Amid the sun-kissed olive groves and lush rolling meadows of Italy's boot heel, this delightful little gem of cultural history was founded after King Tancredi d'Altavilla had a vision of the Madonna.
Since then, the Abbey of Santa Maria Cerrate has been standing for almost 800 years. Once a peaceful Greek Orthodox monastery and successful agricultural center, it was ransacked by Turkish pirates in 1711.
After a long period of restoration, it's now open to the public, and this ticket will grant you access to the glorious 13th-century Byzantine frescoes and architecture within.
Take a scenic 10-minute drive outside of Lecce, and transport yourself back in time to a quiet corner of Italian history at the stunning Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate.
This beautiful Apulian Romanesque monastery retains the peaceful sanctity of its glory days, and is a tranquil alternative to other, busier tourist attractions.
Wander the walled vegetable gardens where monks used to spend their days planting and harvesting produce, see glorious Byzantine frescoes emblazoned upon the walls, and take some time for reflection in the tranquil cloister.
It's a little slice of perfection that adds the perfect bite-sized dose of culture to any stay in Southern Italy.
