Centopietre Patù
1 / 10

Centopietre Patù

4.5
·231 reviews·Patù, Italy

Discover Centopietre Patù, an ancient mausoleum and 10th-century church in Puglia, rich with history and legends of knights and Saracens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Centopietre Patù

Centopietre Patù

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Centopietre Patù, an ancient mausoleum and 10th-century church in Puglia, rich with history and legends of knights and Saracens.

4.5
(231 reviews)

"An ancient monument not many people know of. It's worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Path

Take the scenic path towards San Giovanni di Leuca for beautiful gardens and old farm ruins.

✨ Soak in the History

Appreciate the spiritual simplicity and ancient monument's unique construction.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Church of San Giovanni Battista

The Church of San Giovanni Battista

Patù

A Romanesque-Byzantine church dating back to the 10th century, featuring well-preserved frescoes and a spiritual ambiance.

Instagram+1
The Mausoleum of Geminiano

The Mausoleum of Geminiano

Centopietre, Patù

An ancient monument, originally a tomb for a knight who fought Saracens, built with massive local stones.

Reddit+1
The Stones of Vereto

The Stones of Vereto

Centopietre, Patù

Marvel at the colossal stones, believed to be sourced from the ruins of the ancient city of Vereto, showcasing impressive ancient construction.

InstagramReddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Discover Ancient History

Centopietre Patù is a fascinating historical site, often overlooked. Plan your visit to appreciate its unique Romanesque-Byzantine architecture and learn about its origins as a soldier's tomb and later a church. InstagramReddit

Embrace the Serenity

This ancient monument offers a spiritual and serene experience. Visit during quieter times to fully absorb the peaceful atmosphere and historical significance of the site. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on stones
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

500gr di trippa e centopelle 😍🍋
@gasparino1948
156.4K likes • 6M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Path

Take the scenic path towards San Giovanni di Leuca for beautiful gardens and old farm ruins. Reddit

✨ Soak in the History

Appreciate the spiritual simplicity and ancient monument's unique construction. Reddit

TRIPPERIA 🇮🇹 Como estoy de viaje por Italia aproveché para pasarme por @Gasparino a probar esta costumbre Napolitana 🤤 . Les paso el detalle de todo lo que ven en el video: - Trippa & Centopelle = Mondongo - ⁠Mammella = Ubre - ⁠Piede di maiale = Pata de Cerdo - ⁠Muso Picante = Hocico de Ternero SE ANIMARÍAN A PROBARLO⁉️ . . . #argentina #italia #napoles #trippa #tripperia
@laparradedios
51K likes • 1.4M views
🏺E voi conoscevate questa piccola parte di storia di Patù?🌟 🏺And did you know this small part of Patù's history?🌟 credit: salento in foto #infopointpatu #infopoint #infopoint2024 #weareinpuglia #visitpuglia #storia #patu #centopietre #vereto
infopointpatu
63 likes • 1.3K views

🎶 Enjoy Local Events

Check for local events like 'Note sotto le stelle' held in the Atrio Centopietre. Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

Look for remaining depictions and the peculiar size of the stones. Reddit

Centopietre. Giganti nel Salento? #salento #patù #leuca #centopietre #megaliti #neolitico #storia #messapi #taccoditalia #terradotranto #puglia #sud #suditalia #salentodamare #nononveniteinpuglia #italia #lavacanzanelsalento #salentu_nosciu #italyexplores #cartolinesalentine #weareinpuglia #reportage_puglia #puglia_cartoline #pugliacom #salentista #ig_italia #yespuglia #destinationpuglia #clickfo...
leggen.diario
18 likes • 309 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Path

Take the scenic path towards San Giovanni di Leuca for beautiful gardens and old farm ruins. Reddit

✨ Soak in the History

Appreciate the spiritual simplicity and ancient monument's unique construction. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Local Events

Check for local events like 'Note sotto le stelle' held in the Atrio Centopietre. Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

Look for remaining depictions and the peculiar size of the stones. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(231 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Centopietre Patù for its ancient charm, spiritual simplicity, and historical significance as a knight's tomb and early church. Many appreciate its unique construction with massive stones and the well-preserved frescoes, highlighting it as an often-overlooked gem in the Salento region. Some note that the village itself offers little else, but the historical site is definitely worth the visit.

"A most ancient and original church. It was originally the tomb of a soldier, Geminiano, who played an intelligence role ahead of a successful battle against Saracens. The stones come from the ruins of the old city of Vereto. From here, I recommend that you take the lovely path SC Giovanni di Leuca which takes you through beautiful gardens and ruins of old farms."

Yannick MIGOTTO

"Ancient monument not many people know of. It's worth a visit!"

emilio magris

"Lovely and spiritual simplicity"

Filippo Colangeli

What People Like

Ancient and original church
Spiritual simplicity
Unique stone construction

What People Dislike

Village offers little else

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Centopietre Patù is located in the town of Patù, in the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. From the main church in Patù, it's a short walk to the mausoleum. Reddit

Yes, the site is generally well signposted within the town of Patù, making it relatively easy to locate on foot once you are in the vicinity of the main church. Reddit

Absolutely! Centopietre Patù is a perfect stop for a day trip in the Salento region. You can combine it with visits to nearby towns like Leuca or Alessano. Instagram+1

The town of Patù is small and best explored on foot. For reaching Patù from other Salento towns, a car is recommended, or you can utilize local bus services. Instagram

While direct public transport to Patù might be limited, regional buses connect major Salento towns. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance if you are relying on public transport. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Centopietre Patù is an ancient monument and generally accessible without an entrance fee. It's an open-air historical site. Reddit

As an open-air historical site, Centopietre Patù does not have set opening hours. You can visit it at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility. Instagram

The church is often open for visitors, and typically there is no admission fee. However, it's always a good idea to check locally for any specific visiting times or donation requests. Instagram

While the site itself is accessible, visiting at night might be less safe and you won't be able to appreciate the details of the stones and frescoes. However, special events like 'Note sotto le stelle' are held in the Atrio Centopietre. Instagram

Official guided tours might not be readily available. However, local tourist information points or guides in the Salento region may offer tours that include Centopietre Patù. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the ancient mausoleum built with massive stones, believed to be from Vereto, and the nearby 10th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista with its remaining frescoes. InstagramReddit

A visit to Centopietre Patù typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in history and photography. Reddit

Yes, children can explore the site, but adult supervision is recommended due to the ancient nature of the monument. It's a good educational stop. Reddit

The massive stones of the mausoleum and the interior of the church with its frescoes offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding landscape also provides scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

Facilities might be limited directly at the site. You'll find restrooms and cafes in the town of Patù itself, which is a short walk away. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the texture of the ancient stones. Morning light is also good for capturing details without harsh shadows. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in historical and religious sites before flying. Instagram

This site is ideal for historical, architectural, and landscape photography. Capturing the scale of the stones and the details of the frescoes is highly recommended. Instagram+1

Photography inside the church is usually permitted, but it's respectful to be discreet, especially if there are services or other visitors. Avoid flash photography to protect the frescoes. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the stones, while a prime lens can be good for details of the frescoes. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions inside the church. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Centopietre Patù offers a unique opportunity for families to introduce children to ancient history in a tangible way. The sheer size of the stones in the mausoleum can spark imagination, and the story of the knight fighting Saracens is an engaging tale for younger minds. Reddit

Encourage kids to explore the site and imagine life in ancient times. The nearby Church of San Giovanni Battista provides a quieter, more contemplative experience. Remember to bring water and snacks, as facilities directly at the site are minimal. The walk from Patù's center is short and manageable for most children. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeologists

For those with a deep interest in history and archaeology, Centopietre Patù is a must-visit. The site offers a chance to examine ancient construction techniques and ponder the origins of the massive stones, possibly from the lost city of Vereto. InstagramReddit

Delve into the legends surrounding the knight Geminiano and his role in defending the region. The well-preserved frescoes within the Church of San Giovanni Battista provide further insight into the area's medieval religious art and architecture. Consider researching the Messapi people, who inhabited this region, for a richer understanding. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

Solo travelers will find Centopietre Patù to be a peaceful and reflective destination. The serene atmosphere allows for personal contemplation of history and the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Take your time to wander through the site, absorb the ancient energy, and perhaps follow the recommended path towards San Giovanni di Leuca for a more extended exploration of the area's rural beauty and ruins. It's a perfect spot for quiet photography and personal discovery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Legends of Centopietre

Centopietre Patù is more than just a collection of ancient stones; it's a site steeped in history and legend. Originally, it served as a mausoleum for a knight named Geminiano, who played a crucial role in a successful battle against Saracen invaders. This historical significance is a key draw for visitors interested in the region's past. Reddit

The monument is characterized by its colossal stones, which are believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Vereto. This practice of repurposing materials from older settlements was common in antiquity, adding another layer to the site's historical narrative. The sheer size and placement of these stones are a testament to the engineering capabilities of the time. InstagramReddit

Adjacent to the mausoleum stands the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a Romanesque-Byzantine structure dating back to the 10th century. This church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, holds its own historical importance, with some frescoes still visible, though faded. The combination of the ancient mausoleum and the medieval church creates a unique historical tapestry for visitors to explore. Instagram

Architectural Significance and Preservation

The architectural style of Centopietre Patù is a fascinating blend, reflecting its long history. The mausoleum itself is notable for its construction using large, irregular stones, giving it a raw, ancient feel. The precise origins and purpose of these massive stones are a subject of historical interest, with theories pointing to the nearby ancient city of Vereto. InstagramReddit

The Church of San Giovanni Battista, built centuries later, exhibits Romanesque-Byzantine influences. Its interior, though simple, is remarkably well-preserved for its age. Visitors can still discern remnants of frescoes on the walls, offering a glimpse into the religious art of the period. The church's dedication and its construction date are linked to significant historical events in the region. Instagram

Efforts have been made to preserve this historical site, ensuring that its unique character and historical narrative are maintained for future generations. While it's an open-air monument, its significance is recognized, and it remains a point of interest for those exploring the Salento region's rich heritage. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2