In the heart of Salento, among olive groves, vineyards and ancient villages, lies a lesser known but – if possible- even more extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Dolmens and Menhirs, in fact, are millenary testimonies of a remote past that has wonderfully come down to the present day. In this article, we will delve into a lesser-known history of the Salento area, so that you can discover the enchantment of relics dating back to Prehistory that you will not find elsewhere.

The mystery of the Dolmens

Dolmens, megalithic monuments dating back to the Bronze and Neolithic ages, represent one of the most important testimonies of human presence in Salento since the earliest times. They are structures consisting of large monoliths arranged vertically, on which another large slab of stone is laid horizontally, in small ways similar to those at Stonehenge in Britain. And it is probably no accident that the term “dolmen” comes from the Breton language and means “stone table.”

Their purpose remains a mystery to this day: some historians speak of burial monuments, but it cannot be ruled out that they were used for other kinds of rituals. We are still talking about mausoleums that date back thousands of years before Christ and are present in Salento in large numbers. From the “Megalithic Garden of Italy” – which houses and protects as many as 7 dolmens – in Giurdignano to the “Li Scusi Cultural Park”- named after the dolmen discovered here in 1979 – in Minervino di Lecce, about 20 dolmens stand out in Salento, all of which can be visited within a half-hour drive from Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli. In particular, we recommend the “Ospina” (or Specchi) dolmen, regarded as one of the best-maintained dolmen structures in the entire Apulia region.

The majestic menhirs

Menhirs are another peculiarity of the Salento landscape. Again, the term is of Breton derivation and means “long stone,” precisely because it treats a long monolithic stone (sometimes up to five meters high) arranged vertically to the ground. Positioned in strategic locations and often associated with funerary or fertility rites, these ancient megaliths were also erected by prehistoric peoples some eight or nine thousand years before Christ with a purpose still shrouded in mystery. Menhirs are found almost everywhere in Salento: it is estimated that there are more than 100 of them and who knows how many others have been pulled down out of ignorance over the past decades. Fortunately, they are now protected historical monuments, among which we recommend you visit the Coppola Menhir in Galatone, the Monteprino Menhir in Tuglie, the Coelimanna Menhir in Supersano, and the Manfio Menhir between Casarano and Ruffano: all about 15-20 minutes from Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli.
Admiring these millennia-old monuments is a unique experience that in Europe is only possible in Salento and parts of Sardinia, Corsica and Scotland. Nothing more than dolmens and menhirs can activate a real time machine, putting you in touch with the deepest and most ancestral roots not only of the Salento territory, but of the whole human race.

Experience the magical atmosphere and mystery surrounding these monuments with a stay at Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli, immersed in lush nature in the heart of Salento, the perfect starting point to explore such prehistoric sites and afterwards relax in comfort and luxury, savoring the authentic flavors of local gastronomy and enjoying moments of total relaxation and well-being.