Ceglie Messapica
Ceglie Messapica is a municipality with 20.089 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012) in the province of Brindisi in Puglia on the east coast of Italy. It is located 35 km west of the city of Brindisi.
Location and data
Ceglie is situated on a 300 meters high hill. At night you can see by the lights from a distance the high-altitude city already. Ceglie is away from the capital of Puglia, Bari, about 90 km from the provincial capital Brindisi about 40 km. The neighboring municipalities are Francavilla Fontana, Martina Franca ( TA), Ostuni, San Michele Salentino, Villa Castelli. The mayor is since June 14, 2004 Pietro Federico.
History
The story Ceglie Messapicas dates back to the 15th century before Christ. The origin is certainly pre- Hellenic, but new tracks and finds can be dated to an age of up to 4000 years. It is uncertain whether the " Pelasgi " or the " Cretesi " are the founders of the city - they made the old " Kailia " an important military and economic center of the " Messapi " to give people the settled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. After the story Ceglies lived through the Latin and Roman rule, the decline of the Augustinian Empire and the emergence of communities. After the Middle Ages, the culture and the behavior of the " Meridione " ( Southern Italy) has deeply influenced the Renaissance came up with their new political system that protects the aristocracy of his time and an arts and cultural exchange stimulates: between 16 and 18. century " la Chiesa Collegiate ", the church built in the Baroque style of San Domenico with an attached monastery was the " Castello ducale ", which is a landmark and is depicted in the coat of arms, completed ( at today's Town Hall). A few years ago the new city hall was built.
Since the 18th century Ceglie has its city limits gradually expanded, with excavations for creating new buildings that are kept at the Museum at Taranto or in private collections of Italian and international researchers invaluable archaeological finds brought to light. Unfortunately, however, many of the historical remains are lost.
Sport and Culture
In August, the annual international cycling race and Coppa Messapica takes place in the city center. In basketball, the Cegliesi are very well represented by the Club Basket Ceglie. The trailer grouping Ultrasceglie provide at home games for good mood. The local football team currently plays in the " Terza Categoria ".
On 3 June, the feast of San Antonio, on June 26, the feast of Santa Anna, and on 16 August the feast of San Rocco instead.
Economy
The city is currently pursuing a new social and economic identity. The post-industrial era, with the declining production in the chemical industry in Brindisi and Taranto in the iron industry, introduces new ways of employment; still under great difficulties that are typical of the south of Italy. The service sector strives against a larger growth, which could become a new, small industry soon, the textile industry is thriving while the agriculture, especially olive growing, is still the largest source of income. The cultivation of wine plays a big role.
The growing tourism waits for its further development, now mainly operated by individual private companies: Some " masserie " ( Bauhernhöfe ) and " trulli " ( little houses with conical roofs ) in the rural area Ceglies were expanded and re- decorated and offered in land - holidays, which are particularly popular with German, British and northern Italian holidaymakers. The food certainly is flourishing; the city and the surrounding countryside are full of restaurants which valued outside of Puglia and are known.
Attractions
The Specchia Miano ( a tumulus ) has a diameter of 20 and a height of 11 meters, making it one of the largest in Puglia.