Giurdignano
| Giurdignano | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comune | ||
| Comune di Giurdignano | ||
 | ||
| ||
  Giurdignano | ||
| Coordinates: 40°07′N 18°25′E / 40.117°N 18.417°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Puglia | |
| 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 | 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.