The Crypt is located on the road that from Ugento leads to Casarano, right at the crossroads to Melissano. Thanks to the City of Ugento, a wonderful conservative restoration has been done returning it to the public in early 2006.
The original entrance to the north was brought to light after the restoration work. Through a portal of the 500 century you get to a staircase leading to the main room at about 3 meters below the stamping outside.
In the compartment room, there are placed two columns surmounted by a Doric capital, the walls are decorated with frescoes like the seventeenth-century depiction of the Crucifixion overlooking the altar, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Annunciation of the Virgin with her head slightly bowed towards the Archangel Gabriel and a half-bust of St. Nicholas.
On the same wall a Pantocrator Christ blessing in a Greek way, on his face clear eastern-greek features. Not to be missed are the two panels depicting Eleousa and Odrigitria, the first identified in the late 12th century, beginning of the 13th, the second at the end of the 13th century.
The ceiling is decorated with stars, shields and bizarre shapes reminding to the Order of the Templars or Teutonic people.
Hours 10:00 to 12:00 / 18:00 to 22:00 until September 30, closed on Mondays
Admission: Free