CARPIGNANO SALENTINO situated at 70 metres above sea level in the Southern region of Salento at 10 km from the Adriatic Coast and at 15km from Otranto. The territory also includes the district of Serrano at 1 km.

Even though there are no certain traces of the Messapi of Carpignano settlement but the name derives from the Messapi language "karp" which means "rock" or "settlement on a hill top".

In the Roman Ages the town became important thanks to its location near to the via Traiana-Costantiniana.

Not less important were the Byzantine "Basiliani" monks, that between the IX and the X century, found shelter here and imported the use of the Greek language into the region. Carpignano is part of the Greek Consortium but the population, today, does not speak the "Griko", a dialect with Hellenic origins, like other inhabitants of the nearby provinces.

Evidence of these Ages is the Byzantine Crypt of S. Cristina, dated X century A.D., that features a series of antique frescos.

Not far from the sanctuary rises a "menhir" of the Rural Ages. Not to miss: the Palazzo Ducale and the Mother Church which has a bell tower from where it is possible to admire a wonderful panorama.