Presicce: Oil Mills, Churches, Palaces, and the “House of Art”

Presicce is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, often chosen as a set for commercials by major brands due to its unique charm. The underground areas of the historic center hide a fascinating labyrinth of hypogeum oil mills—ancient witnesses of a past dedicated to the production of lamp oil,used to light both local homes and major European cities. The Museum of Peasant Civilization, located within the majestic Ducal Palace, preserves valuable traces of the village’s history and traditions. The deep spirituality of the village is reflected in its many churches and convents, such as the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, with the adjoining Carmelite Convent where I exhibited my large paintings in 1991. In the Church of the Madonna degli Angeli, adorned with remarkable frescoes, my oil painting “The Miracle of the Blind Man” is on display. The Church of the Madonna Addolorata is also worth a visit. The Mother Church, dedicated to Saint Andrew, dominates the main square, where the majestic 18thcentury Baroque Column stands, probably designed by the renowned architect Giuseppe Zimbalo. During that period, Zimbalo was residing in Gallipoli, where he was overseeing the construction of the façade of the Cathedral of Saint Agatha. The village’s charm is further enriched by numerous noble palaces that tell stories of centuries of history and architectural splendor. On July 28th, 2024, the “House of Art by Luigi Sergi” opened its doors—a new and captivating cultural and tourist attraction located in the oldest part of the village, between Via Gramsci and Corte Corciuli.