The Ancient Portus Veneris
At the center of the protected area of the Regional Natural Park “Costa Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase”, there is the Port Museum of Tricase, the Ecomuseo of Venus , the ancient Portus Veneris.
The Port-Museum is born from the synergy implemented by the Municipality of Tricase , by Magna Grecia Mare Association (organization manager), the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), the University of Salento and the Regional Park “Costa Otranto, S. Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase”, and from the territorial cooperation between Greece and Italy (Interreg 2007-2013).
This is a unique and precious example of a museum made out of a port, its sea, its coastal territory and particularly its people and their traditions and heritage. It is one of the very few models of economic, social and environmental growth applied to a coastal community projected in the Mediterranean, a perfect and concrete example of the concept of durable sustainability.
As a result of that and following the favorable opinion expressed by the Regional Council for Ecomuseums, on the initiative of the Department Tourism, Economy of Culture and Valorisation of the Territory of the Puglia Region, now the Port Museum of Tricase has been formally recognized as “Ecomuseum of regional interest” (Deliberation No. 1182/2017 of the Regional Council, pursuant to Regional Law No. 15/2011).
Points of interest
Events
ACQUOLINA | EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO THE SEAFOOD CUISINE OF SALENTO
The gastronomic itinerary designed by the experts of the Cantiere del Gusto, which helps to learn about the tastiest recipes of the sea and the coast in the culinary art of Salento. It teaches how to transform, in the best way possible, fish and sea products, to discover their interactions with the land, to treat and preserve them, to manage a pantry as if it were the galley of a ship or the “scansia” of a fishermen’s house.
SBARCHI DI GUSTO | ROUTE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE KITCHEN OF A "SEA PORT"
In the Port Museum of Tricase, tradition rhymes with contamination… even in gastronomy. The dishes of traditional Salento cuisine meet those of international cuisine, especially that of the coastal communities of the Mediterranean, in a festival that has the flavors and smells typical of a “sea port”.
BLUE LAND DAY
An engaging “community party”, in a charming location near the sea, to address the issues of respect for the environment and the protection and preservation of biodiversity together with guests of international standing.
MAGNA GRECIA CUP
The deep-sea sailing competition between Italy and Greece is the oldest in Puglia, having celebrated its 32nd edition in 2019.
FERRAGOSTO NIGHT
In the Port Museum of Tricase to wait together for the dawn of the day of Ferragosto between quality music, entertainment and tasting of typical products. The sailing ship Portus Veneris, in the centre of the port, becomes the exceptional stage for the many bands, singers and musicians who take turns on board, waiting for the sunrise.
SANTA TERESA AND SAN NICOLA
These are the traditional patronal feasts that the small community of the Port of Tricase organizes, at the end of May and mid-August, to celebrate its patrons, with exciting processions at sea, suggestive fireworks shows and the folkloristic event “Borgo di Mare” organized in the alleys of the small village to taste the traditional dishes of the community of the Port of Tricase.
SALENTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Event dedicated to international cinema that aims to highlight all the nuances of the art of cinema, presenting premieres of some of the best independent films from around the world.
LIVING NATIVITY SCENE
It is one of the most beautiful and largest crib representations in Europe. It takes place in Tricase in Monte Orco, known as the Bethlehem of Italy. Over 2 km of walk among pajare, old ovens, cottages, towers, inns and bivouacs beautifully set up and animated.
SAN VITO
Solemn occasion in honor of the saint patron of Tricase. The three-day festival is held in August. Evocative and not to be missed is the fire of the castle, fireworks display on Piazza Pisanelli, at the return of the procession through the streets of the town.
TRICASE IS... SPORT... ART...
“Tricase is…” is a series of events organized to promote Tricase and to make the initiatives of its young people grow also by stimulating a greater sensitivity to the environment. The themes dealt with by “Tricase è…” range from sport to art, from culture to the environment, without forgetting solidarity.