Calimera, Commune in Province of Lecce, Italy
Calimera is a commune in the Province of Lecce in southern Italy, situated on elevated terrain with rural countryside all around. The town features traditional architecture and maintains strong ties to its close-knit community.
According to tradition, the name came from an encounter between Greek immigrants and an Italian traveler, when locals responded with their morning greeting. This founding story remains central to the town's sense of identity.
The local community speaks Griko, an ancient dialect rooted in Greek influences that remains part of daily life today. This language ties residents to their historical heritage and shapes how people communicate within the town.
The town is best explored on foot since streets are narrow and winding with limited car traffic through the center. The generally level terrain makes walking through the old quarter straightforward and manageable.
An ancient burial stone from Athens, given as a gift in 1960, stands in the local park with an inscription reading 'You are not a stranger here in Calimera'. The stone marks the town's historical bond with Greece.
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