Montesardo, a small hamlet of the municipality of Alessano, nestled in one of the most authentic corners of Salento, offers a property of genuine rural charm. The home is located on Via Vicinale Murge 21, directly opposite the historic rural complex known as Il Massarone—a landmark deeply rooted in the identity of the local community and today recognized as an ecomuseum dedicated to the cultural landscapes of the Capo di Leuca. Dating back to the 16th–17th centuries, this ancient settlement was originally a fortified farmhouse with both agricultural and defensive functions; following a meticulous restoration, it has been transformed into an environmental education center and a base for naturalistic and hiking routes.
The presence of the Massarone enriches the entire area, already enhanced by the historical significance of Montesardo, perched on one of the highest hilltops of lower Salento and long considered a crossroads of cultures. The surroundings preserve important traces of the Messapian and medieval eras, such as the nearby rupestrian site of Macurano, where underground oil mills and rock-hewn chambers can still be admired. In just a few minutes you can reach Alessano, one of the most captivating towns in the province of Lecce, known for its well-preserved historic center, noble palaces, and baroque churches, including the elegant Collegiate Church of San Salvatore and the imposing Ducal Palace.
The property for sale consists of a liama, a traditional rural structure typical of the Salento countryside, featuring a barrel-vaulted stone ceiling. The building offers approximately 34 square meters of internal floor area—sufficient to accommodate a living area with kitchenette, a bathroom, and a double bedroom. The original construction has been preserved, with thick stone walls and historical architectural features. The liama is free on three sides, a rare advantage that ensures privacy, excellent natural light, and wide margins for customization. The main entrance opens directly onto the public road, while a secondary, more private access leads through the property’s garden.
The road is fully serviced, with water, sewage, electricity, and natural gas already available, making any future renovation easier and ensuring greater day-to-day comfort. Included in the sale is a plot of approximately 570 square meters, featuring a street frontage of around fifteen meters—ample width to create a vehicular gate and allow comfortable on-site parking.
The garden offers extensive potential: in addition to parking, it could host a landscaped relaxation area, an outdoor dining space shaded by a pergola, or even a small swimming pool or hot tub—ideal for anyone wishing to create a private outdoor oasis to enjoy year-round. The orientation of the liama relative to the land allows for a harmonious integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the connection with the surrounding landscape.
The location is ideal for those seeking the tranquility of the Salento countryside without sacrificing proximity to essential services. Montesardo is a hamlet where time seems to slow down—an authentic village far from mass tourism yet within easy reach of the stunning beaches of the Capo di Leuca, all just a short drive away.
Acquiring this property means embracing a piece of local history and investing in a structure full of potential. The liama is an excellent solution as a private retreat in Salento, a second home for summer stays, or even the foundation for a small-scale hospitality project oriented toward sustainable tourism.
Historical Notes on Montesardo
Montesardo, today a hamlet of Alessano, is one of the oldest and most fascinating settlements in the Salento hinterland. Its name likely derives from Mons Arduus—“steep mountain”—a reference to its strategic location atop one of the highest elevations of the Capo di Leuca. From this privileged vantage point, the landscape stretches across the countryside all the way to the sea, making Montesardo a natural lookout since ancient times.
The origins of the village date back to the Messapian period, as evidenced by archaeological findings and sections of megalithic walls discovered in the surrounding area. Its elevated position also made it an important transit site during Roman times, when ancient routes connected the inland territories to the nearby promontory of Leuca.
During the Middle Ages, Montesardo assumed a significant defensive role: the village was fortified and encircled by walls—now mostly lost but still visible in the layout of the historic center. At the heart of the settlement stood a castle, remodeled several times, around which narrow alleys and stone houses were built.
Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the village experienced architectural and religious development. Many structures that still characterize the town date to this period, including the Church of Sant’Antonio, which features decorative elements typical of Salento’s baroque style. At that time, the surrounding countryside was dotted with masserie, underground oil mills, and rural settlements, testimony to a solid and deeply rooted agricultural economy.
Montesardo has preserved its authentic identity to this day: a small, tranquil village rich in historical traces and surrounded by landscapes that reflect centuries of rural culture and the passage of different civilizations. Its intimate atmosphere and panoramic setting make it one of the most evocative places in the lower Salento
