The ancient artisanal traditions of Salento

Image Artisanal Salento / Surviving traditions

Discover the culture, get to know the artists, use your hands, let your heart beat: you are in a magical land.

Duration

4 hours
When

All year long
Tag

Touch, Discover
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The Story

This is a story of ateliers, artists and Apulian history. If you really want to know the traditions of Salento you have to meet incredible people whose lifelong passions have become unique skills. They will amaze you with the perfect combination of the lightness of the gestures of their hands while shaping powerful elements, such as fabric, stone, metals, concrete.

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Lightness is in the skilful movements of the ladies who work for Le Costantine, an ancient textile factory in the town of Casamassella. Since the 19th century, the sounds of several looms have been heard here playing at the same rhythm to create precious embroideries. Now you can touch the threads of the fabric and feel the roughness under your fingers as you weave together yarns and traditions. A little break to have a coffee and a pasticciotto with the workers and you're ready to go further.

Lightness is also in the touch with which Renzo Buttazzo caresses the Lecce stone to create his sinuous sculptures. The famous Apulian artist, known all over the world, will make you feel the incredible power of this sandstone under your hands. You will work with him on a block of stone in his open-air atelier and this will reveal to you that the magical combination of stone, sun and strong passion can create real masterpieces.

Finally, lightness is also in the elegant style of Isabella, architect and goldsmith designer, whose historic home is also a laboratory where creativity meets metals and Apulian art. A movie-like atmosphere runs throughout the house thanks to its spectacular costumes and furnishings and welcomes you to your next crafting adventure: the creation of a jewel made with your hands.

Feel the tenderness of the "cement tiles", a mix of stones, sand, glue and water that you can easily shape and spread inside the spaces of a ring to create your little work of art. And then, take it home with you.

"It's not just experiences: the perfect combination of yarns, stones, sun, water and ancient traditions is the stuff dreams are made of."

“This tour offers the chance to meet incredible people and artists, delve into their ateliers, get to know local culture, materials and traditions, and also put their hands on.”

- Valeria, Travel Designer

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