Giurdignano

Giurdignano
Comune
Comune di Giurdignano

San Paolo standing stone

Coat of arms
Giurdignano

Location of Giurdignano in Italy

Coordinates: 40°07′N 18°25′E / 40.117°N 18.417°E / 40.117; 18.417
Country Italy
Region  Apulia
Province Lecce (LE)
Government
  Mayor Donato Fanciullo
Area
  Total 13 km2 (5 sq mi)
Elevation 78 m (256 ft)
Population (September 2010)
  Total 1,911
  Density 150/km2 (380/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Giurdignanesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 73020
Dialing code 0836
Patron saint St. Roch
Saint day August 17
Website Official website

Giurdignano is a town and comune in the province of Lecce in the Apulia region of south-east Italy.

History

The human presence in the area of Giurdignano dates to as early as the Bronze Age, as testified by the presence of numerous menhirs and dolmens. Later it was conquered by the Romans (archaeological findings include a 2nd-3rd century AD necropolis).

Later it was part of the Byzantine Empire until the Normans conquered it in the 11th century.

Main sights

The territory of Giurdignano is characterized by the greatest presence of menhir and dolmen in Italy, the total exceeding 25.

Other sights include the 18th century Mothern Church, the crypt of San Salvatore (8th-10th centuries, an example of Byzantine rock-carved chapel), the remains of the Abbey of Centoporte, and the 16th century Baronal Palace.



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