Of
likely roman origin, Corigliano d’Otranto remained under Greek –
Byzantine rule from 6th century to the 11th, so much time that it still preserves
those traces in his dialect (“griko”), spoken even today. In this
village of Hellenic – speaking area, survive language and customs traced
back to the Hellenic culture and tradition. From this root, a lot of songs and
melodies are born and this represents another important heritage of this area.
Family life developed in small court-houses: women woven at loom (argalìo),
men had a rest and children played. All these striking places characterize the
atmosphere of the present historic centre.
This model of everyday life goes on evolving and today it expresses itself in
friendliness and spontaneity of personal relationships among citizens and a
warm welcome for-foreign tourists.
