 towards Leuca until you see signs for Spongano on your left.

Finding Palazzo Bacile Once you arrive in Spongano, go straight on through the main square-piazza Vittoria, after 400 m you reach Piazza Bacile. With the main entrance of the palazzo in front of you, follow the road round to the left then turn right and right again (following the palazzo walls). On your right is the entrance for Tabacchi, Studio Fattore, Casotto Barone - 2, Via Paolo Emilio Stasi. Further on down the same road at number 28b you will find the entrance for Casotto Martino, Casotto Caterina, Casotto Nuovo.