Set on the top of the promontory of Punta Meliso, in the extreme point of the heel of Italy, the Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae is one of the most important and evocative places of Christianity in Salento.

It is a minor basilica located in the hamlet of Santa Maria di Leuca, belonging to the municipality of Castrignano del Capo. Its Latin name (finibus terrae) refers precisely to its location at the southeastern tip of the Italian peninsula. This shrine is emblematic not only as a landmark for the faithful, but also for a number of ancient legends that enrich local folklore.

The history of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca has very ancient origins shrouded in thick mystery, so much so that it has produced so many rumors and legends that are intertwined with historical events. In fact, on the spot where the church is located it seems that in the past there stood a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva.

Archaeologists have never found any certain trace of this temple, but according to tradition the monolithic cippus in the basilica has always been considered what remains of the ancient altar named after Minerva.

The history of the shrine is then linked to the landing of the apostle Peter and the conversion to Christianity of the population, which led to the change of worship of the pagan temple, later dedicated to the Savior. The building in 59 A.D. became an episcopal seat, but a few short years later it was razed to the ground after the edicts of Diocletian and Galerius.

In 343 Pope Julius I decided to consecrate the church again, this time named after St. Mary of the Angel. The cult of the Virgin gradually grew over the years, until on April 13, 365, a strong storm hit the area and the frightened sailors asked for help from Our Lady, who interceded for them, stopping the event.

In later centuries, because of its exposed location, the church was sacked and destroyed several times by Saracens and Turks. However, it was rebuilt each time in the same spot, starting from the original perimeter walls. Several nefarious episodes occurred between 1507 and 1624, and in 1720 the local bishop decided to rebuild the sanctuary in the guise of a two-story fortification. It was then consecrated in 1755, and in 1990, during a visit by Pope John Paul II, the church was raised to minor basilica.

The legends surrounding the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca.

The shrine Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae over the centuries has given rise to a large number of various tales attesting to its uncertain origin. The best known and best known legend is the one concerning the alleged landing of St. Peter's Lower Salento.

In fact, the temple below the church is said to have been converted by St. Peter himself, who arrived in Italy aboard a makeshift boat. The saint is said to have preferred to "put a cross on it," a saying that has entered our daily jargon and is used to give a new identity to the former temple by erasing the past.

On the other hand, in this area of Apulia there is much evidence of the Apostle's passage. Just 200 meters from the sanctuary is the Petrine Cross, a column commemorating the preaching of St. Peter. It is not the original, but a copy of the earlier ruined one.

Other tales, however, concern the goddess Minerva. Not surprisingly, it is said that the Apulian olive trees we originated from this very pagan deity who, in love with the local area, wanted to contend with the god Neptune.

The latter to curry favor with the people would give them a horse. The goddess of wisdom retaliates by offering an olive tree, considered much more useful and suitable for the local way of life. So the inhabitants decide to erect a temple in Minerva's honor, swearing eternal love and loyalty to her.

A further story is instead related to the origin of the town of Santa Maria di Leuca involving a shepherd, his fiancée and a mermaid, Leucasia, jealous of their love. As the two young people stand on the cliffs, the mermaid unleashes a violent storm to kill them. At this point Minerva intervenes to turn them into the two cliffs that envelop the town. As punishment, the goddess decides to turn the mermaid into the town of Leuca. Some then believe that an imaginary line in the water represents the embrace of the two parts of the town, indicating the boundary between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. However, this boundary, which is actually visible in the water, is the result of a particular conformation of the coast.

To top it off, the shrine is also the subject of other rumors and tales such as. place of redemption, where to atone for their sins. This is why it is told how various ghosts inhabit the area, moving among caves, churches and cliffs in search of forgiveness for their sins. The ghosts are accompanied by witches and tormented souls who emit cries and hisses audible at night.