Racale, Italian comune
Racale is a small commune in the province of Lecce in southern Italy, where narrow streets and old stone buildings define its character. The lanes wind past traditional homes and open onto the main square, revealing a place organized around local social gathering points and simple architecture.
Racale was inhabited in ancient times, as evidenced by dolmens scattered in the surrounding fields, and later shaped by Normans, Greeks, and Romans. Medieval rule passed through families like De Tallia, Della Marra, and Tolomei until the Siena family placed it under the bishop of Lecce in 1485.
San Sebastiano serves as the town's patron saint and is honored each year in the first week of June with processions, music, and fireworks that bring the community together. These celebrations reveal how religious traditions shape local identity and remain central to daily life.
Getting around on foot works best for navigating the narrow streets and experiencing the daily pace directly. The area offers small inns, restaurants serving local dishes, and flat cycling and walking trails in the surrounding countryside that suit all ages and fitness levels.
In 1547, Turkish soldiers attempted to invade the town but were successfully repelled by residents who inflicted heavy losses on the attackers. This overlooked chapter of local history reveals the resilience of the community and its determination to defend their home.
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