St. George - Ortelle

As in many other towns in Salento, also in that of Ortelle the feast of the patron saint - St. George-is a festival especially felt by all its inhabitants.

Devotion to the Holy has ancient origins, remembered him as a follower and supporter of the Christians, was beheaded in Palestine in 303 AD St. George has always been remembered as the valiant warrior who killed the dragon, which threatened and terrorized the inhabitants of Silene (Libya), becomes the symbol and emblem of the faith that conquers evil.

The religious celebrations in honor of the Martyr, precisely coincide with the month of April (23) but in August that Ortelle devotes the celebrations themselves.

You go back to the end of 600 to figure out when the community began his veneration of the saint, a reverence that is renewed every year with a solemn procession. Inevitably own this bind information about the statue of the saint, an equestrian sculpture of 700, among the most impressive of Salento.

The statue represents St. George the Martyr act of slaying the dragon, is life-size and is considered among the most beautiful ever represented in the area. Over the years, was subjected to several restorations, but only the last has brought it back to the colors in the original decorations, giving him back the splendor which had slowly opacified also due to some that rather than restoration, were simple rinfrescature . The sculturasi can admire today in the Parish Church, in fact dedicated to its patron saint.

The Basilica dates back to the seventeenth century. Among the first details that impresses visitors the rich portal, carved in 1633. Internally it is composed of three naves and Baroque altars.

Of course, like all other festivals typical Salento, even that of Ortelle is full of musical events, proms / dances and illuminations that make it even more festive atmosphere. Special mention goes to the "Festa della Pirilla" typical product of rural gastronomy, which recalls the ancient traditional flavors. And 'the old bread a time, with a round shape and dunk that was made with the leftovers of the mixture of durum wheat bread baked in the stone oven.

All this as a strong sign of a party that has always reflected the tradition.